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Only 22% of organizations in PHL are fully ready to deploy AI-powered tech — Cisco

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ONLY 22% of organizations in the Philippines are fully ready to utilize artificial intelligence (AI), but many are eager to increase AI investments in the next five years, according to Cisco Philippines.

The Philippines saw a slight increase from 17% last year, highlighting the challenges Philippine organizations face in adopting and leveraging AI, according to Cisco Philippines, citing its 2024 AI Readiness Index.

According to the study, 98% of Filipino organizations reported increased urgency to deploy AI over the past year.

The AI readiness index is based on six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture.

According to Cisco, 65% of them allocated 10-30% of their information technology (IT) budgets to AI deployment.

Filipino organization’s top AI investment goals are improving efficiency and profitability, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and growing revenue and market share.

Despite significant AI investments in cybersecurity, many organizations said their expectations were not met.

They must adopt a comprehensive approach to ensure AI readiness, said Cisco Philippines Managing Director Zaza Soriano-Nicart.

“This year’s AI Readiness Index reveals that to fully leverage the potential of AI, companies need a modern digital infrastructure capable of meeting evolving power needs and network latency requirements from growing AI workloads. This must be supported with the right visibility to achieve their business objectives.”

The study also revealed that only 22% of organizations have the necessary graphics processing units needed to meet current and future AI demands.

Further, only 45% have the capability to protect data in AI models with end-to-end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response.

As demand for AI increases, nearly half (48%) of organizations plan to earmark more than 40% of their IT budgets to AI investments in the next four to five years.

The Cisco AI Readiness Index was based on a double-blind survey of 3,600 senior business leaders with over 500 employees across 14 markets in the Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China. — B.M.D. Cruz

Apple’s next device is an AI wall tablet for home control, Siri, and video dalls

BW FILE PHOTO

APPLE, Inc., aiming to catch up with rivals in the smart home market, is nearing the launch of a new product category: a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing, and use artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate apps.

The company is gearing up to announce the device as early as March and will position it as a command center for the home, according to people with knowledge of the effort. The product, code-named J490, also will spotlight the new Apple Intelligence AI platform, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is confidential.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is betting that the product can make Apple a force in the smart home segment, where the company has trailed behind Alphabet, Inc. and Amazon.com, Inc. in recent years. He has made the device a priority for the company’s engineering and design departments, and is pushing to get it to market after more than three years of development.

A representative for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment.

The device has a roughly six-inch screen and looks like a square iPad. It’s about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display. There’s also a camera at the top front, a rechargeable built-in battery and internal speakers. Apple plans to offer it in silver and black options.

The product has a touch interface that looks like a blend of the Apple Watch operating system and the iPhone’s recently launched StandBy mode. But the company expects most people to use their voice to interact with the device, relying on the Siri digital assistant and Apple Intelligence. The hardware was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks, which is set to debut in the coming months.

The product will be marketed as a way to control home appliances, chat with Siri, and hold intercom sessions via Apple’s FaceTime software. It will also be loaded with Apple apps, including ones for web browsing, listening to news updates and playing music. Users will be able to access their notes and calendar information, and the device can turn into a slideshow display for their photos.

A first for Apple, the device will compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Echo Hub smart displays, as well as Google’s Nest Hub. It’s also reminiscent of Meta Platforms, Inc.’s Portal, a failed videoconferencing device from the social media giant. Apple is already planning a more expensive follow-up version with a robotic limb that can move the screen around. Apple plans to market that technology as a home companion with an AI personality.

The higher-end product could be priced at as much as $1,000 depending on the components it uses, the people said. The display-only device will be far less than that, approaching the cost of competitors’ products. The Echo Show 8 is priced at $150, while the Echo Hub is $180. The Nest Hub Max costs $230.

Apple has designed different attachments for the device, including ones that affix the screens onto walls like a classic home-security panel. There will be bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk. Apple imagines the FaceTime feature being used while cooking or for videoconferencing during work meetings.

A person familiar with its development said the product is designed to bring Siri and Apple Intelligence to life in a way that hasn’t happened before. Last month, the company rolled out a limited set of Apple Intelligence features for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. More advanced capabilities — like generative AI for images and an integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT — are coming in December.

The screen device, which runs a new operating system code-named Pebble, will include sensors to determine how close a person is. It will then automatically adjust its features depending on the distance. For example, if users are several feet away, it might show the temperature. As they approach, the interface can switch to a panel for adjusting the home thermostat.

