Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) face cyberattack risks due to their less advanced technologies, making them susceptible to breaches.
\nMany of these businesses are not aware that cyberattacks could have severe consequences, according to a cybersecurity expert.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Daniel Bernard, chief business officer of cybersecurity technology company Crowdstrike, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter\u00a0Jomel\u00a0R. Paguian the looming threat of cyberattacks against SMEs and explores strategies to combat them.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nIn today\u2019s digital economy, all businesses, regardless of size, are essentially \u201ctechnology businesses,\u201d said Mr. Bernard. This universal connection to technology exposes them to potential data breaches and cyberattacks, posing risks to both business reputation and consumer data security.
He pointed out the incentives for hackers to target SMEs in the Philippines \u2014 money and data.
\nHe said that aside from ransom money, data that can be obtained from hacking is the primary objective of cybercrime. \u201cPayment is one part of it, but it\u2019s really the power of the data exfiltration and what you can do along the whole supply chain of that small and medium business.\u201d\u00a0
\nAccording to Mr. Bernard, the aftermath of a data breach goes beyond monetary losses. Personal identifiable information of consumers obtained in such incidents can severely damage a company\u2019s reputation, making data security a societal concern. \u201cBecause reputationally, the damage is too high, as well as the sensitivity of the data.\u201d
\nData breaches can also halt the operations of some businesses, he said, citing small and medium businesses in the manufacturing or services markets. \u201cIf they lost all their customer information, it\u2019s kind of like day one all over again in the business.\u201d
\n\u201cIt very well can be a company-ending event. If you don\u2019t have cyber insurance, or you don\u2019t have the ability to remediate an attack.\u201d
\nMr. Bernard noted that three out of four small and medium businesses are likely to experience a cyber incident. He attributed this vulnerability to a lack of security features in many of these businesses.
\n\u201cIn the small and medium business segment, you\u2019ll find a good amount of businesses that don\u2019t even have any cybersecurity at all. So those are the ones that are the easiest for adversaries to play with and to gain access to.\u201d
\nHe explained that hackers now use more advanced mechanisms such as employing artificial intelligence (AI), creating a significant gap in defense capabilities compared to traditional security measures like signature antivirus. \u201cIt\u2019s a new area that we\u2019re calling in our research \u2018dark AI,\u2019 where the adversary is using AI, but the defender is still using some kind of signature antivirus and just can\u2019t keep up.\u201d
\n\u201cSo this is a great example of where you need a better defense than the offense to actually stay protected.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) face cyberattack risks due to their less advanced technologies, making them susceptible to breaches.\nMany of these businesses are not aware that cyberattacks could have severe consequences, according to a cybersecurity expert.\nIn this B-Side episode, Daniel Bernard, chief business officer of cybersecurity technology company Crowdstrike, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter\u00a0Jomel\u00a0R. Paguian the looming threat of cyberattacks against SMEs and explores strategies to combat them.\nTAKEAWAYS\nIn today\u2019s digital economy, all businesses, regardless of size, are essentially \u201ctechnology businesses,\u201d said Mr. Bernard. This universal connection to technology exposes them to potential data breaches and cyberattacks, posing risks to both business reputation and consumer data security.\nHe pointed out the incentives for hackers to target SMEs in the Philippines \u2014 money and data.\nHe said that aside from ransom money, data that can be obtained from hacking is the primary objective of cybercrime. \u201cPayment is one part of it, but it\u2019s really the power of the data exfiltration and what you can do along the whole supply chain of that small and medium business.\u201d\u00a0\nAccording to Mr. Bernard, the aftermath of a data breach goes beyond monetary losses. Personal identifiable information of consumers obtained in such incidents can severely damage a company\u2019s reputation, making data security a societal concern. \u201cBecause reputationally, the damage is too high, as well as the sensitivity of the data.\u201d\nData breaches can also halt the operations of some businesses, he said, citing small and medium businesses in the manufacturing or services markets. \u201cIf they lost all their customer information, it\u2019s kind of like day one all over again in the business.\u201d\n\u201cIt very well can be a company-ending event. If you don\u2019t have cyber insurance, or you don\u2019t have the ability to remediate an attack.\u201d\nMr. Bernard noted that three out of four small and medium businesses are likely to experience a cyber incident. He attributed this vulnerability to a lack of security features in many of these businesses.\n\u201cIn the small and medium business segment, you\u2019ll find a good amount of businesses that don\u2019t even have any cybersecurity at all. So those are the ones that are the easiest for adversaries to play with and to gain access to.\u201d\nHe explained that hackers now use more advanced mechanisms such as employing artificial intelligence (AI), creating a significant gap in defense capabilities compared to traditional security measures like signature antivirus. \u201cIt\u2019s a new area that we\u2019re calling in our research \u2018dark AI,\u2019 where the adversary is using AI, but the defender is still using some kind of signature antivirus and just can\u2019t keep up.\u201d\n\u201cSo this is a great example of where you need a better defense than the offense to actually stay protected.\u201d", "date_published": "2023-12-18T14:49:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-19T22:05:32+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-12-18-B-side-JM-Podcast-ART.jpg", "tags": [ "cyberattacks", "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=563027", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/12/12/563027/b-side-podcast-augmenting-human-capabilities-and-creativity-with-generative-ai/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Augmenting human capabilities and creativity with generative AI", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe constant pursuit of innovation is a testament to human\u2019s inherent curiosity and creativity. With the advancement of technology, people are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency and productivity. In this regard, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technologies, which complements human capabilities, augments creativity, and drives progress in various fields.
\nIn this B-Side episode, David Hardoon, chief data and AI officer at Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, discusses with BusinessWorld Multimedia Editor Arjay L. Balinbin the capabilities of Generative AI.
\nRead the full story by Mhicole A. Moral:
\nhttps://www.bworldonline.com/special-features/2023/12/06/562187/augmenting-human-capabilities-and-creativity-with-generative-artificial-intelligence/
Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe constant pursuit of innovation is a testament to human\u2019s inherent curiosity and creativity. With the advancement of technology, people are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency and productivity. In this regard, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technologies, which complements human capabilities, augments creativity, and drives progress in various fields.\nIn this B-Side episode, David Hardoon, chief data and AI officer at Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, discusses with BusinessWorld Multimedia Editor Arjay L. Balinbin the capabilities of Generative AI.\nRead the full story by Mhicole A. Moral:\nhttps://www.bworldonline.com/special-features/2023/12/06/562187/augmenting-human-capabilities-and-creativity-with-generative-artificial-intelligence/\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-12-12T13:13:29+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-12T13:13:29+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-12-12-B-side-Arjay-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=561614", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/12/05/561614/b-side-podcast-destigmatizing-mental-health-discussions-in-the-workplace/", "title": "[B-Side Podcast]\u00a0Destigmatizing mental health discussions in the workplace", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nBreaking down the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health challenges is crucial, especially in workplaces where employees might be hesitant to share their struggles, fearing judgment regarding their professional capabilities, a mental health expert said.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Gia Sison, national adviser of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Jomel R. Paguian the potential benefits of addressing mental health in the workplace for both employers and employees.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nEmployees often choose not to disclose their mental health conditions due to the fear of stigma, leading to workers \u201csuffering in silence\u201d to secure their jobs, according to Ms. Sison.
\u201cWhen you disclose that you are suffering from bipolar or depression, your supervisor might think that you are not fit to work\u2026 and so your job suffers.\u201d
\nAcknowledging the prevailing stigma, she highlighted the necessity of mental health awareness within the workplace. Employers need a reminder that individuals experiencing mental health conditions can still contribute productively in the workplace.
\nMs. Sison pointed out that the stress induced by inadequate employment compensation in the country exacerbates the daily challenges faced by employees, citing that receiving a salary not enough to cover one\u2019s needs triggers a series of anxieties.
\n\u201cWhen you receive it (your salary) it\u2019s enough to just pay the bill and nothing extra. So it dominoes into how you start to overthink, how you get anxious on getting your day by, how you get anxious having saving enough for you and your family,\u201d she explained.
\nMs. Sison said the stress associated with having insufficient salary contributed to the massive resignation trend in the country, where some even opt to migrate abroad to look for better working conditions to protect their well-being.
\nShe pointed out that to address concerns related to inadequate wages that may lead to anxiety, normalizing discussions on both salary pay and mental health is crucial in the workplace.\u00a0
\n\u201cMental health will always be part of the conversation; let\u2019s not be scared to talk about it. We have to normalize conversations pertaining to mental health just like we normalize conversations about salary pay,\u201d she said.
\nIn her message to employees facing mental health challenges, Ms. Sison underscored the significance of cultivating a support group both within and outside the workplace. She said a support group does not have to be huge, as long as you feel comfortable sharing your concerns with them.\u00a0
\nShe said employees should not wait for red flags, such as isolating themselves to a point that it obstructs their quality of life, before opening up to their peers. \u201cLet\u2019s not wait for the red flag to happen, in fact before it happens you speak to a close friend or a counselor if available.\u201d
\nTo encourage employees to communicate their mental health needs, workplaces should be \u201cpsychologically safe,\u201d she said. \u201cIt has to start with everyone, from the management to the employee, and having a mental health workplace policy in place.\u201d
\nMs. Sison also suggested employers organize engagement activities to foster an environment where workers will feel that they are recognized and that their hard work is validated.
