MOA on AI weather forecasting system signed; Marcos says PH is AI-ready

 

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Nov 16, 2023 09:32 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Atmo will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using AI technology.

• Marcos says the Philippines is embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

• Marcos acknowledges that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents. 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and California-based tech company Atmo have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish Asia's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather forecasting program in the Philippines.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

This developed as President Marcos witnessed the signing of the MOA between the two parties on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 16 (Manila time).

Atmo, a leading AI meteorology company, will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using artificial intelligence technology. 

This will be Asia's largest AI-driven weather forecasting program, playing a pivotal role in bolstering the Philippines' resilience in the face of climate change.

 

AI and cybersecurity

In his meeting with Silicon Valley investors, President Marcos said that the government is looking at AI technology and increasing capability in terms of knowledge and know-how.

Marcos said the government and private sector are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, pointing out the need for capability improvements. 

"And the part that AI plays in this is also something that we need to be — at least to have put a good deal of thought to," he said.

"As I said, digitalizing our system, we have now to put in together; we need to have data centers, we need to have our own cloud so that we have, again, that capability," he added.

 

AI demands

As the government focused on upskilling and reskilling Filipino workers, President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents.

"We don't have enough engineers. That simple. So we need to get them trained, we need to get them... as part of the system," he said.

"And so again, we have really put a great deal of emphasis on retraining. These are new technologies," he added. 

 

PH is AI-ready

Despite this, President Marcos highlighted that the Philippines is ready to embrace AI as he invited tech companies and venture capitalists to partner with the country in its technological revolution.

"The Philippines is ready to become your partner in navigating the AI future," he said.

"As we look to the horizon, let's 'Make It Happen in the Philippines,' where the promise of a future defined by technological inclusivity and shared growth is not just envisioned but actively realized," he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines is currently embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

"We believe AI can uplift the lives of Filipinos. I'm certain our discussions here today will help the Philippines steer our roadmaps in a direction that maximizes the skills of Filipinos and helps them achieve their aspirations," he added.

 

Bringing AI tech to PH

David Dewalt, CEO of Nightdragon, a leading venture capital firm for cybersecurity, security, safety, and privacy, said his company and the other tech firms present are looking forward to bringing all the technologies that will benefit the Philippines, considering its young and robust workforce.

"The way I would say it is the Filipinos have an unbelievable ability to integrate into the global business systems as we do, maybe unmatched by any workforce on the planet," he said.

"I think using the upskilling and the retraining of those teams to focus on how we will — when we get the productivity benefits to invest in more resources, we can do that even more so in the Philippines with teams that are experts on generative AI," he added.

Ryan McInerney, CEO of Visa, said generative AI will be a leveling force for small businesses. He added generative AI will give microbusinesses, nanobusinesses, and small businesses the tools and capabilities to provide Filipinos with a rich shopping and commerce experience.

The roundtable meeting was co-organized by Dewalt, Bain, and Company CEO Emmanuel Maceda, Crescent Point Group Vice Chairman Thomas Pompidou, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

They were joined by Microsoft Managing Director Michelle Gonzalez, Mandiant (A Google Company) CEO Kevin Mandia, and Group of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Head Chris Emanuel.

Plug and Play Ventures CEO Saeed Amidi, Altimeter CEO Brad Gerstner, HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard) CEO Enrique Lores, Mastercard Co-President Ling Hai, and Anthropic were also present during the roundtable meeting.

LPA to enter PAR, trough to bring rains in 10 areas – Pagasa

The extension of the low-pressure area or LPA located east of northeastern Mindanao is forecast to drench Palawan, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Caraga, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi on Friday, November 17, 2023, says the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

‘Bagay’: Pinoys stunned by Michelle Dee’s emerald green gown, red swimsuit

By

 Catalina Ricci S. Madarang

 -

 November 16, 2023 -

Philippines’ Michelle Dee earned praise for her hair and walk in the swimsuit and evening gown portions of the 72nd Miss Universe competition.

Several Filipinos are tuning in to Michelle’s performance at the preliminary competition of the prestigious pageant. It was held in El Salvador on Thursday (Philippine time).

