MCCI biz summit highlights tech, AI for enterprise productivity

CEBU CITY – The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) explored using technology particularly artificial intelligence to improve enterprise productivity as the topic of interest during the Mandaue Business Summit 2024 on August 14 at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu as part of the Mandaue Business Month (MBM), an annual event of the Chamber in August with the speakers highlighting digital technology under this year’s theme, "Future Unleashed: Seize the Chance."

“The summit is an ideal venue where businesses can learn transformative strategies, network with peers, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs.  Our presence here is our way of seizing chances to unlock a brighter future for our businesses and MCCI urges everyone to seize the learning opportunities at this summit and gain insights into innovating your business,” MCCI President Mark Anthony Ynoc said in his welcome address.

MBM 2024 Chairman Walter Ong, in his opening message said that artificial intelligence has significant impacts in doing business because this is an era where artificial intelligence is at the tips of the fingers and could help automate processes.

In the manufacturing industry alone, there are new technologies integrated into current systems, smart manufacturers, smart factories being built, and connecting machines and optimizing production processes through data analysis, Ong said.

Insights from the summit speakers

Distinguished speakers at the Mandaue Business Summit 2024, Dr. David Hardoon, chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation and Justin James, co-founder of Agencio and expert in LLMs and AI Solutions highlighted technology, artificial intelligence and digitalization are already part and integrated into the current business systems and processes.

Dr. Hardoon discussed the topic, “The Future of Enterprise Productivity--Empowering Business with AI Today.” He urged businesses to consider artificial intelligence (AI) and data technologies as opportunities, not threats. 

Hardoon inspired the business sector to always seize the bigger picture and the opportunities Artificial Intelligence (AI) can offer in making businesses efficient, boost revenue, lower costs, uncover new and previously unrealized opportunities.

“AI is all about data and all the possibilities that come with it for a better future because Technology is Here!” Hardoon added.

Jobs are not disappearing because of AI, instead the specific tasks in jobs are changing, Dr. Hardoon pointed out and encouraged businesses to seize opportunities created by new technologies, specifically AI and data-driven economies.

Aside from creating new job opportunities, he stressed that AI and data technologies are essential for future growth.  Businesses adopting these changes can focus on increasing revenue, saving money, and creating new possibilities.

Hardoon cited the rapid pace of technological advancement and urged businesses to recognize and leverage the potential of AI for personalized marketing and other applications. The challenge is in determining how technology can effectively achieve specific goals, highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement, urging the audience to recognize and leverage the potential of AI for personalized marketing and other applications.

Meanwhile, Justin James, co-founder of Agencio and expert in LLMs and AI Solutions, tackled the topic “Navigating the Fast Pace of Changes: Embracing E-Commerce Opportunities with Enhanced AI.

“Tools enable us to build scalable solutions. All of these technologies are powered by data. Make sure to collect data and use it effectively to give insights of your business. These tools are about bringing competitive edge.  We can embrace these technologies to give businesses advantages,” James said.

He cited future trends such as AI-designed custom products, hyper-personalized virtual storefronts, emotion-based product recommendations, AI-generated virtual influencers and predictive returns management.

James said that the next AI generation is inevitable.  Those who embrace it will gain advantages, at your expense if you remain inactive.  Al systems that will be released later this year would be around $1 billion to train.  

AI tools are designed to scale with the growth of the business, whether a company is a startup or an established enterprise, adopting tools and features can be used to meet evolving needs, ensuring continued success in the competitive e-commerce market.

“It’s all seizing AI, seizing all the opportunities for everyone not to fear tech but to understand what it can do to you,” James added. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

DTI7, export industry partners conduct 1st PEDP info session in Cebu

CEBU CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Export Marketing Bureau and DTI-Central Visayas, in collaboration with Export Development Council (EDC) and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) conducted the first series of a nationwide info sessions on the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP-2023-2028) on August 20 in Cebu City.

"The PEDP is not just a plan, it is a strategic framework designed to guide us through the evolving dynamics of international trade. This plan outlines our commitment to enhancing our export capacities, diversifying our export base and ensuring that our products and services reach new heights of excellence and market reach," DTI7 Industry Development Chief Ma. Theresa Sederiosa said, in her welcome message during the event.

The inaugural info session brought together key stakeholders, including exporters, would-be exporters, industry leaders, and government offices to discuss the PEDP's goals and the various government programs and services designed to support and guide the export sector amid the evolving global trade landscape.

According to DTI7 that all concerned agencies under the export industry sector are mandated to align their respective programs, activities and projects (PAPs) to the PEDP framework with the EDC having conducted various workshops to ensure that sectoral targets are met and specific needs of the export community are comprehensively addressed.

Highlights of the info session, PAPs presentations 

One of the highlights of the session was the presentation of the PHX Source platform, an innovative digital marketplace supported by DTI designed to connect Philippine exporters with international buyers.