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nBreaking down the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health challenges is crucial, especially in workplaces where employees might be hesitant to share their struggles, fearing judgment regarding their professional capabilities, a mental health expert said.\nIn this B-Side episode, Gia Sison, national adviser of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Jomel R. Paguian the potential benefits of addressing mental health in the workplace for both employers and employees.\nTAKEAWAYS\nEmployees often choose not to disclose their mental health conditions due to the fear of stigma, leading to workers \u201csuffering in silence\u201d to secure their jobs, according to Ms. Sison.\n\u201cWhen you disclose that you are suffering from bipolar or depression, your supervisor might think that you are not fit to work\u2026 and so your job suffers.\u201d\nAcknowledging the prevailing stigma, she highlighted the necessity of mental health awareness within the workplace. Employers need a reminder that individuals experiencing mental health conditions can still contribute productively in the workplace.\nMs. Sison pointed out that the stress induced by inadequate employment compensation in the country exacerbates the daily challenges faced by employees, citing that receiving a salary not enough to cover one\u2019s needs triggers a series of anxieties.\n\u201cWhen you receive it (your salary) it\u2019s enough to just pay the bill and nothing extra. So it dominoes into how you start to overthink, how you get anxious on getting your day by, how you get anxious having saving enough for you and your family,\u201d she explained.\nMs. Sison said the stress associated with having insufficient salary contributed to the massive resignation trend in the country, where some even opt to migrate abroad to look for better working conditions to protect their well-being.\nShe pointed out that to address concerns related to inadequate wages that may lead to anxiety, normalizing discussions on both salary pay and mental health is crucial in the workplace.\u00a0\n\u201cMental health will always be part of the conversation; let\u2019s not be scared to talk about it. We have to normalize conversations pertaining to mental health just like we normalize conversations about salary pay,\u201d she said.\nIn her message to employees facing mental health challenges, Ms. Sison underscored the significance of cultivating a support group both within and outside the workplace. She said a support group does not have to be huge, as long as you feel comfortable sharing your concerns with them.\u00a0\nShe said employees should not wait for red flags, such as isolating themselves to a point that it obstructs their quality of life, before opening up to their peers. \u201cLet\u2019s not wait for the red flag to happen, in fact before it happens you speak to a close friend or a counselor if available.\u201d\nTo encourage employees to communicate their mental health needs, workplaces should be \u201cpsychologically safe,\u201d she said. \u201cIt has to start with everyone, from the management to the employee, and having a mental health workplace policy in place.\u201d\nMs. Sison also suggested employers organize engagement activities to foster an environment where workers will feel that they are recognized and that their hard work is validated.", "date_published": "2023-12-05T16:23:15+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-05T16:40:15+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-12-05-B-side-JM-Podcast-ART.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=560117", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/11/28/560117/b-side-podcast-the-case-for-growing-vegetables-in-ones-backyard/", "title": "[B-Side Podcast] The case for growing vegetables in one\u2019s backyard", "content_html": "\nHome gardening has benefits beyond the purpose of serving as a diversion from the pandemic. In this\u00a0B-Side\u00a0episode, multimedia producer Patricia Mirasol speaks with Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, executive director of East-West Seed Foundation, about home gardening, the types of vegetables to grow in tropical countries, and tips for budding urban gardeners.
\nEast-West Seed Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of East-West Seed Philippines, which breeds tropical vegetable seed varieties.
\nTakeaways
\nFood security is one of the benefits of growing one\u2019s own vegetables.
\nAvailability, accessibility, and affordability are some of the benefits of growing your own vegetables, said Ms. van Tooren.
\nAround 10%, or an estimated 2.6 million Filipino families, experienced involuntary hunger in the past three months “before the survey period,\u201d according to a Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 survey by OCTA.
\n\u201cIf grown naturally, you\u2019re also assuring your family of quality, healthy food,\u201d Ms. van Tooren said. \u201cGardening is [likewise] a healthy exercise \u2013 both physically and mentally.\u201d
\n\u201cSo many\u00a0plantitos\u00a0[plant dads] and\u00a0plantitas\u00a0[plantitas] started during the pandemic, and I believe that once you get started, you will continue…because you will have enjoyed it so much,\u201d she added.
\nThe non-negotiables for growing vegetables are sun, soil, and water.
\nThe three non-negotiables for vegetable growing are sun, soil, and water.
\nFor sunlight, it\u2019s at least four hours\u2019 exposure for leafy vegetables and 6-8 hours for fruiting ones, Ms. van Tooren said. Don\u2019t water later than 4 p.m., she also told\u00a0BusinessWorld.
\n\u201cIf you water later than 4 p.m., the soil will be very moist overnight, and that will encourage diseases – especially fungus,\u201d she said.
\nThe soil quality in the Philippines, meanwhile, is \u201cmostly clay.\u201d
\n\u201cSoil has to be loose but firm, so it\u2019s best if you add amendments to it to loosen it up,\u201d Ms. van Tooren said, noting popular amendments such as river sand and compost (or decayed organic material used as plant fertilizer).
\nThere are workarounds for urban gardeners with small spaces.
\nVegetables can be grown in small containers, Ms. van Tooren said, although \u201cfruiting vegetables need larger containers – around five gallons, like ones used in water dispensers.\u201d
\nContainer gardening, like balcony gardening, is a form of urban agriculture, which refers to the \u201cgrowing, processing and distribution of food crops and animal products, by and for the local community, within an urban environment.”
\nMs. van Tooren, who resides in a condominium, said that she has been able to successfully plant arugula from her unit\u2019s balcony.
\n\u201cHerbs are very good if you live in a condominium and have a window that gets sunlight,\u201d she added, \u201cbecause herbs need less sunlight.\u201d
\nFigure out a garden tending routine that works for you.
\nParents with growing children may opt to nurture green leafy vegetables such as\u00a0pechay\u00a0(Chinese cabbage) and\u00a0kangkong\u00a0(water spinach).
\n“These are very nutritious vis-a-vis the space they need,\u201d according to Ms. Van Tooren. \u201cI would go for what the children like to eat,\u201d she said, as she also noted the benefit of having children observe how vegetables grow.
\nThe National Nutrition Council moreover suggests vegetables such as\u00a0sitaw\u00a0(string beans), malunggay (moringa), and tomatoes as sustainable produce for backyard gardens.
\n\u201cI really want to encourage everyone to plant even one pot,\u201d Ms. Van Tooren said. The Internet, including East-West Foundation\u2019s social media pages, is rife with helpful information, she added.
\nCaring for a small garden plot is doable, Ms. van Tooren told\u00a0BusinessWorld.
\n\u201cYou can do the watering in the morning before you start work…the extra care can be done on weekends. You have to find what\u2019s workable for you.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "Home gardening has benefits beyond the purpose of serving as a diversion from the pandemic. In this\u00a0B-Side\u00a0episode, multimedia producer Patricia Mirasol speaks with Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, executive director of East-West Seed Foundation, about home gardening, the types of vegetables to grow in tropical countries, and tips for budding urban gardeners.\nEast-West Seed Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of East-West Seed Philippines, which breeds tropical vegetable seed varieties.\nTakeaways\nFood security is one of the benefits of growing one\u2019s own vegetables.\nAvailability, accessibility, and affordability are some of the benefits of growing your own vegetables, said Ms. van Tooren.\nAround 10%, or an estimated 2.6 million Filipino families, experienced involuntary hunger in the past three months “before the survey period,\u201d according to a Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 survey by OCTA.\n\u201cIf grown naturally, you\u2019re also assuring your family of quality, healthy food,\u201d Ms. van Tooren said. \u201cGardening is [likewise] a healthy exercise \u2013 both physically and mentally.\u201d\n\u201cSo many\u00a0plantitos\u00a0[plant dads] and\u00a0plantitas\u00a0[plantitas] started during the pandemic, and I believe that once you get started, you will continue…because you will have enjoyed it so much,\u201d she added.\nThe non-negotiables for growing vegetables are sun, soil, and water.\nThe three non-negotiables for vegetable growing are sun, soil, and water.\nFor sunlight, it\u2019s at least four hours\u2019 exposure for leafy vegetables and 6-8 hours for fruiting ones, Ms. van Tooren said. Don\u2019t water later than 4 p.m., she also told\u00a0BusinessWorld.\n\u201cIf you water later than 4 p.m., the soil will be very moist overnight, and that will encourage diseases – especially fungus,\u201d she said.\nThe soil quality in the Philippines, meanwhile, is \u201cmostly clay.\u201d\n\u201cSoil has to be loose but firm, so it\u2019s best if you add amendments to it to loosen it up,\u201d Ms. van Tooren said, noting popular amendments such as river sand and compost (or decayed organic material used as plant fertilizer).\nThere are workarounds for urban gardeners with small spaces.\nVegetables can be grown in small containers, Ms. van Tooren said, although \u201cfruiting vegetables need larger containers – around five gallons, like ones used in water dispensers.\u201d\nContainer gardening, like balcony gardening, is a form of urban agriculture, which refers to the \u201cgrowing, processing and distribution of food crops and animal products, by and for the local community, within an urban environment.”\nMs. van Tooren, who resides in a condominium, said that she has been able to successfully plant arugula from her unit\u2019s balcony.\n\u201cHerbs are very good if you live in a condominium and have a window that gets sunlight,\u201d she added, \u201cbecause herbs need less sunlight.\u201d\nFigure out a garden tending routine that works for you.\nParents with growing children may opt to nurture green leafy vegetables such as\u00a0pechay\u00a0(Chinese cabbage) and\u00a0kangkong\u00a0(water spinach).\n“These are very nutritious vis-a-vis the space they need,\u201d according to Ms. Van Tooren. \u201cI would go for what the children like to eat,\u201d she said, as she also noted the benefit of having children observe how vegetables grow.\nThe National Nutrition Council moreover suggests vegetables such as\u00a0sitaw\u00a0(string beans), malunggay (moringa), and tomatoes as sustainable produce for backyard gardens.\n\u201cI really want to encourage everyone to plant even one pot,\u201d Ms. Van Tooren said. The Internet, including East-West Foundation\u2019s social media pages, is rife with helpful information, she added.\nCaring for a small garden plot is doable, Ms. van Tooren told\u00a0BusinessWorld.\n\u201cYou can do the watering in the morning before you start work…the extra care can be done on weekends. You have to find what\u2019s workable for you.\u201d", "date_published": "2023-11-28T09:09:07+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-28T09:09:07+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-11-27-B-side-Pat-Podcast-ART-1-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=558509", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/11/20/558509/b-side-podcast-monopolized-power-and-election-related-violence-in-the-philippines/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Monopolized power and election-related violence in the Philippines", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nElections in the Philippines have evolved into brutal political competitions over the years, with the persistent claims of general peace and safety often overshadowing the reality of election-related incidents (ERIs).