The newly designed operating system will also include a customizable home screen where users can run widgets for checking stock tickers, the weather, and appointments. Or they can configure the screen to highlight key home controls. There will also be a dock for quickly launching favorite apps and an iPhone-like home screen grid of software icons.

During development, Apple discussed launching an app store as part of the device, but it recently decided to exclude this feature — at least in the initial version.

The product will tap into Apple’s long-standing smart home framework, HomeKit, which can control third-party thermostats, lights, locks, security cameras, sensors, sprinklers, fans, and other equipment. Apple supports hundreds of accessories with HomeKit and offers iCloud online storage plans for home security footage.

Security will be a particular focus for the new device. It will deliver security alerts and display camera footage, including video from smart doorbells. It also will serve as an intercom system between rooms in homes with multiple Apple displays.

Apple has explored building its own line of smart home accessories, including an indoor security camera that could double as a baby monitor. The idea would be to emphasize privacy controls, one of Apple’s hallmarks. If the smart home display is successful, the company could prioritize plans to bring such accessories to market.

Apple also is working on a system that will let the home device sense how many people are nearby. That approach relies in part on external sensors that could be placed in wall outlets in the vicinity of the device, but those accessories may come later or get canceled altogether.

The product will be a standalone device, meaning it can operate almost entirely on its own. But it will require an iPhone for some tasks, including parts of the initial setup. It will also work with Apple’s Handoff feature, which lets users trigger a function on one device and then continue on their iPhone after walking away.

The project is a collaboration between several Apple teams, including the home hardware engineering group led by executive Matt Costello and the software engineering ecosystems group run by Arun Mathias. Mr. Costello and Mr. Mathias are known as the “executive sponsors” responsible for development of the product. Apple’s industrial and human interface design teams also are heavily involved.

Ultimately, Apple hopes it can sell multiple units of the device to consumers, who will place them around the house and use them several times a day. — Bloomberg

Dining In/Out (11/14/24)

Kenangan Coffee is now in Manila

KENANGAN COFFEE, Indonesia’s beloved coffee brand, is now in Manila, brought into the country by the Fredley Group of Companies (FGC). The first branch opened on Nov. 12 at the North Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia. Kenangan Coffee is renowned for its locally sourced beans and its signature Kenangan Latte, a creamy and smoky drink with a distinct flavor from black aren (palm sugar). The brand is set to expand its presence across the Philippines with plans to open more branches in SM East Ortigas, SM Megamall, SM Bicutan, SM Baguio and SM North EDSA. “We are excited to welcome Kenangan Coffee to the Fredley Group family. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, diverse dining experiences to the Filipino market,” said Avin Ong, founder and chief executive officer of FGC, in a statement. “We believe Kenangan Coffee’s unique flavors will resonate with local coffee lovers, and we’re thrilled to be part of its growth in the country.”

Pancake House enters the holidays with bibingka

PANCAKE HOUSE is bringing back one of its seasonal specials: Bibingka Pancakes. Available for a limited time from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 — or while supplies last — this festive favorite captures the holiday spirit. Pancake House offers a twist on the classic bibingka, a traditional rice cake. Each serving features fluffy golden pancakes with queso de bola and salted egg, and topped with melted butter. They are served with muscovado sugar and freshly grated coconut on the side. At P189, the Bibingka Pancakes are available across all Pancake House branches, through dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery. The price is inclusive of 12% VAT, with an additional 8% service charge for dine-in, and may vary for takeout and delivery orders.

Seattle’s Best Coffee’s new Caramel Pecan collection

FOR THE holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee has crafted four beverages that have a fusion of rich caramel and nutty pecan flavors. These are Iced Caramel Pecan (made with pecan praline syrup, cream and milk, sugar syrup, espresso, and ice cubes), Caramel Pecan Javakula (an ice-blended drink with pecan praline syrup topped with whipped cream), Caramel Pecan Javanilla (coffee ice cream with pecan praline syrup, low-fat milk, chilled water, garnished with whipped cream), and Hot Caramel Pecan (with pecan praline syrup, cream and milk, sugar syrup, and an espresso shot).

New York Steakhouse-inspired menu at Shake Shack

SHAKE SHACK is shaking up the holidays with heavy steakhouse offerings. There is the New York Steakhouse Burger, made with 100% Angus cheeseburger, with white cheddar topped with sautéed mushrooms, fried onions, and horseradish peppercorn mayo. Also offered are New York Steakhouse Fries: crinkle-cut fries topped with horseradish peppercorn mayo, bacon, and scallions. Match that with the Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Shake Shack’s signature chocolate frozen custard hand-spun with frosted mint syrup, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. There’s even some alcohol for a holiday buzz: Shack Red or White Wine, available by the glass or by the bottle, and ShackMeister Ale, available in bottles, tap, or packs of four.