The platform offers a streamlined process for product sourcing and provides exporters with enhanced visibility in the global market, underscoring DTI’s dedication to leveraging technology to support the growth and global reach of Philippine exports.

During the session, programs and services of EMB, Regional Operations Group (ROG) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) were comprehensively presented which aimed to equip exporters with the tools needed to thrive in the global market with support from the department.

Government agencies like the Department of Agriculture - Food Development Center (DA-FDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) also presented their respective PAPs.

The participation of various stakeholders highlighted the collaborative effort to support the export sector through a whole-of-government approach with these agencies' presentations of their programs and services.

Other upcoming PEDP info sessions

The Cebu info session is the first of other several planned sessions across the country as DTI with the EDC and PHILEXPORT continues to engage with local stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of the PEDP reach exporters nationwide.

Upcoming info sessions are scheduled for Davao on Sept. 18; Cagayan de Oro on Oct. 2 and General Santos City on October 4, 2024.  This initiative is supported through DTI-EMB’s Usapang Exports, a series of information sessions under its Philippine Export Competitiveness Program (PECP).

These sessions also served as a platform to gather insights from exporters through one-on-one consultations and the Needs Assessment Survey, ensuring that the PEDP aligns with the current challenges and needs of the export community.   (Photos: DTI R7 Media Room/DTI7-FB)

 

 

STAFFVIRTUAL calls all runners to join its “Run for a Cause” on September 14

CEBU CITY – STAFFVIRTUAL, an American-owned and managed outsourcing company celebrates its 15^th anniversary with a special “Run for a Cause” event on September 14 at the Cebu Business Park with four categories—3K, 5K, 10K with registration fees at P600 for 3K, P800 for 5K, P900 for 10K and P1,000 for 15K.

Deadline for registration will be on September 8, 2024. To register, visit the StaffVirtual Anniversary Run website: https://cocorunning.myruntime.com/register/sv-15th-anniversary-run?fbclid=IwY2xjawE3Z9NleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVtjpRSb-F0GkT4DsXHa552k7RdbCdVr7jsUYKK7DuWtYZDqKZWV50gISA_aem_GTla3riCy7NkDjfXtAwhYQ.

“The run aims to promote health, wellness, and camaraderie among participants while its proceeds will support a scholarship program.  We’re incredibly proud to have reached our 15th year, especially after navigating the challenges of the pandemic. Many companies struggled during that time, but we not only survived—we thrived,” StaffVirtual chief operating officer Fiona Lideza told media in a press conference, August 24 at Golden Prince Hotel & Suites.

This resilience is a testament to the team's hard work and the strong values that guide VIRTUALSTAFF, Lideza explained that the company believes in the strong connection between health, happiness, and productivity.

"We focus on promoting health and wellness in our organization because we know that a healthy mind and body are crucial for success. We want our employees to thrive, not just survive, in their careers," Ms. Lideza added.

All proceeds from the run will be dedicated to supporting the education of underprivileged children. Selected senior high school students will receive a laptop and a one-year scholarship from StaffVirtual.

The top three finishers for both Male and Female in each category will receive cash prizes: P10,000 for 1st place, P6,000 for 2nd place and P3,000 for 3rd place in the 15K category; P7,000, P4,000 and P2,500 for the 10K race; P5,000, P3,000, and P1,500 for the 5K run; and, P3,000, P2,000, and P1,000 for the 3K category.

There will also be a raffle for the run participants. At stake are several prizes including round trip tickets to Bali, Thailand, Hong Kong and a Trip to Boracay for two and a Staycation for two at the Kandaya Resort. There will also be 10 winners for gift packs and vouchers from HIIT Play Active Wear and three winners for P1,000 cash voucher from Skin 911 Medical.

StaffVirtual invites everyone to participate in this special event, whether as a runner or as a supporter, and to join them in making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. This anniversary celebration is not just about marking 15 years of success but also about giving back to the community and fostering a spirit of unity and care.(Photos: MBCNewman)

 

SU names 2 faculty members for 2024-2025 United Board Fellows Program

DUMAGUETE CITY -- Silliman University (SU) announced that two of its faculty members, Dr. Wilma Tejero-Libarios and Dr. Alana Leilani Narciso, had been selected to participate in the prestigious 2024-2025 United Board Fellows Program.

This program was established to cultivate leadership among mid-career faculty and administrators across Asia, aims to bolster whole person education and fortify academic institutions globally.

The United Board Fellows Program, scheduled to commence in July 2024, offers a transformative experience through its comprehensive leadership development curriculum. This year, participants undergo rigorous training, including a week-long summer institute at Singapore Management University on July 22-26, 2024; a one-to-four-month placement or a two-week study trip in Asia to occur between August 2024-June 2025 and a concluding seminar in a major Asian city in summer 2025.