\nIn this B-side episode, Rona Ann V. Caritos, executive director for the Legal Network of Truthful Elections (LENTE), discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola the prevailing history and implications of election-related violence for Philippine democracy.
\nAmong incumbents and candidates, there have been 1,497 killed, 312 wounded, and 147 escaped attempts from Jan. 2006 to August this year, according to Peter Kreuzer, senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt.
\nAccording to LENTE, the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election (BSKE) had 47 confirmed ERIs as of Nov. 10, with more than 100 suspected cases.
\nMs. Caritos noted shooting, physical injury, and intimidation as the leading causes of ERIs.
\nThe most number of ERIs were found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Northern Mindanao, and Cordillera Administrative Region, she added.
\n\u201cThis is the most violent [election] because the number [of ERIs] has increased since 2013 and 2018,\u201d Ms. Caritos said.
\nShe noted the general public\u2019s increased investment in the election due to the pandemic as a theory for the increase.
\n\u201cPeople know how valuable barangay and SK officials are when it comes to frontline government services and programs.\u201d
\nMs. Caritos mentioned the color-coding scheme of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), where it employs a green-yellow-red assessment for areas in terms of needed security and control, as an area that could be improved upon to curb the growth in ERIs.
\n\u201cIn areas such as BARMM, the Comelec should adopt a different color-coding scheme, or should take into account the environment or the context of what is happening in the region,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cGiven the many changes there \u2014 in terms of the territory of the political families and parties competing in the region,\u201d she added.
\nKEY PROBLEMS
\nMs. Caritos pointed out that electoral competitiveness and a lack of accountability are major problems contributing to the uptick in ERIs.
\n\u201cThe number of unopposed positions, especially in the local races, has increased,\u201d she noted. \u201c[This] means that the powers are being consolidated in one individual or family.\u201d
\n\u201cGiven this monopoly of power, there is a tendency of families and individuals to cling onto this power whatever it takes. They are resorting to violence to be able to contain the status quo,\u201d she added.
\n\u201cThe number of unopposed positions, especially in the local races, has increased,\u201d she said. \u201c[This] means that the powers are being consolidated in one individual or family.\u201d
\n\u201cGiven this monopoly of power, there is a tendency of families and individuals to cling onto this power whatever it takes. They are resorting to violence to be able to contain the status quo,\u201d she added.
\n\u201cPeople are not afraid to commit these incidents because they know that even if they\u2019re charged for it, they won\u2019t get imprisoned for it.\u201d
\nHowever, Ms. Caritos said the Comelec has recently undergone its “best innovation,” wherein it became more aggressive and focused on reported cases.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen this aggressive stance of the Comelec in going after premature campaigners\u2026, vote buyers and vote sellers,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cThis is the first time in LENTE that we\u2019ve experienced candidates and political parties calling our hotlines and asking about the processes because they\u2019re afraid to commit violations and have cases be filed against them.\u201d
\nMs. Caritos noted the role of local communities and civil society organizations in helping the Comelec ensure the integrity and safety of elections.
\n\u201cIt needs the help of organizations to go after and educate people against election offenses, and teach them how to go after law violators, or how to document offenses, if ever they witness one or be a victim of it,\u201d she said.
\nFollowing the Comelec\u2019s commitment to continuing the investigation and prosecution beyond the election period, LENTE maintains a positive outlook for the next elections, monitoring what the Comelec will do in response to the rise in ERIs and other malicious activities, she added.
\nRecorded remotely on Nov. 10, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nElections in the Philippines have evolved into brutal political competitions over the years, with the persistent claims of general peace and safety often overshadowing the reality of election-related incidents (ERIs).\nIn this B-side episode, Rona Ann V. Caritos, executive director for the Legal Network of Truthful Elections (LENTE), discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola the prevailing history and implications of election-related violence for Philippine democracy.\nAmong incumbents and candidates, there have been 1,497 killed, 312 wounded, and 147 escaped attempts from Jan. 2006 to August this year, according to Peter Kreuzer, senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt.\nAccording to LENTE, the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election (BSKE) had 47 confirmed ERIs as of Nov. 10, with more than 100 suspected cases.\nMs. Caritos noted shooting, physical injury, and intimidation as the leading causes of ERIs.\nThe most number of ERIs were found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Northern Mindanao, and Cordillera Administrative Region, she added.\n\u201cThis is the most violent [election] because the number [of ERIs] has increased since 2013 and 2018,\u201d Ms. Caritos said.\nShe noted the general public\u2019s increased investment in the election due to the pandemic as a theory for the increase.\n\u201cPeople know how valuable barangay and SK officials are when it comes to frontline government services and programs.\u201d\nMs. Caritos mentioned the color-coding scheme of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), where it employs a green-yellow-red assessment for areas in terms of needed security and control, as an area that could be improved upon to curb the growth in ERIs.\n\u201cIn areas such as BARMM, the Comelec should adopt a different color-coding scheme, or should take into account the environment or the context of what is happening in the region,\u201d she said.\n\u201cGiven the many changes there \u2014 in terms of the territory of the political families and parties competing in the region,\u201d she added.\nKEY PROBLEMS\nMs. Caritos pointed out that electoral competitiveness and a lack of accountability are major problems contributing to the uptick in ERIs.\n\u201cThe number of unopposed positions, especially in the local races, has increased,\u201d she noted. \u201c[This] means that the powers are being consolidated in one individual or family.\u201d\n\u201cGiven this monopoly of power, there is a tendency of families and individuals to cling onto this power whatever it takes. They are resorting to violence to be able to contain the status quo,\u201d she added.\n\u201cThe number of unopposed positions, especially in the local races, has increased,\u201d she said. \u201c[This] means that the powers are being consolidated in one individual or family.\u201d\n\u201cGiven this monopoly of power, there is a tendency of families and individuals to cling onto this power whatever it takes. They are resorting to violence to be able to contain the status quo,\u201d she added.\n\u201cPeople are not afraid to commit these incidents because they know that even if they\u2019re charged for it, they won\u2019t get imprisoned for it.\u201d\nHowever, Ms. Caritos said the Comelec has recently undergone its “best innovation,” wherein it became more aggressive and focused on reported cases.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen this aggressive stance of the Comelec in going after premature campaigners\u2026, vote buyers and vote sellers,\u201d she said.\n\u201cThis is the first time in LENTE that we\u2019ve experienced candidates and political parties calling our hotlines and asking about the processes because they\u2019re afraid to commit violations and have cases be filed against them.\u201d\nMs. Caritos noted the role of local communities and civil society organizations in helping the Comelec ensure the integrity and safety of elections.\n\u201cIt needs the help of organizations to go after and educate people against election offenses, and teach them how to go after law violators, or how to document offenses, if ever they witness one or be a victim of it,\u201d she said.\nFollowing the Comelec\u2019s commitment to continuing the investigation and prosecution beyond the election period, LENTE maintains a positive outlook for the next elections, monitoring what the Comelec will do in response to the rise in ERIs and other malicious activities, she added.\nRecorded remotely on Nov. 10, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-11-20T10:46:15+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-20T10:47:29+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-11-20-B-side-Miguel-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=557479", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/11/14/557479/b-side-podcast-understanding-the-risks-posed-by-fake-and-low-quality-drugs/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Understanding the risks posed by fake and low-quality drugs", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nFake and low-quality medicines have become more common and are being sold at lower prices through online platforms.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Monash University professor Michelle McIntosh discusses the effects of subpar medication on the overall health of people with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Adrian H. Halili.\u00a0
\n\u201cUnderstanding the quality of medicines is important, and in many cases around the world, the pharmaceutical products can be counterfeit or substandard products that are available,\u201d Ms. McIntosh said.\u00a0
\nShe said that medications like these may not be very effective and could be harmful to one\u2019s health. \u201cThere can be consequences when people use substandard materials.\u201d\u00a0
\n\u201cThere is definitely a high prevalence of substandard medication in third-world or low-resource settings,\u201d she added. \u201cIt\u2019s not only in those environments; it is something that people around the world are aware of.\u201d\u00a0
\nMs. McIntosh said that there is also a risk in purchasing medications through online platforms. \u201cIf you purchase medicine through the internet, you don\u2019t actually know what quality it is when it arrives at your house,\u201d she added.\u00a0
\nCounterfeit and substandard medication, such as anti-malaria and maternal healthcare drugs, are also observed being sold in third-world countries, according to Ms. McIntosh.