Whisky Library offers Macallan masterclass

THIS NOVEMBER, the Whisky Library will hold an evening celebrating The Macallan. This is a guided tasting called “A Night on Earth in Scotland, A Night on Earth — The Journey, and The Macallan Classic Cut Limited Edition 2023.” Hosted by Macallan brand ambassador Hans Eckstein, the masterclass will provide unique insights into the stories and artistry behind each bottle. Whisky connoisseurs and newcomers alike can join The Macallan Masterclass on Nov. 20, 7-9 p.m., for P4,500 nett per person. Book through: https://tickets.newportworldresorts.com/products/the-macallan-masterclass?group=experiences. For more information on Masterclasses at The Whisky Library from Newport World Resorts, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

OECD: Low-performing Filipino students lag in Math, Reading proficiency

THE PHILIPPINES was among countries with the highest levels of mathematics anxiety among 15-year-old students, according to an international learning assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which flagged growing negative feelings towards the subject from 2012 to 2022. Read the full story.

OECD: Low-performing Filipino students lags in math, reading proficiency

How PSEi member stocks performed — November 13, 2024

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Philippines says it’s obliged to comply if Interpol seeks Duterte arrest on drugs

SCREENSHOT FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FACEBOOK

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government on Wednesday said it would not stand in the way if former President Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and would be obliged to comply if his arrest was sought over his deadly war on drugs.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s office issued the statement hours after the tough-talking leader told a House of Representatives hearing he is not scared of the ICC, telling it to “hurry up” on its investigation of his administration’s alleged crimes against humanity.

It said it would be willing to consider handing Mr. Duterte over if an Interpol request was made.

“The government will feel obliged to consider the red notice as a request to be honored, in which case the domestic law enforcement agencies shall be bound to accord full cooperation,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said in the statement.

This was the first time the Philippine government has suggested it would cooperate with the ICC, which last year cleared the way for an investigation into the bloody campaign that defined Mr. Duterte’s 2016-2022 presidency.

Mr. Duterte when president unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in March 2019 after it opened a preliminary examination of the drug killings. The court has said its prosecutors have jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.

In the statement, Mr. Bersamin said the government would neither object nor block Mr. Duterte if he wished to surrender.

Mr. Duterte remained defiant during the hearing as he defended his illegal drug crackdown, which was a key plank of his election campaign, during which he had promised thousands would be killed.

He had promised to kill 100,000 criminals in his first six months in office and throw their bodies in Manila Bay that the fish there “will grow fat.”

“ICC does not scare me a bit,” he told congressmen. “They can come here anytime. I suppose that you would want to maybe make it easy for them to visit and start the investigation. I would welcome that,” Mr. Duterte said.

“I have nothing to hide. What I did, I did it for my country and for the young people. No excuses. No apologies. If I go to hell, so be it.”

The 79-year old said he was getting impatient, and asked ICC to “hurry up” and “come here and start the investigation tomorrow.” “I’ll go to the ICC myself, they’re taking so long. Hurry up! Because I might get old and die before they could investigate me.”

According to police data, more than 6,200 people died in anti-drug operations under Mr. Duterte, during which police typically said they had killed suspects in self-defense. Human rights groups say as many as 30,000 drug suspects died.

“I assume full responsibility for whatever happened in the actions taken by law enforcement agencies of this country to… stop the serious problem of drugs affecting our people,” Mr. Duterte said.

The ex-President’s remarks on the ICC was a highly political move, said Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at the School of Diplomacy and Governance of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. “It’s surprising but understandable given the circumstances he faces right now. The 2025 midterm election is just around the corner,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Mr. Duterte is falling back on his usual bravado rhetoric. All of this is for him to appear fearless to his remaining support base,” Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches politics at the Ateneo de Manila University, said via Messenger chat. “ It’s the only way he and his family can remain credible to his support base.”

“Mr. Duterte’s change of position on the ICC investigation will definitely be sort of a clarion call for the Philippine government — that public opinion now will revolve on whether the Philippines will once again be part of the Rome Statute,” Mr. Cortez said. — with Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Reuters

US Defense Secretary Austin to visit Manila next week to explore deeper security ties

US DEFENSE SECRETARY Lloyd Austin III — KIN CHEUNG/POOL VIA REUTERS

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

US DEFENSE SECRETARY Lloyd Austin III will meet with his Philippine counterpart in Manila next week to explore deeper security ties and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the US Department of Defense.