Since its inception in 2002, the program has nurtured over 320 fellows from 80 institutions across Asia, fostering a cadre of leaders dedicated to advancing educational excellence and institutional resilience.

A total of 25 fellows from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, South Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan form this year’s cohort. Tejero-Libarios and Narciso's selection underscores SU's commitment to nurturing leadership and academic excellence.

(Meet the 2024-2025 United Board Fellows)

Their participation in the United Board Fellows Program not only enhances their professional growth but also enriches the university's global perspective and leadership capacity in higher education.

Tejero-Libarios, the dean of SU's College of Business Administration, joins the cohort with expertise in economics, having earned her PhD from Hannam University, South Korea. Her research spans environmental economics, macroeconomics, and health, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and leadership in academia.

Narciso brings a wealth of academic and leadership experience to the fellowship. Holding a PhD in English Literary Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, she currently serves as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at SU.

With a robust background in literary pedagogy and creative nonfiction, she has chaired the Department of English and Literature and played pivotal roles in the SU National Writers' Workshop and academic journals.

SU is a partner institution of the United Board, a New York-based nonprofit organization with an office in Hong Kong that supports institutions in Asia through its programs and grants to improve the quality of higher education. (Photos: SU/Google Images)

 

 

MCIA adopts solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, offset fuel costs

LAPULAPU CITY – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is now using aircraft on the ground power solutions such as the Fixed Power Unit (FPU) and Pre-conditioned Air (PCA) services to reduce carbon emissions and offset fuel costs while upon boarding and arrival of passengers.

“International airports like Hong Kong, Zurich, Dublin and Munich have adopted these innovative solutions to minimize their ecological footprint, and MCIA is thrilled to join these airports and hopeful about its impact in the global sustainability movement,” Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Athanasios Titonis said. 

Titonis explained that Fixed Power Unit (FPU) is an eco-friendly ground power system that enables aircrafts to connect directly to a stationary, electricity-powered energy source while on the airfield.   Pre-conditioned Air (PCA) on the other hand, is an external device used for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying that delivers fresh, preconditioned air to the aircraft and jet bridges between flights.

MCIA general manager, Julius Neri, Jr. said that being the second largest airport in the country, carbon footprint management and good air quality maintenance for both passengers and workers at the airport must be ensured.  “This is why we highly encourage airlines to use FPU and PCA units,” Neri added.

According to Aldwin Uy, MCIA deputy chief operations officer that traditionally, aircraft rely on mobile ground power units—small, diesel-powered engines that are noisy, emit fumes, and occupy valuable space on parking stands.  Transitioning from diesel-powered units to FPU offers substantial operational and environmental advantages for airport users and the local community.

Sustainability commitment of MCIA

MCIA is the pioneer airport in the Philippines to use FPU and PCA units and is dedicated to reduce its overall ecological footprint and ensuring a safe, efficient working environment.  The airport began its sustainability initiatives in 2020 with the initiation of FPU and PCA services through Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME).

Despite pandemic-related delays, MCIA obtained in-principle approval from airline partners in  the fourth quarter of 2019, and is now moving forward with implementation. It will install FEGP and PCA units under the Passenger Boarding Bridge to ensure easy access for aircraft.

This shift is expected to reduce fluctuating fuel costs, APU maintenance costs, CO2 and NOx emissions, airport noise levels, and improve operational safety. According to Titonis, airlines could potentially see a cost reduction of 40-60 percent by transitioning to BME services at MCIA.

“With the multiple benefits of BME services, we are confident in the support of our airline partners to implement these sustainable solutions at MCIA. Together, we can reduce our environmental impact and pave the way for a greener future in aviation,” Titonis added.

MCIA is the second-largest airport in the Philippines serving over 11M foreign and local passengers yearly. It is operated by a Filipino-led private consortium between Aboitiz InfraCapital, GMR Group of India, and Megawide Construction Corporation under a concession agreement with the Philippine Government. (Photos: MCIA/Aboitiz InfraCapital/Google Images)

 

Converge subscriber base now reaching 2.35M, net income of P5.3B in 2024

 CEBU CITY – Subscriber base of Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (Converge) now reaching 2.35M as of end of June 2024 with its net income surges 24 percent year on year to P5.3 billion while revenues grow 12.4 percent to P19.5 billion in the first half of 2024.

“Our industry-leading performance in the first half of the year is a promising sign that 2024 will be another banner year for us.  We see the demand for fiber broadband to remain unhampered, allowing us to continue reaching more and more Filipinos across different income levels with our flagship FiberX, low-cost postpaid BIDA Fiber, and prepaid Surf2Sawa offerings,” Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy said

Uy bared that as of end-June 2024, the consolidated subscriber base of Converge reached 2.35 million, a growth of 19.4 percent from 1.97 million as of the same month last year.   Net additional residential subscribers of Converge more than doubled to 223,751 during the six-month period, a 142 percent jump from 92,302 during the same period last year.