\nShe said that due to high populations and less regulatory monitoring, the likelihood of these products being sold in the market is higher.
\n\u201cWhether the regulatory agency can conduct routine testing to check the quality of products that come in… may be more challenging. People see an opportunity to make money by providing a counterfeit or substandard product,\u201d she added.
\nMs. McIntosh said that there is a need to identify poor-quality medicines in collaboration with experts and government organizations.
\n\u201cAt Monash University, we\u2019ve recently established a quality of medicines initiative where we are working to apply our expertise in understanding pharmaceutical products, how they work, and how sometimes they may not work as they are supposed to,\u201d she said.\u00a0
\nThe quality cannot be determined easily by looking at it alone. She also said that using them might result in health problems or side effects.\u00a0
\n\u201cThat can create problems for the individual who is taking them, and also it can lead to anti-microbial resistance, in the case of antibiotics.\u201d
\nMs. McIntosh said that the university\u2019s program aims to work with governments in developing and strengthening their pharmaceutical sectors.
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nFake and low-quality medicines have become more common and are being sold at lower prices through online platforms.\nIn this B-Side episode, Monash University professor Michelle McIntosh discusses the effects of subpar medication on the overall health of people with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Adrian H. Halili.\u00a0\n\u201cUnderstanding the quality of medicines is important, and in many cases around the world, the pharmaceutical products can be counterfeit or substandard products that are available,\u201d Ms. McIntosh said.\u00a0\nShe said that medications like these may not be very effective and could be harmful to one\u2019s health. \u201cThere can be consequences when people use substandard materials.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThere is definitely a high prevalence of substandard medication in third-world or low-resource settings,\u201d she added. \u201cIt\u2019s not only in those environments; it is something that people around the world are aware of.\u201d\u00a0\nMs. McIntosh said that there is also a risk in purchasing medications through online platforms. \u201cIf you purchase medicine through the internet, you don\u2019t actually know what quality it is when it arrives at your house,\u201d she added.\u00a0\nCounterfeit and substandard medication, such as anti-malaria and maternal healthcare drugs, are also observed being sold in third-world countries, according to Ms. McIntosh.\nShe said that due to high populations and less regulatory monitoring, the likelihood of these products being sold in the market is higher.\n\u201cWhether the regulatory agency can conduct routine testing to check the quality of products that come in… may be more challenging. People see an opportunity to make money by providing a counterfeit or substandard product,\u201d she added.\nMs. McIntosh said that there is a need to identify poor-quality medicines in collaboration with experts and government organizations.\n\u201cAt Monash University, we\u2019ve recently established a quality of medicines initiative where we are working to apply our expertise in understanding pharmaceutical products, how they work, and how sometimes they may not work as they are supposed to,\u201d she said.\u00a0\nThe quality cannot be determined easily by looking at it alone. She also said that using them might result in health problems or side effects.\u00a0\n\u201cThat can create problems for the individual who is taking them, and also it can lead to anti-microbial resistance, in the case of antibiotics.\u201d\nMs. McIntosh said that the university\u2019s program aims to work with governments in developing and strengthening their pharmaceutical sectors.", "date_published": "2023-11-14T17:45:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-14T17:45:59+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-11-14-B-side-Adrian-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Adrian H. Halili", "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=555674", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/11/06/555674/b-side-podcast-the-repayment-slowdown-insights-on-filipino-debt-trends/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] The repayment slowdown: Insights on Filipino debt trends", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nAs household savings were depleted during the pandemic, more Filipinos relied on credit to manage their daily expenses.
\nNow, with the rising cost of living due to inflation and higher interest rates for borrowing money, consumers are struggling to repay their debts.
\nThis reality is reflected in Collectius\u2019 own internal data, which shows a slowdown in debt repayment rates in the first half of this year compared to 2022, Marie Alexise Charisse Arboleda, head of operations at Collectius, tells BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan.
\nCredit card usage is also expected to increase this quarter amid the holiday season.
\n\u201cDuring this time, many Filipinos tend to prioritize holiday spending, which includes holiday gifting, over debt repayment,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cGiven the anticipation for high inflation, it is likely that consumers will spend more and we can expect to see a decrease in debt repayment levels across all consumer loans.\u201d
\nBased on the latest data from the central bank, consumer credit jumped by 22.7% to P1.17 trillion from P950.8 billion a year ago, slightly faster than the 22.6% in July. Credit card loans expanded by 29.7% year on year in August.
\n\u201cA slowdown in debt repayment rates does pose challenges, but may not necessarily lead to financial crisis in financial stability, especially if it is sufficiently addressed by regulatory measures,\u201d Ms. Arboleda said.
\nShe noted that slower debt repayments can hurt the banks and it may be harder for financial institutions to be able to lend money and provide financial services.
\n\u201cBut banks and other financial institutions are well capitalized in the Philippines and they generally have risk mitigation strategies in place,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cThe (government) might take steps to reduce risks and support the financial system, especially during tough times, and we saw that also during the pandemic,\u201d she added.
\nSeparate central bank data showed lenders\u2019 nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio improved to a four-month low of 3.42% in August from 3.43% in July.
\nBad loans declined by 5.9% year on year to P442.9 billion as of end-August. However, this was 0.6% higher than P440.1 billion seen at end-July.
\nCollectius, a financial technology company, is one of the five Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer Corporations in the Philippines licensed to acquire nonperforming loans or assets accumulated by banks during the coronavirus pandemic.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nAs household savings were depleted during the pandemic, more Filipinos relied on credit to manage their daily expenses.\nNow, with the rising cost of living due to inflation and higher interest rates for borrowing money, consumers are struggling to repay their debts.\nThis reality is reflected in Collectius\u2019 own internal data, which shows a slowdown in debt repayment rates in the first half of this year compared to 2022, Marie Alexise Charisse Arboleda, head of operations at Collectius, tells BusinessWorld reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan.\nCredit card usage is also expected to increase this quarter amid the holiday season.\n\u201cDuring this time, many Filipinos tend to prioritize holiday spending, which includes holiday gifting, over debt repayment,\u201d she said.\n\u201cGiven the anticipation for high inflation, it is likely that consumers will spend more and we can expect to see a decrease in debt repayment levels across all consumer loans.\u201d\nBased on the latest data from the central bank, consumer credit jumped by 22.7% to P1.17 trillion from P950.8 billion a year ago, slightly faster than the 22.6% in July. Credit card loans expanded by 29.7% year on year in August.\n\u201cA slowdown in debt repayment rates does pose challenges, but may not necessarily lead to financial crisis in financial stability, especially if it is sufficiently addressed by regulatory measures,\u201d Ms. Arboleda said.\nShe noted that slower debt repayments can hurt the banks and it may be harder for financial institutions to be able to lend money and provide financial services.\n\u201cBut banks and other financial institutions are well capitalized in the Philippines and they generally have risk mitigation strategies in place,\u201d she said.\n\u201cThe (government) might take steps to reduce risks and support the financial system, especially during tough times, and we saw that also during the pandemic,\u201d she added.\nSeparate central bank data showed lenders\u2019 nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio improved to a four-month low of 3.42% in August from 3.43% in July.\nBad loans declined by 5.9% year on year to P442.9 billion as of end-August. However, this was 0.6% higher than P440.1 billion seen at end-July.\nCollectius, a financial technology company, is one of the five Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer Corporations in the Philippines licensed to acquire nonperforming loans or assets accumulated by banks during the coronavirus pandemic.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-11-06T13:26:11+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-06T13:26:11+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-11-06-B-side-Keisha-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=554448", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/10/30/554448/b-side-podcast-how-can-philippines-restore-manila-bay/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] How can Philippines restore Manila Bay?", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nManila Bay has been exposed to rapid urbanization over the years and is now in need of rehabilitation.
\n
In this B-Side episode, Jerwin Baure, a marine science researcher, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Sheldeen Talavera how Manila Bay has changed over the years and how it can be restored.\u00a0
\n\u201cI think people do not realize that Manila Bay is actually a big body of water. It\u2019s not just the sea that\u2019s located along the Roxas Boulevard. But actually, Manila Bay is a big body of water off the coast of Bataan,\u201d Mr. Baure said.
\n\u201cThere are still a lot of marine organisms found there like crabs, fish, and other kinds of marine ecosystems that can be found in the country,\u201d he said.\u00a0
\nThe Supreme Court issued a ruling on Manila Bay in 2018, directing 13 government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve it, as well as restore and maintain its waters to a level suitable for swimming, skin diving, and other recreational activities.\u00a0
\nAccording to Mr. Baure, one way of doing this is by planting mangroves.\u00a0
\nHistorically, there were around 500,000 hectares of mangroves all over the country, but they have been declining since the 1900s, primarily due to conversion into fishponds, he said.\u00a0
\n\u201cMangroves were historically found all over Manila Bay, and these trees can serve as nursery grounds for fish. They provide habitats for many species and they can also provide natural protection against storm surges,\u201d Mr. Baure said.\u00a0
\n\u201cThey can also improve the water quality because mangroves can filter out pollution coming from the land and, also, they serve as habitat for migratory birds,\u201d he added.\u00a0
\nIn August, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., issued a verbal order for the suspension of 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, pending a review of their environmental and social impacts.\u00a0
\nThe Department of Environment and Natural Resources is working on a cumulative impact assessment with a team of scientists consisting of physical and chemical oceanographers, fishery specialists, marine biologists, and engineers.\u00a0
\n\u201cWhen we discuss the benefits\u2026, we also need to ask who benefits from these projects. Will it be the private investors? Or will it really [truly care about] marginalized people, since if reclamation projects continue, fishermen will lose their livelihood,\u201d Mr. Baure said.