“Secretary Austin will make his fourth visit to the Philippines, where he will advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

The US Defense chief will also meet with other officials at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Laos on Nov. 21.

Mr. Austin’s trip seeks to build on “unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security,” the US agency said. He is also set to visit Australia, Laos and Fiji to tackle regional security issues.

“Mr. Austin has a lot on his hands, especially since now that it is clear there will be no Democrat continuity in the White House,” Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “His policies are at high risk of reversal by whoever succeeds him.”

“It is in his interest (as well as the US) to assure the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R.  Marcos, Jr. that their commitments to their defense of the West Philippine Sea will not waver even with the transition to a second Trump administration,” he added.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday told reporters that ties between both countries would not change under a Donald J. Trump presidency.

The US is the Philippines’ major security partner, with a 1951 Mutual Defense treaty compelling both nations to defend each other in case of an armed attack.

Under President Joseph R. Biden, Washington reiterated that the treaty covers any attacks on Philippine vessels, personnel and other assets in the South China Sea and anywhere in the Pacific.

In April, Republican Senator Bill Hagerty and Democrat Senator Tim Kaine pushed a bill that increased US military aid to the Philippines to $500 million from $40 million over five fiscal years through 2029.

“Our national security has always been anchored on the ironclad belief that the US will fulfill the Mutual Defense Treaty, and will continue to be in the foreseeable future,” Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University Policy Center, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Given Trump’s unpredictability and ‘America First’ mindset, maybe the Philippines should be prepared in case the US does not meet its obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Last year, the Philippines gave the US access to four more military bases under their 2015 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. on Tuesday said China is putting greater pressure on the Philippines to cede its sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

China and the Philippines have sparred repeatedly this year over disputed areas of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia’s most contested features.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis, a ruling Beijing rejects.

“These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to modernize our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US Defense department said.

Also on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza told reporters via WhatsApp the agency had summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to deliver the Philippines’ protest over China’s drawing of baselines around Scarborough Shoal on Nov. 10.

“The… baselines infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral award,” she said. “The… baselines have no legal basis and are not binding on the Philippines.”

Usagi intensifies into a typhoon before landfall; port authorities alerted

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USAGI, locally known as Ofel, has intensified into a typhoon, prompting the Philippines’ weather bureau to raise tropical wind signals over Luzon on Wednesday.

In a 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the typhoon was expected to intensify in the next 24 hours before making landfall over the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela.

“Its landfall will trigger a weakening trend, which will continue for the rest of the forecast period,” it said.

PAGASA warned of potential hazards on land and coastal areas outside the typhoon’s landfall point.

It raised tropical wind signal No. 2 over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela and the eastern part of Apayao.

Batanes, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Aurora were under Signal No. 1.

Usagi was last seen 480 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora province, and it was moving west-northwestwards at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Man-Yi was expected to strengthen into a typhoon before entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday (Nov. 14). It will be locally named Pepito.

“Since the tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category while over the Philippine Sea, the possibility of Man-Yi to reach super typhoon category prior to landfall is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.

It added that it was still too early to determine the storm’s specific land fall point, but warned of potential heavy rain, severe winds and storm surge over “most areas in Luzon.”

Man-Yi was last seen 1,965 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, and it was moving west-southwestward at 30 kph. It had maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gust of up to 80 kph.

Meanwhile, the presidential palace said port agencies had been ordered to conduct a pre-disaster risk assessment on port infrastructure, facilities and equipment to “identify vulnerabilities,” the presidential palace said in a statement, citing a memorandum from the Philippine Ports Authority.

They were told to ensure that preventive measures were in place to minimize potential damage and disruptions.

Under a memo issued by the Philippine Ports Authority, ports were ordered to activate emergency response teams, review evacuation plans and enforce safety protocols to safeguard personnel, port users and assets.

“Personnel must be briefed on safety procedures and prepared for any necessary operational changes,” the palace said. — A.H.Halili and K.A.T. Atienza

Bike users climb to over 270,000 

GREENPEACE/JILSON TIU

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

THE NUMBER of cyclists increased to more than 271,000, based on a manual count across 18 areas between June and July 2024, led by Mobility Awards.

The Bilang Siklista 2024 Bicycle Count, released on Wednesday, manually counted 271,555 people on bicycles from June 3 to July 12, across 17 cities and 1 municipality.

This translated to an average potential saving of P348,929 to P727,714 in fuel costs per kilometer, the study noted. The amount of fuel savings also prevented about 25.32 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

In 2023, the bike count recorded 147,800 cyclists in 15 cities. This year, newcomers in the study included Butuan City, Cordova and Danao City.