On the other hand, enterprise revenues increased by 16.0 percent year on year to reach P2.9 billion during the six-month period, following the rollout of products targeting the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector and the expansion of regional enterprise sales.

 “With our recent commercial arrangement with Sky Cable Corp., we see these numbers as just the starting point. We expect the collaboration to bear fruit in terms of revenue growth, as we are bound to see increased port utilization and further monetize our network,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy noted.

Converge remains to be the Fastest Internet Service Provider in the Philippines in 2024, as Ookla’s latest, independent survey among ISPs in the Philippines show a speed score of 147.77 - the best in the industry.

This is the second year running that Converge has bested its competitors in speed and digital experience. Last month, Converge also joined hands with Nasdaq-listed firm Ribbon Communications Inc. to expand its fiber network capacity from its existing 800 Gigabits per second (Gbps) to 1.2 Terabit per second (Tbps) per channel.

Solidifying its reputation as a first-mover in innovative technology, Converge also inked a cooperation agreement with global tech leader Super Micro Computer Inc., the US-based total IT solutions provider for artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, to pioneer AI-powered, green data centers in the Philippines.

“While we keep a firm handle on our fiber broadband products, we are by no means limiting our technology solutions to these. With the guidance of the Founders, we will continue to expand our business to encompass Filipinos’ digital needs,” Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus Romero concluded. (Photos: Converge FB/Google Images)

Cebu-based startup redefines presentation delivery via Prezenter app

CEBU CITY – A Cebu-based startup launched a tech product called “Prezenter” the next-generation smart TV application that redefines and transforms the way presentations and content management are handled across industries.

In a product launch event dubbed as Prezenter Deliver 2024 on August 17 at the enspace Cebu Garden & Sky Lounge, Latitude Corporate Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City, Kennette Canales, founder and CEO of Prezenter guided his audience as he navigated to demonstrate the smart, innovative features of Prezenter and showcases its potential across various industry sectors.

“Prezenter aims to simplify the presentation process and offer cutting-edge solutions for event management, digital signage, and smart hospitality. With a focus on user-friendly design and AI-driven automation, Prezenter is the perfect tool for businesses, educators, and event organizers looking to streamline their presentation setups and engage audiences more effectively,” Canales pitching the product.

He described Prezenter as a cutting-edge smart TV application designed to revolutionize the way presentations are delivered that allows users like teachers, students, businesses to wirelessly stream their presentations directly to smart TVs, projectors, and LED walls, eliminating the need for laptops, cables, or adapters.

Canales went on that with an easy-to-use interface, Prezenter ensures setup in less than 10 seconds and it supports a wide range of formats, including Google Slides, PowerPoint, PDFs, images, and videos and it is now available for free on any Android or Google TV and Samsung Smart TV.

In addition to traditional presentation tools, Prezenter offers advanced digital signage solutions and smart hospitality features that makes it the go-to platform for managing content remotely across multiple displays, transforming events and enhancing guest experiences in various venues, Canales added.

How Prezenter came to be, its key offers for customers/clients

Kennette Canales, a former computer science professor, out of his frustration with the cumbersome and time-consuming setups often required for presentations, he founded Prezenter.  Being a teacher, Canales experienced these issues in the classrooms where outdated presentation setups often disrupted the learning experience.

His desire for a more efficient solution led him to create Prezenter, a platform that simplifies his presentations and minimizes setup time. Soon, Ian Bert Tusil, a software engineer joined him to bring technical expertise to the platform.

The Prezenter team expanded when Anj, (Joana Paula Mariblanca), a tech community enabler who understood the needs of event organizers and professionals and Luis Patrick Villaruz, a UI/UX designer also joined the team later to ensure that the platform was not only functional but also intuitive and user-friendly.

Together, this passionate Prezenter team is committed to revolutionize presentation delivery with the key offerings for future clients and customers, promising lively and hassle-free presentations.

For business professionals, Prezenter can enhance corporate presentations with its seamless cross-device compatibility and event automation features, making it easier than ever to manage and deliver content.

For event organizers, with its smart hospitality and digital signage capabilities, Prezenter allows event planners to manage content across multiple screens and ensure a smooth, professional experience for attendees.

For Educators, Prezenter reduces setup times and technical disruptions, allowing educators to focus on what matters most which is teaching and for hotels and venues, the platform enables easy content management for digital signage, from advertising to guest information, ensuring high-quality engagement.

At the product launch event, the Prezenter Team did live presentations of the App’s capabilities, hands-on demonstration and exclusive previews of the product’s innovative and upcoming features showcasing its AI-driven event automation tools and the introduction to smart hospitality and digital signage solutions. For inquiries, visit presenter.ph & kenn@presenter.ph 

(Photos: MBCNewman)