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nManila Bay has been exposed to rapid urbanization over the years and is now in need of rehabilitation.\n\nIn this B-Side episode, Jerwin Baure, a marine science researcher, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Sheldeen Talavera how Manila Bay has changed over the years and how it can be restored.\u00a0\n\u201cI think people do not realize that Manila Bay is actually a big body of water. It\u2019s not just the sea that\u2019s located along the Roxas Boulevard. But actually, Manila Bay is a big body of water off the coast of Bataan,\u201d Mr. Baure said.\n\u201cThere are still a lot of marine organisms found there like crabs, fish, and other kinds of marine ecosystems that can be found in the country,\u201d he said.\u00a0\nThe Supreme Court issued a ruling on Manila Bay in 2018, directing 13 government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve it, as well as restore and maintain its waters to a level suitable for swimming, skin diving, and other recreational activities.\u00a0\nAccording to Mr. Baure, one way of doing this is by planting mangroves.\u00a0\nHistorically, there were around 500,000 hectares of mangroves all over the country, but they have been declining since the 1900s, primarily due to conversion into fishponds, he said.\u00a0\n\u201cMangroves were historically found all over Manila Bay, and these trees can serve as nursery grounds for fish. They provide habitats for many species and they can also provide natural protection against storm surges,\u201d Mr. Baure said.\u00a0\n\u201cThey can also improve the water quality because mangroves can filter out pollution coming from the land and, also, they serve as habitat for migratory birds,\u201d he added.\u00a0\nIn August, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., issued a verbal order for the suspension of 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, pending a review of their environmental and social impacts.\u00a0\nThe Department of Environment and Natural Resources is working on a cumulative impact assessment with a team of scientists consisting of physical and chemical oceanographers, fishery specialists, marine biologists, and engineers.\u00a0\n\u201cWhen we discuss the benefits\u2026, we also need to ask who benefits from these projects. Will it be the private investors? Or will it really [truly care about] marginalized people, since if reclamation projects continue, fishermen will lose their livelihood,\u201d Mr. Baure said.", "date_published": "2023-10-30T12:59:32+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-30T13:32:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-10-30-B-side-Sheldeen-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=553105", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/10/23/553105/b-side-podcast-future-proofing-philippine-education-with-technology/", "title": "[B-Side Podcast] Future-proofing Philippine education with technology", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe Philippine education sector must maintain the strides it has made in technology adoption to upgrade teaching methods and prepare students for future jobs that require a deep understanding of technology, an expert said.
\nModern digital education platforms offer educators data that can help address students’ needs.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Ryan Lufkin, vice president of Global Strategy at Instructure, a New York-listed education technology innovator, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordo\u00f1ez how modern technology can be used to ensure that Philippine education remains relevant.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nAs we transition out of the coronavirus pandemic, teachers worldwide are leveraging digital classrooms and blended learning platforms, Mr. Lufkin noted. They collect data from online assessments to make “data-informed decisions” and craft curricula based on student performance, he said.
\n“Data assists us on many levels. At an organizational level, data across the learning experience helps educators understand the effectiveness and efficacy of their learning tools.\u201d
\n“In classroom settings, data can identify at-risk students or those struggling with learning early enough in the process, allowing for timely support,” he added.
\nHe also emphasized the importance of teachers using data from these platforms to refine course offerings and assist students in setting and achieving academic goals.
\n“The more data we possess, the easier it becomes to provide a comprehensive view of not just student success but also program and overall institutional success,\u201d he said.
\nA big population of students globally has experienced learning loss due to pandemic-related disruptions.
\n\u201cUsing data gathered from these platforms, we can pinpoint where students stand in comparison to established standards and devise pathways to bridge those gaps,\u201d Mr. Lufkin said.
\n\u201cWe should reconsider traditional assignments like ‘write a 10-page paper’ as the primary measure of skill mastery. It’s time to reevaluate this approach,\u201d he added.
\n\u201cInitially, artificial intelligence (AI) was perceived as a cheating tool, leading many schools to ban it,\u201d he noted. \u201cHowever, just ten months after the launch of ChatGPT, the narrative has shifted towards how AI can enhance students’ learning experiences.\u201d
\nMr. Lufkin also said AI can alleviate some burdens for teachers by eliminating many mundane tasks. \u201cI urge educators globally to recognize the positive potential of AI in fostering student success.\u201d
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe Philippine education sector must maintain the strides it has made in technology adoption to upgrade teaching methods and prepare students for future jobs that require a deep understanding of technology, an expert said.\nModern digital education platforms offer educators data that can help address students’ needs.\nIn this B-Side episode, Ryan Lufkin, vice president of Global Strategy at Instructure, a New York-listed education technology innovator, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordo\u00f1ez how modern technology can be used to ensure that Philippine education remains relevant.\nTAKEAWAYS\nAs we transition out of the coronavirus pandemic, teachers worldwide are leveraging digital classrooms and blended learning platforms, Mr. Lufkin noted. They collect data from online assessments to make “data-informed decisions” and craft curricula based on student performance, he said.\n“Data assists us on many levels. At an organizational level, data across the learning experience helps educators understand the effectiveness and efficacy of their learning tools.\u201d\n“In classroom settings, data can identify at-risk students or those struggling with learning early enough in the process, allowing for timely support,” he added.\nHe also emphasized the importance of teachers using data from these platforms to refine course offerings and assist students in setting and achieving academic goals.\n“The more data we possess, the easier it becomes to provide a comprehensive view of not just student success but also program and overall institutional success,\u201d he said.\nA big population of students globally has experienced learning loss due to pandemic-related disruptions.\n\u201cUsing data gathered from these platforms, we can pinpoint where students stand in comparison to established standards and devise pathways to bridge those gaps,\u201d Mr. Lufkin said.\n\u201cWe should reconsider traditional assignments like ‘write a 10-page paper’ as the primary measure of skill mastery. It’s time to reevaluate this approach,\u201d he added.\n\u201cInitially, artificial intelligence (AI) was perceived as a cheating tool, leading many schools to ban it,\u201d he noted. \u201cHowever, just ten months after the launch of ChatGPT, the narrative has shifted towards how AI can enhance students’ learning experiences.\u201d\nMr. Lufkin also said AI can alleviate some burdens for teachers by eliminating many mundane tasks. \u201cI urge educators globally to recognize the positive potential of AI in fostering student success.\u201d\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-10-23T12:59:35+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-23T13:59:42+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-10-23-B-side-JV-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=551754", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/10/16/551754/b-side-podcast-divorce-in-the-phl-reimagining-filipino-norms-and-values/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Divorce in the PHL: Reimagining Filipino norms and values", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nDivorce is quite a taboo topic in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. Lobbying for divorce has mapped its way into Filipinos\u2019 understanding of the State, religion, family, abuse, principle, and love.
\nIn this B-side episode, Athena Charanne R. Presto, a sociologist and policy consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola the challenges and sociocultural implications of enacting divorce in the Philippines.
\nA Senate committee approved in September Senate Bill No. 2443, a consolidated measure on absolute divorce \u2014 the farthest legislative push it has reached to date.
\nMs. Presto observed that the latest version of the divorce bill has reached a commendable level of inclusivity and safety, almost identical to the grounds for annulment.
\n\u201cYou have to have been separated for a number of years, have irreconcilable differences, or have a proven case of domestic violence or abuse,\u201d Ms. Presto said, listing the grounds for absolute divorce in SB 2443.
\n\u201cBut I think we can still push our definition of divorce beyond that,\u201d she added.
\n\u201cI think divorce should include the fact that you, as adult individuals, decide to call it quits already without the need for \u2018acceptable reasons\u2019\u2026 perhaps you just fell out of love or have differences.\u201d
\nThe Philippines remains one of only two countries in the world, alongside Vatican City, without a divorce law.
\nAmid decades of lobbying, one major challenge remains: \u201cThe loudest critics of divorce are not religious actors themselves but policymakers who conveniently invoke religious doctrine to serve their own political interests,\u201d Ms. Presto said.
\nShe noted that comparing the successes and failures of other countries\u2019 marriage customs can be misguided. \u201cThat should not be the be-all and end-all of implementing divorce in the Philippines.\u201d
\n\u201cHaving divorce is better than not having divorce,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need to argue more based on Philippine data.\u201d
\n\u201cA divorce law must address misconceptions about the law itself,\u201d she added, referring to dismantling misinformed associations such as people using it as an \u2018emergency exit\u2019 or \u2018harming Filipino family values.\u2019
\nMs. Presto said that Filipino norms and values are bound to change over time with society, given the increasing number of transnational families, same-sex couples who adopt children, and single parenthood, even as depicted in national media.
\n\u201cWhether you like it or not, the composition of the Filipino family is changing,\u201d she said. \u201cOur marriage norms will change, but not for the worse.\u201d
\nPassing divorce will challenge the Filipino toxic mentality of \u2018relentless suffering\u2019 in marriage, alongside empowering wives and husbands to continue their lives through a viable option, Ms. Presto noted.
\nAlong with norms, social institutions are also seeing changes, such as the Catholic Church \u2018relieving pressure\u2019 and opening up to more nuanced realities, and media representation straying away from damaging stereotypes, she added.
\nHowever, Ms. Presto noted an increasing number of politicians who believe that men and women are equally oppressed, which undermines the rightfully women-centric arguments for divorce.