Michelle donned a stunning red swimsuit and a glittery body-hugging green gown for the swimsuit and evening gown portions, respectively. She also wore a slicked-back hairstyle while strutting these outfits onstage.

Videos of her performance were uploaded on Miss Universe Philippines’ Facebook account. 

The keyword “Michelle Dee” was a hot topic on the local internet on social media following her performances.

Some Filipinos complimented Michelle for her slick back short hair when she donned her swimwear.

They also expressed that the red swimsuit suited the beauty queen’s overall look for this round.

“Michelle Dee breaking boundaries with that slicked-back short hair…PLUS THE RED SWIMSUIT! Oh, she knows what she’s doing,” an X user said.

“Bagay na bagay sa kanya ang red swimsuit,” an X user commented.

“Grabe ka, Michelle Dee. Iba ang pagka short hair mo gandaaaa,” another X user said.

Michelle’s evening outfit, meanwhile, was designed by renowned local designer Mark Bumgarner.

Some Filipinos expressed how much they loved it.

“The emerald green is definitely a standout color,” a Filipino said on X.

“Sabi na green e, just like her mom’s gown color when she won MI. Looking forward to the wavy hairstyle during finals. It really suits her,” another X user reacted.

Other X users, however, felt it was “underwhelming.”

“Medyo underwhelming tignan yung gown niya on the stage. Hindi siya nag standout for me pero okay yung design ng gown. It’s just not a standout for me. Pero laban pa rin MMD!!! I know you will bring your A-Game sa Finals Night!” an X user said.

Some viewers focused on her pasarela or pageant walk, saying it has “improved” since her viral snake walk at the MUP early this year.

While she no longer did the snake-like pattern in her walk, Michelle still made her signature “snake” pose with a fierce look on camera.

“Malinis ung performance. Nag improve yung snake walk, di na pilit like nung MUPH. Good job, MMD!” an X user reacted.

“THAT WALK! THAT POSE! OMG! MICHELLE DEE! I LOVE IT!” another X user said.

“Just MMD and her iconic ‘snake walk.’ Nakakakilabot, makamandag, at nanunuklaw sa sobrang ganda!” another X account said.

Michelle is up against over 80 candidates vying for the elusive Miss Universe crown.

The national costume show, which is the next part of the competition, will be held on Friday, November 17.

New label Viral Records wants to create 'safe space' for musicians

By Christina Alpad

The Philippines is never short on musical talents resulting to a rich landscape teeming with local music producers. But one new player, Viral Records, is stepping forward in the hopes of providing opportunities for Filipino talents without compromising their authenticity.

In a grand media conference where Viral Records introduced itself and its seven new talents, Patsy Ferrer explained that the label she co-founded with Cons de Guzman and Raven Bobilar aims to provide a sanctuary for artists.

"Our belief is that musicians and creators thrive when supported because there's an abundance of exceptional talent within our community," Ferrer said passionately.

"Our mission at Viral Records is simple: prioritize their creative desires. We're dedicated to upholding their artistic freedom and uniqueness; conformity isn't in our vocabulary. Our goal is to foster an environment where they feel free to express themselves freely," the executive added.

Nearly half of new HIV cases in PH are teens

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa (Photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

By: Kathleen de Villa - Reporter / @kdevillaINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer 

MANILA, Philippines — The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the country has nearly doubled this year, with almost half of them involving teens, which could be attributed to a new strain of the virus, according to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

Citing the latest figures, Herbosa said on Tuesday that HIV infections grew to about 50 new cases per day, from last year’s average daily count of 22.

Younger people aged 15 to 24 are the most affected at 47 percent, he added.

“There’s a new subvariant that’s quite more infectious and this is the reason we’re finding this increase in cases,” he told reporters, citing infectious diseases specialist Dr. Edsel Salvana. “It’s been happening even before. We’re just detecting it [now] because we’re concentrated so much on COVID,” he said.

In 2022, a group of researchers led by Chris Wymant found that a new HIV variant called subtype B could cause a more severe infection and individuals hit by this strain may have “an average viral load about four times higher than usual,” according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Herbosa said on Monday that he had a meeting with Vice President Sara Duterte, who also heads the Department of Education, and that one of the topics they discussed was the rapidly growing number of HIV cases, specifically on the “interventions” to take in terms of health literacy.