The 2024 figure also showed an increase of 103.7% in bikers in Metro Manila, linked to the establishment of bicycle lanes; while Metro Cebu saw a 15% rise.

In its 2024 iteration, the study found that only 3% of cyclists in its cities were women, down 1% from 2023.

Mobility Awards Coordinator Arielle Celine L. Tabinga told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the report launch in Quezon City that women have different trip purposes than men. Usually, women use bicycles to run errands while men use them for work.

“Potential contributors include safety concerns, especially in highly urbanized, dense, and car-centric cities with inadequate infrastructure, and prevailing societal norms that may discourage women from riding bicycles as transport,” the study said.

Ms. Tabinga said private firms are important in encouraging cycling and providing safer spaces for cyclists as they provide end-of-trip facilities, such as parking and repair stations.

“Let’s say you have bicycle lanes, but you don’t have end-of-trip facilities. You don’t have bike parking, and there are no shower rooms for cyclists. It’s not going to work,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.

“So, it really needs to be a holistic approach. It’s very important that we also engage the private sector and recognize the significant contributions they make in terms of improving and promoting active transport,” she added.

Now in its fourth year, the Bilang Siklista report urges national and local governments to prioritize infrastructure investment for bicycle lanes and routes, and the implementation of systematic monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of cycling infrastructure investments.

The authors said their manual counting of bikers is not perfect but a “good start.” They also acknowledged some weaknesses, including the number of volunteers.

House adopts Senate natgas bill

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE House of Representatives has adopted on Wednesday the Senate’s version of a measure seeking to develop an indigenous natural gas (natgas) industry amid government efforts to transition toward the wider adoption of renewable energy sources.

Congressmen agreed to a proposal to adopt Senate Bill (SB) No. 2793 during plenary, citing that authors of House Bill (HB) No. 8456 concurred with the version of their senate counterparts.

Senators on Monday approved their version of the natural gas industry development bill, while HB No. 8456 was passed in Aug. 2023.

Under the bill, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is tasked with keeping track of the government’s share of revenue related to the production of indigenous natural gas sold to power plants.

Downstream natural gas industry projects, as certified by the Department of Energy, will also be entitled to a value-added tax exemption on the purchase and sale of indigenous gas attributed to aggregated fuel, as authorized by the ERC. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

DMW to assist possible deportees

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it stands ready to support Filipinos in the United States, including undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), facing potential mass deportation tied to upcoming shifts in US immigration policies under President-elect Donald John Trump.

About 370,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants may be affected by the proposed mass deportation of the returning American president, the agency said on Wednesday.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, in a statement, said a whole-of-government team is in place to support possible deportees, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive.

“We will continuously coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and with the US authorities on monitoring the developments on the ground,” he added. “Rest assured that DMW, along with its partner agencies, is ready to provide support and assistance to our OFWs.”

In coordination with the DFA and through its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the DMW has established financial, medical, and legal support mechanisms, including the AKSYON and Emergency Repatriation Funds. These funds will ensure that returning Filipinos receive immediate assistance.

The AKSYON Fund will provide financial and reintegration support for deportees, while other government agencies will contribute additional resources. The National Reintegration Center for OFWs will assist returnees in job retooling, reskilling, and finding employment, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

During Mr. Trump’s previous administration, 300,000 undocumented immigrants were deported annually, with over 3,500 of them being Filipinos, peaking at 503 in 2018. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senate adds P1.6B to DoJ budget

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THE SENATE has approved an additional budget of P1.6 billion for the Department of Justice (DoJ)’s programs intended to address online sexual abuse of children, cybercrime, and the rental of K9 dogs to sniff out contraband in prisons.

“The funding was augmented for important programs such as the funding of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), online sexual abuse of children, an increase of budget for the board of claims for unjust detention and victims of violent crimes, cybercrime and investigating criminals…” Senator and Finance Commitee Chairperson Mary Grace Natividad S. Poe-Llamanzares told the plenary floor as she sponsored the DoJ’s proposed P42.26-billion budget next year.

She noted this included a P10-million confidential fund for IACAT programs next year, and additional funds would also go to repairs to prisons handled by the Bureau of Corrections.

Nearly one in every 100 children in the Philippines were trafficked to produce child sexual exploitation material in 2022, according to data from the International Justice Mission and the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab.

Justice department Spokesman Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said in April that the government intensified efforts against cases of child pornography and abuses by putting in place policies and operational plans. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

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