\nThe 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the national statistics agency reported that one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence by their husband or partner.
\n\u201cYou need to expose the misinformed opinions of all these senators, but you also need their support,\u201d Ms. Presto said, addressing the ‘checkmated’ advocates and stalled progress of divorce in the country.
\nRecorded remotely on Oct. 9, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nDivorce is quite a taboo topic in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. Lobbying for divorce has mapped its way into Filipinos\u2019 understanding of the State, religion, family, abuse, principle, and love.\nIn this B-side episode, Athena Charanne R. Presto, a sociologist and policy consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola the challenges and sociocultural implications of enacting divorce in the Philippines.\nA Senate committee approved in September Senate Bill No. 2443, a consolidated measure on absolute divorce \u2014 the farthest legislative push it has reached to date.\nMs. Presto observed that the latest version of the divorce bill has reached a commendable level of inclusivity and safety, almost identical to the grounds for annulment.\n\u201cYou have to have been separated for a number of years, have irreconcilable differences, or have a proven case of domestic violence or abuse,\u201d Ms. Presto said, listing the grounds for absolute divorce in SB 2443.\n\u201cBut I think we can still push our definition of divorce beyond that,\u201d she added.\n\u201cI think divorce should include the fact that you, as adult individuals, decide to call it quits already without the need for \u2018acceptable reasons\u2019\u2026 perhaps you just fell out of love or have differences.\u201d\nThe Philippines remains one of only two countries in the world, alongside Vatican City, without a divorce law.\nAmid decades of lobbying, one major challenge remains: \u201cThe loudest critics of divorce are not religious actors themselves but policymakers who conveniently invoke religious doctrine to serve their own political interests,\u201d Ms. Presto said.\nShe noted that comparing the successes and failures of other countries\u2019 marriage customs can be misguided. \u201cThat should not be the be-all and end-all of implementing divorce in the Philippines.\u201d\n\u201cHaving divorce is better than not having divorce,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need to argue more based on Philippine data.\u201d\n\u201cA divorce law must address misconceptions about the law itself,\u201d she added, referring to dismantling misinformed associations such as people using it as an \u2018emergency exit\u2019 or \u2018harming Filipino family values.\u2019\nMs. Presto said that Filipino norms and values are bound to change over time with society, given the increasing number of transnational families, same-sex couples who adopt children, and single parenthood, even as depicted in national media.\n\u201cWhether you like it or not, the composition of the Filipino family is changing,\u201d she said. \u201cOur marriage norms will change, but not for the worse.\u201d\nPassing divorce will challenge the Filipino toxic mentality of \u2018relentless suffering\u2019 in marriage, alongside empowering wives and husbands to continue their lives through a viable option, Ms. Presto noted.\nAlong with norms, social institutions are also seeing changes, such as the Catholic Church \u2018relieving pressure\u2019 and opening up to more nuanced realities, and media representation straying away from damaging stereotypes, she added.\nHowever, Ms. Presto noted an increasing number of politicians who believe that men and women are equally oppressed, which undermines the rightfully women-centric arguments for divorce.\nThe 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the national statistics agency reported that one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence by their husband or partner.\n\u201cYou need to expose the misinformed opinions of all these senators, but you also need their support,\u201d Ms. Presto said, addressing the ‘checkmated’ advocates and stalled progress of divorce in the country.\nRecorded remotely on Oct. 9, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-10-16T12:21:05+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-16T13:05:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-10-16-B-side-Miguel-Podcast-ART.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=550708", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/10/10/550708/b-side-podcast-steering-clear-of-financial-predators-lessons-for-phl-msmes-from-mongolia/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Steering clear of financial predators: Lessons for PHL MSMEs from Mongolia", "content_html": "\n\n
Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nLoan sharks, or informal lenders, exploit small businesses with exorbitant interest rates.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Baasandorj Davaasuren, chief business development officer of fintech solution company AND Global, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy some learnings from Mongolia\u2019s experience with loan sharks, aiming to guide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. AND Systems, the R&D subsidiary of AND Global, is based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
\nThe archipelagic nature of the Philippines makes it difficult to track and regulate loan sharks, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas, Mr. Davaasuren noted.
\nHe said that the situation regarding loan sharks in the Philippines is currently more severe than in Mongolia, but there is hope to address it.
\nLow financial literacy makes individuals and businesses more vulnerable to loan sharks.
\n
Many do not fully understand the financial products offered and may mistakenly view high interest rates as acceptable, Mr. Davaasuren noted.
\n\u201cThey think a 5% [interest rate] per week or per month is okay.\u201d
\nPotential solutions, he said, include tailored interest rates where private institutions can offer MSME-specific loans at lower interest rates than general retail loans; involvement of major stakeholders, which means encouraging bigger financial institutions to engage in MSME lending to diversify financing options for small businesses; improved credit data access to facilitate better decision-making by banks during loan approvals; and offering uncollateralized loans.
\nIn order to properly lend to small businesses, there is a need to deeply understand the MSME market in the Philippines as the country\u2019s economic growth significantly relies on this sector, he also said.
\n\u201cIn terms of the real economic drive and financial impact on the country itself, it really comes down to small and medium enterprises\u2026 These businesses are the key driving indicators in terms of sustainable growth in the country\u2019s economy.\u201d
\n", "content_text": " \nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nLoan sharks, or informal lenders, exploit small businesses with exorbitant interest rates.\nIn this B-Side episode, Baasandorj Davaasuren, chief business development officer of fintech solution company AND Global, discusses with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy some learnings from Mongolia\u2019s experience with loan sharks, aiming to guide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. AND Systems, the R&D subsidiary of AND Global, is based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.\nThe archipelagic nature of the Philippines makes it difficult to track and regulate loan sharks, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas, Mr. Davaasuren noted.\nHe said that the situation regarding loan sharks in the Philippines is currently more severe than in Mongolia, but there is hope to address it.\nLow financial literacy makes individuals and businesses more vulnerable to loan sharks.\n\nMany do not fully understand the financial products offered and may mistakenly view high interest rates as acceptable, Mr. Davaasuren noted.\n\u201cThey think a 5% [interest rate] per week or per month is okay.\u201d\nPotential solutions, he said, include tailored interest rates where private institutions can offer MSME-specific loans at lower interest rates than general retail loans; involvement of major stakeholders, which means encouraging bigger financial institutions to engage in MSME lending to diversify financing options for small businesses; improved credit data access to facilitate better decision-making by banks during loan approvals; and offering uncollateralized loans.\nIn order to properly lend to small businesses, there is a need to deeply understand the MSME market in the Philippines as the country\u2019s economic growth significantly relies on this sector, he also said.\n\u201cIn terms of the real economic drive and financial impact on the country itself, it really comes down to small and medium enterprises\u2026 These businesses are the key driving indicators in terms of sustainable growth in the country\u2019s economy.\u201d", "date_published": "2023-10-10T13:33:58+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-10T13:38:29+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-10-10-B-side-Aaron-Podcast-ART.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=549116", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/10/02/549116/b-side-podcast-from-joyful-living-to-empowering-spaces-the-impact-of-interior-design/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] From joyful living to empowering spaces: The impact of interior design", "content_html": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nGood design offers numerous benefits, including its potential to enhance daily life, boost business efficiency, empower marginalized groups, and improve public spaces, according to an expert.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Nina Santamaria, principal designer of interior design firm Grupo Santamaria, talks to\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0senior reporter Joseph L. Garcia about the benefits of good design for business, how lives can be transformed through well-planned spaces, and designing for marginalized communities.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nDesign cultivates joy
\nMs. Santamaria defined good interior design as “use (of) a space that allows you to be the best version of yourself.”
\nShe gave an example of a mother bonding with her children in the kitchen. “You want to enjoy finding what you need easily,” she said. “You want to talk to your kids while you’re cooking? How we will design your kitchen will enable you to do that,” she said, citing elegant solutions like kitchen islands that will allow for easier flow (instead of having a conventional stovetop and work area facing a wall). “That changes the game.”
\nDesigning for business
\nA well-designed, efficient space reflects a tight ship. “In retail or in offices, good design will really help your business,” she said.
\n“It’s space planning.” For example, a reception area is sometimes just an afterthought, but she said, “If your clients come inside the room and they don’t know who to talk to, that’s already a turn-off. They’ll leave.”
\n“You’ll have a better impact on your buyers or your customers.”
\nDesigning for the marginalized
\nGrupo Santamaria has planned a series of seminars this year to raise funds for renovating spaces occupied by Resources for the Blind and Children’s Joy Foundation as a way to celebrate its 20th anniversary. These sectors, often overlooked in design considerations, pose unique challenges, she said.
\n“The satisfaction of appreciating interior design is mostly visual,” she said. “We forget that component of ease of movement; ease of flow.”
\nShe said that for many of the visually impaired, they still retain their other senses. “If you’re impaired visually, you have all these senses that we would like to address. It’s really a lot of touch and movement,” she noted.
\nFor her, well-designed spaces for persons with disabilities means, “You need to be able to encourage independence as much as possible.” For the visually impaired, this means designing paths, furniture that aids in self-assistance, the reduction of sharp edges and corners, and tactile markers to aid them when moving from one space to another.
\nAs for the indigent children from the foundation, Ms. Santamaria said that children from the ages of about three to ten have needs in their spaces that they share with children across the world, in all walks of life. “They need to have their own space,” she said. “It’s really healthier for kids, for their own development, to have a sort of (space), whether it’s just a curtain dividing the room or their own little desks where they can express their personalities.”