“We forged a stronger collaboration [and] convergence between … on the efforts we will put for adolescent health,” he said.

He added other health issues they tackled were teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, mental health, and nutrition.

The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world dating back to 1984, UNAIDS said.

In 2017, the DOH declared the epidemic a national emergency because of the rapid rise of infections.

PAL, Singapore Airlines offer more flight options via codeshare deal

BY KHRISCIELLE YALAO

Nov 16, 2023 10:19 AM

  

---

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have recently signed a new codeshare partnership agreement to accommodate more flight options for passengers traveling to and from the Philippines and Singapore, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Through the codesharing agreement, PAL and SIA will be able to offer a wider range of flights between Manila and Singapore, allowing the partner airlines to market and sell tickets to other domestic and international destinations.

Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong (left) and Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Captain Stanley K. Ng (right) at the signing of the new codeshare partnership agreement. Photo: Singapore Airlines

The codeshare agreement will commence on SIA and PAL flights between Singapore and Manila, once undergone regulatory approvals.

PAL will codeshare on SIA's flights to Europe, mainly Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Rome, and Zurich. The European codeshare sectors will gradually be made available in PAL and SIA's sales channels, online websites, and travel agents.

"The partnership is the product of a strengthened relationship with our fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) mainline carrier, Singapore Airlines, and an enduring commitment to expanding our presence in Singapore, a top PAL destination that we have been serving for 58 years and counting.  We also look forward to offering increased connectivity to several cities across Europe, home to many overseas Filipinos and to a growing number of tourist and business travellers whom we invite to discover the wonders of the Philippines," said Captain Stanley K. Ng, PAL president and CEO.

Meanwhile, SIA will codeshare on PAL's flights to 27 places in the Philippines including Bacolod, Basco, Busuanga, Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Antique), Siargao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga.

“This agreement enables Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines to work more closely together, and find ways to offer our customers enhanced travel connections between Singapore and the Philippines. This will support the growing demand for both business and leisure travel between the Philippines and Singapore, and beyond that to our key markets around the world," said SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong.

SIA flights to other destinations in Europe, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, are also on the table for the future expansion of the codeshare agreement.

LPA and shear line interaction to bring heavy rainfall in the southern half of the Philippines

What do Germans normally eat?

 

Volker Eichener

Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf

Studied Political Science & Sociology at Ruhr University BochumGraduated 1999

Let’s answer this question in a scientific way by empirical data.

Here is the ranking of the most popular dishes in canteens (which are in fact eaten) - which is probably the best answer to the question what Germans normally eat, not on special occasions:

1. Schnitzel with french fries.
2. All kinds of pasta (spaghetti bolognese is most popular).
3. Pizza.
4. Grilled steaks.
5. Potatoe dishes (potatoe salad, casserole…).
6. Hamburger.
7. Currywurst and Bratwurst.
8. Chicken.
9. Stews (thick soups with lentils, peas, barley, beans, potatoes…).
10. Fresh fish.

Source: Compass Group Deutschland

Suprised?

If you ask the Germans about their favourite food you get this ranking:

1. Beef roulade.
2. Spaghetti Bolognese.
3. Sauerbraten.
4. Crusty pork roast.
5. Steaks and Barbecue.
6. Cabbage roulade.
7. Königsberger Klopse (veal meatballs in creamy sauce).
8. Pizza.
9. Schnitzel with creamy mushrooms.
10. Gulasch.

Source: various polls

Surprised again?

Lessons learned: Germans prefer beef over pork (however, beef is pricier). And sausages are considered a snack, not a proper meal. So the real Germans eat different things than the tourists do when in Germany. But why should you travel to Germany in order to eat a pizza?

House bill makes 'half-rice' a menu mainstay in restos

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 15, 2023 01:08 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• A bill mandating food establishments to make half-cup rice servings an option in their respective menus is being pushed in the House of Representatives. 

(Unsplash)

 

A bill mandating food establishments to make half-cup rice servings an option in their respective menus is being pushed in the House of Representatives. 

House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Janette Garin filed House Bill (HB) No.9536, also known as "Rice Waste Reduction Act of 2023". 