\nThe purpose of interior design in public life
\nOn a personal note, she said that a well-designed space achieves its purpose “if it makes you feel what you imagine your ideal self would be, then that’s a good space.”
\nHow then do we apply that to the concept of nationhood? In a country riddled with bureaucracy \u2014 with old buildings that creak and crack, how does the Filipino become their ideal self? Ms. Santamaria, for example, spoke about the experience of paying taxes in a government office. “If you’re forced to fall in line in such a dirty place with no proper speaker system, and people haggling you…there’s no proper line \u2014 you’ll feel really shitty.”
\n“If you design it in such a way where you’re respecting the taxpayer by providing them with a well-lighted space, proper lines, a nice waiting area, an efficient speaker system…you’ll feel like you’re respected.”
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nFor the longest time, the Philippines has maintained a modest relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors. Recurring tensions in the South China Sea have left the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seeking clarity on how to navigate potential conflicts with China, even with the involvement of the United States.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Herman Joseph S. Kraft, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz the ways in which ASEAN can leverage its already strong ties to protect peace within its waters.
\n“Relations within the region are increasingly dominated by the rivalry between China and the US, and even if we keep emphasizing the idea of ASEAN centrality, it\u2019s becoming more and more difficult to assert that,” he said in an interview.
\nThe goal is to ease constraints felt by ASEAN within the ongoing rivalry between China and the US, Mr. Kraft noted.
\n“Ideally, ASEAN is going to be able to work in a way where it doesn\u2019t have to actually play or at least play a role within the competition between China and the United States,” he said.
\nHowever, this is easier said than done, with ASEAN countries having their own national interests to consider.
\nThe Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam, for instance, each have territorial interests in the South China Sea, with China claiming more than 80% of the waters.
\n“It\u2019s much more difficult for ASEAN to actually come up with a common appreciation of its strategic environment. Some of the members of ASEAN are actually closer to China, for instance, and some are actually closer to the US,” Mr. Kraft said.
\nAs a long-standing treaty ally, the Philippines has allowed the US more access to military bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. However, this has caused China to accuse the US of aggravating tensions in the Asia-Pacific due to its continued military expansion.
\n“There\u2019s a tendency to see that or at least to look at the Philippines as going too close to the United States at the expense of our relationship with China, so our situation is seemingly a zero-sum game,” Mr. Kraft said.
\nHe said that the Philippines should strengthen its diplomatic prowess to be recognized for its role in maintaining peaceful navigation in the disputed waters, especially within ASEAN, where the former is not seen as an “agent” of the US.
\nMembers of ASEAN have been vocal about the need to ensure peace and stability in the region. Even Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said, without naming China, that ASEAN “must never allow the international peaceful order to be subjected to the forces of might.”
\n“We cannot emphasize enough that actions, not words, should be the ultimate measure of our commitment to securing peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Mr. Marcos Jr. said during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month.
\nAlso present during the summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned of a “new Cold War,” and called on affected states to “appropriately handle differences and disputes.”
\n“China has not necessarily been forthright about how it wants to deal with us,” Mr. Kraft said.
\nA security hotline between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards has been inactive since January of this year.
\nChina and ASEAN also have yet to agree on a code of conduct in the South China Sea.
\nMr. Marcos Jr. reported progress on the code of conduct at the ASEAN summit, with “milestone issues and a preliminary review of the Single Draft Negotiating Text\u2026achieved in Manila.”
\nForeign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita C. Daza recently said that the Philippines has submitted 43 diplomatic complaints against China this year. These protests are in response to China obstructing the Coast Guard’s resupply missions at the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin, where the old World War II ship BRP Sierra Madre is stationed to assert the Philippines’ ownership in the area.
\nGiven the region\u2019s proximity to the South China Sea, ASEAN members should agree to a consensus on how the strategic environment should work, according to Mr. Kraft.
\nHe cited how ASEAN made a strong stance against Vietnam\u2019s invasion of Cambodia in the late 1970s and 1980s.
\n“It\u2019s a very good example of how small countries, but acting collectively\u2026[and] being able to sway public opinion on an issue that is central to their own regional concerns,” Mr. Kraft said.
\nHe noted that stronger ASEAN ties would not likely be a threat to China and would similarly draw in conflict. “ASEAN has always been what some authors have said a political diplomatic community.” “Any increase in the [ASEAN’s] capability is going to be largely political-diplomatic, not hard security or military,” Mr. Kraft said.
\nWhen asked about China’s relationship with ASEAN, Mr. Kraft said: “Historically, it’s always been good.”
\nAFP MODERNIZATION
\nAlongside leveraging its diplomatic capabilities, Mr. Kraft also urged the Philippine government to be consistent with its modernization plan. He pointed out the country’s tendency to recognize the importance of enhancing its military capability when issues arise.
\n“Do we have to wait for a crisis to take the modernization of our instruments for asserting our sovereignty seriously?” Mr. Kraft said.
\n“All that China has to do is wait for us to lose interest.”
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nFor the longest time, the Philippines has maintained a modest relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors. Recurring tensions in the South China Sea have left the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seeking clarity on how to navigate potential conflicts with China, even with the involvement of the United States.\nIn this B-Side episode, Herman Joseph S. Kraft, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz the ways in which ASEAN can leverage its already strong ties to protect peace within its waters.\n“Relations within the region are increasingly dominated by the rivalry between China and the US, and even if we keep emphasizing the idea of ASEAN centrality, it\u2019s becoming more and more difficult to assert that,” he said in an interview.\nThe goal is to ease constraints felt by ASEAN within the ongoing rivalry between China and the US, Mr. Kraft noted.\n“Ideally, ASEAN is going to be able to work in a way where it doesn\u2019t have to actually play or at least play a role within the competition between China and the United States,” he said.\nHowever, this is easier said than done, with ASEAN countries having their own national interests to consider.\nThe Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam, for instance, each have territorial interests in the South China Sea, with China claiming more than 80% of the waters.\n“It\u2019s much more difficult for ASEAN to actually come up with a common appreciation of its strategic environment. Some of the members of ASEAN are actually closer to China, for instance, and some are actually closer to the US,” Mr. Kraft said.\nAs a long-standing treaty ally, the Philippines has allowed the US more access to military bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. However, this has caused China to accuse the US of aggravating tensions in the Asia-Pacific due to its continued military expansion.\n“There\u2019s a tendency to see that or at least to look at the Philippines as going too close to the United States at the expense of our relationship with China, so our situation is seemingly a zero-sum game,” Mr. Kraft said.\nHe said that the Philippines should strengthen its diplomatic prowess to be recognized for its role in maintaining peaceful navigation in the disputed waters, especially within ASEAN, where the former is not seen as an “agent” of the US.\nMembers of ASEAN have been vocal about the need to ensure peace and stability in the region. Even Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said, without naming China, that ASEAN “must never allow the international peaceful order to be subjected to the forces of might.”\n“We cannot emphasize enough that actions, not words, should be the ultimate measure of our commitment to securing peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Mr. Marcos Jr. said during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month.\nAlso present during the summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned of a “new Cold War,” and called on affected states to “appropriately handle differences and disputes.”\n“China has not necessarily been forthright about how it wants to deal with us,” Mr. Kraft said.\nA security hotline between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards has been inactive since January of this year.\nChina and ASEAN also have yet to agree on a code of conduct in the South China Sea.\nMr. Marcos Jr. reported progress on the code of conduct at the ASEAN summit, with “milestone issues and a preliminary review of the Single Draft Negotiating Text\u2026achieved in Manila.”\nForeign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita C. Daza recently said that the Philippines has submitted 43 diplomatic complaints against China this year. These protests are in response to China obstructing the Coast Guard’s resupply missions at the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin, where the old World War II ship BRP Sierra Madre is stationed to assert the Philippines’ ownership in the area.\nGiven the region\u2019s proximity to the South China Sea, ASEAN members should agree to a consensus on how the strategic environment should work, according to Mr. Kraft.\nHe cited how ASEAN made a strong stance against Vietnam\u2019s invasion of Cambodia in the late 1970s and 1980s.\n“It\u2019s a very good example of how small countries, but acting collectively\u2026[and] being able to sway public opinion on an issue that is central to their own regional concerns,” Mr. Kraft said.\nHe noted that stronger ASEAN ties would not likely be a threat to China and would similarly draw in conflict. “ASEAN has always been what some authors have said a political diplomatic community.” “Any increase in the [ASEAN’s] capability is going to be largely political-diplomatic, not hard security or military,” Mr. Kraft said.\nWhen asked about China’s relationship with ASEAN, Mr. Kraft said: “Historically, it’s always been good.”\nAFP MODERNIZATION\nAlongside leveraging its diplomatic capabilities, Mr. Kraft also urged the Philippine government to be consistent with its modernization plan. He pointed out the country’s tendency to recognize the importance of enhancing its military capability when issues arise.\n“Do we have to wait for a crisis to take the modernization of our instruments for asserting our sovereignty seriously?” Mr. Kraft said.\n“All that China has to do is wait for us to lose interest.”\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-09-26T08:32:10+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-27T16:24:36+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-09-25-B-side-Bea-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=546195", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/09/18/546195/b-side-podcast-exploring-the-nation-building-role-of-industrial-engineers/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Exploring the nation-building role of industrial engineers", "content_html": "\nIndustrial engineering, or IE, is an often-overlooked field of engineering that deals with cutting costs, increasing savings, and making improvements to systems. In the Philippines, industrial engineers have been responsible for many such improvements, like streamlining product lines to make them more efficient and adjusting vaccination queues to accommodate more people.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) Founder Rodel \u201cAudi\u201d E.C. Adiviso and current president Jerry A. Lim talk to BusinessWorld reporter Bronte H. Lacsamana about how IE can fix modern-day systems and develop in the age of digital transformation.