The bill seeks to mandate restaurants, eateries, canteens, and other eating establishments that serve cooked rice to allow the serving of a half-cup of rice. 

In the explanatory note of HB No. 9536, Garin said she “envisions a future where individuals are more conscious of their food choices, establishments prioritize responsible serving practices, and society as a whole benefits from a more sustainable and balanced approach to food consumption”. 

The Garin measure intends to minimize food wastage, promote balanced and sustainable eating habits, and ensure healthier meal portions. 

Any establishment that will violate this proposed Act will be fined P10,000 for the first offense; P20,000 for the second offense; and P30,000 for the third offense. 

The Iloilo 1st district solon is calling on her colleagues in the House to support the legislation. 

"I hope my fellow lawmakers will back this legislation. Marami ang nasasyang na kanin na dapat mas marami ang pwedeng makinabang. Panahon na para maipatupad ito at mabawasan ang rice wastage," she said. 

(There are so many wasted rice that others should have benefited from. It is time to implement this and reduce rice wastage.) 

Citing data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the country has accumulated a total amount of P7.2 billion worth of rice wastage.  

Rice is the Filipino staple food. 

PhilRice further stated that 46 cities have implemented half-cup rice serving option. These include Quezon City, Manila, Davao, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Baguio, and Iloilo. 

"It is high time to implement this measure nationwide as it can play a pivotal role in addressing the country's rice self-sufficiency goals," Garin said. --Dexter Barro II

Protect the environment at all costs

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 15, 2023 04:03 AM

  

---

Environmental protection is of paramount concern to the government.

Apart from various laws and policies on the protection of the environment, the Supreme Court issued a continuing mandamus on Dec. 18, 2008, directing key government agencies “to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay, and restore and maintain its waters to SB level (Class B sea waters per Water Classification Tables under DENR Administrative Order No. 34 [1990]) to make them fit for swimming, skin-diving, and other forms of contact recreation” to deter unabated abuse of the popular body of water that play a key role in our ecosystem. 

Now comes the Green Justice Zone, the first of its kind launched in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Nov. 10, 2023. It is aimed at having a strong collaboration between the national government and the local government units for the efficient and effective delivery of justice in environmental protection and natural resource management.

“Establishing a Green Zone is the Justice Sector’s concrete contribution toward affording our people their constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. In our Puerto Princesa Green Zone, the justice sector actors will deliver responsive and real-time justice services to our constituents,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo stressed in his message during the launch on Nov. 10, 2023.

The Green Justice Zone in Puerto Princesa is the country’s 12th Justice Zone. Eleven other Justice Zones have been established in the cities of Quezon, Cebu, Davao, Angeles, Bacolod, Naga, Calamba, Balanga, Baguio, Zamboanga, and Tagaytay.

We look forward to the establishment of more Justice Zones around the country, particularly Green Justice Zones, considering the importance of protecting the environment.
The Justice Zone is an initiative of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) aimed at shortening legal proceedings by up to 50 percent. It is anchored on its objective of having a swift and fair administration of the criminal justice system. It was established to strengthen the coordination and communication among the principal agencies of the JSCC by serving as a venue and a mechanism for communication, principled cooperation, and studied coordination with great deference to institutional independence. 

The establishment of a Green Justice Zone is timely as the country grapples with the impact of climate change that is affecting the whole world, further aggravated by mismanagement of natural resources, mankind’s abuses, and commercialism—activities that put too much emphasis on profit without regard for its adverse effects on the community.

If the objective of the Justice Zone, in particular the Green Justice Zone, is implemented to the letter, we are certain to have a safe environment.

In the case of Manila Bay reclamation projects, which have been ordered suspended by President Marcos, the Green Justice Zone will certainly help expedite the review of these projects to determine its sustainability and impact on the environment and the affected communities.

As of now, the cumulative impact assessment being conducted on the Manila Bay reclamation projects is still ongoing and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said last month that it would “take some time” before it could be completed.

But with the creation of the Green Justice Zone, we hope that this will help expedite the cumulative impact assessment, not only on the Manila Bay reclamation projects but on other environment-related endeavors, as well, to ensure we have a sound and sustainable environment.

Let’s protect the environment at all costs.