\nIE goes hand in hand with technological advancement because it blends management expertise with engineering principles, said Mr. Adiviso.
\n\u201cIf you magnify it and apply it to factories, to companies, then you see the relevance of getting products on a timely manner, getting services in a more efficient way, and with a lot of savings in terms of cost implications,\u201d he said.
\nFor Mr. Lim, the crux of the IE principle is simple \u2014 it’s a \u201cstudy of systems, where you just keep on trying to improve something\u201d \u2014 and that includes making do with the technology we have today.
\nThe IE mindset has already been applied to local systems.
\nThe coronavirus pandemic actually illustrated the brilliance and importance of IE in emergency or safety situations that require putting things in order, according to Mr. Adiviso.
\nHe said that clients like Unilab reached out to ask how to solve overcrowding in vaccination centers, which they began looking into by going to one such center in Quezon City.
\n\u201cThere, we noticed that a lot of people can get their injection in 12 seconds, but the bottleneck was actually in filling up forms, in queuing upfront,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you balance the line, it should happen, that smoother flow.\u201d
\nThe person who thought of the rapid pass used to enter malls and establishments was also an IE. \u201cThey did spot checks at first, which caused long lines. It took an IE to come up with a rapid pass using a QR code,\u201d Mr. Lim said.
\nThe term they use for that thinking is \u201ckaizen,\u201d a Japanese word which means \u201ccontinuous improvement.\u201d That is how IEs develop a better way of doing things, he added.
\nIE professionals can be certified.
\nMr. Adiviso pointed out that, though it is an underrated field in engineering that does not have a government-mandated board exam, IE has had a certification exam in the Philippines since 2010, established by PIIE.
\nIt started off with only 60 takers and gradually reached 1,000 every year, right before the pandemic hit. Since then, it is inching up from a hundred in 2020 to around 300 exam takers this year.
\n\u201cIEs are now valued here, and big companies are stipulating that they wish to hire certified industrial engineers or professional industrial engineers,\u201d he said.
\nPIIE itself, which he started in 1998, aims to further the relevance of the IE mindset. Though the certification program has helped with this goal, emerging technologies are rapidly shifting the skillset that an IE needs.
\nPeople who are trained to analyze data and to find solutions with the data given to them are becoming very, very relevant, and IE is the field of engineering that trains the most in that skillset, said Mr. Lim.
\n\u201cThe bottom line is that the IEs come up with the system, the flow of information, and then the computer science people are the ones who will translate it into formulas or numbers for people to use,\u201d he explained.
\nAI, machine learning will be integrated into many systems.
\nTraffic is an example of a bottleneck situation that can utilize operations research to build an algorithm that solves the problem, Mr. Adiviso said.
\n\u201cYou can find the right combination of what factors need to be enhanced or improved. Maybe we can balance the line by improving the infrastructure or putting the right number of traffic enforcers.\u201d
\nHe shared that a traffic algorithm exists in countries like Taiwan, where the flow at intersections are regulated by synchronized traffic lights that adjust to accommodate wherever high vehicle volume has accumulated.
\nIn the Philippines, such technologies are not yet in place, although PIIE will hold a research conference in October for its 25th anniversary, where digital transformation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence have special focus.
\nMr. Lim emphasized that the Filipino IE\u2019s concern today is to make do with whatever we have on our hands now and optimize it.
\n\u201cAs to how we will quickly adapt or start to be at par with our wealthier neighbors in terms of the Internet of Things, in terms of having good internet, in terms of robotics or AI, that’s beyond me,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cWhatever it is that we have achieved or come to, it is IEs\u2019 role in nation building to uphold the discipline of maximizing what we have.\u201d
\n", "content_text": "Industrial engineering, or IE, is an often-overlooked field of engineering that deals with cutting costs, increasing savings, and making improvements to systems. In the Philippines, industrial engineers have been responsible for many such improvements, like streamlining product lines to make them more efficient and adjusting vaccination queues to accommodate more people.\nIn this B-Side episode, Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) Founder Rodel \u201cAudi\u201d E.C. Adiviso and current president Jerry A. Lim talk to BusinessWorld reporter Bronte H. Lacsamana about how IE can fix modern-day systems and develop in the age of digital transformation.\nIE goes hand in hand with technological advancement because it blends management expertise with engineering principles, said Mr. Adiviso.\n\u201cIf you magnify it and apply it to factories, to companies, then you see the relevance of getting products on a timely manner, getting services in a more efficient way, and with a lot of savings in terms of cost implications,\u201d he said.\nFor Mr. Lim, the crux of the IE principle is simple \u2014 it’s a \u201cstudy of systems, where you just keep on trying to improve something\u201d \u2014 and that includes making do with the technology we have today.\nThe IE mindset has already been applied to local systems.\nThe coronavirus pandemic actually illustrated the brilliance and importance of IE in emergency or safety situations that require putting things in order, according to Mr. Adiviso.\nHe said that clients like Unilab reached out to ask how to solve overcrowding in vaccination centers, which they began looking into by going to one such center in Quezon City.\n\u201cThere, we noticed that a lot of people can get their injection in 12 seconds, but the bottleneck was actually in filling up forms, in queuing upfront,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you balance the line, it should happen, that smoother flow.\u201d\nThe person who thought of the rapid pass used to enter malls and establishments was also an IE. \u201cThey did spot checks at first, which caused long lines. It took an IE to come up with a rapid pass using a QR code,\u201d Mr. Lim said.\nThe term they use for that thinking is \u201ckaizen,\u201d a Japanese word which means \u201ccontinuous improvement.\u201d That is how IEs develop a better way of doing things, he added.\nIE professionals can be certified.\nMr. Adiviso pointed out that, though it is an underrated field in engineering that does not have a government-mandated board exam, IE has had a certification exam in the Philippines since 2010, established by PIIE.\nIt started off with only 60 takers and gradually reached 1,000 every year, right before the pandemic hit. Since then, it is inching up from a hundred in 2020 to around 300 exam takers this year.\n\u201cIEs are now valued here, and big companies are stipulating that they wish to hire certified industrial engineers or professional industrial engineers,\u201d he said.\nPIIE itself, which he started in 1998, aims to further the relevance of the IE mindset. Though the certification program has helped with this goal, emerging technologies are rapidly shifting the skillset that an IE needs.\nPeople who are trained to analyze data and to find solutions with the data given to them are becoming very, very relevant, and IE is the field of engineering that trains the most in that skillset, said Mr. Lim.\n\u201cThe bottom line is that the IEs come up with the system, the flow of information, and then the computer science people are the ones who will translate it into formulas or numbers for people to use,\u201d he explained.\nAI, machine learning will be integrated into many systems.\nTraffic is an example of a bottleneck situation that can utilize operations research to build an algorithm that solves the problem, Mr. Adiviso said.\n\u201cYou can find the right combination of what factors need to be enhanced or improved. Maybe we can balance the line by improving the infrastructure or putting the right number of traffic enforcers.\u201d\nHe shared that a traffic algorithm exists in countries like Taiwan, where the flow at intersections are regulated by synchronized traffic lights that adjust to accommodate wherever high vehicle volume has accumulated.\nIn the Philippines, such technologies are not yet in place, although PIIE will hold a research conference in October for its 25th anniversary, where digital transformation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence have special focus.\nMr. Lim emphasized that the Filipino IE\u2019s concern today is to make do with whatever we have on our hands now and optimize it.\n\u201cAs to how we will quickly adapt or start to be at par with our wealthier neighbors in terms of the Internet of Things, in terms of having good internet, in terms of robotics or AI, that’s beyond me,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWhatever it is that we have achieved or come to, it is IEs\u2019 role in nation building to uphold the discipline of maximizing what we have.\u201d", "date_published": "2023-09-18T10:47:54+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-18T12:08:35+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-09-18-B-side-Bron-Podcast-ART.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=544761", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/09/11/544761/b-side-podcast-ghost-month-and-the-stock-market/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Ghost Month and the stock market", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nGhost Month, a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture, has fascinated financial analysts for years.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Carlos A. Temporal, a senior equity research analyst at Unicapital Securities, Inc., discusses the impact of Ghost Month on the stock market with BusinessWorld reporter Justine Irish DP. Tabile.
\nThis year, Ghost Month, the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 14.
\nGhost Month, which usually falls in the month of August, stems from an ancient Chinese belief that claims the gates of hell open, letting ghosts return to the living world.
\n“Given that major businesses in the Philippines and most of the index constituents of the Philippine Stock Exchange are owned by Filipino-Chinese businessmen, and considering how superstitious Filipinos are, which is also attributable to the ingrained Chinese culture in the Philippines, Ghost Month has become a widespread phenomenon believed by many local market participants,” said Mr. Temporal.
\nIn the case of the local bourse, he said, the period that Ghost Month covers is seasonally weaker, which is why investors are driven to position themselves ahead of it.
\n“By positioning, they are liquidating their positions and their stocks ahead of the potential decline in August, so that is how it affects the market,” he noted.
\n“Given that the belief during Ghost Month is that doing big-ticket things such as investments may cause some bad luck, which could upset spirits visiting our world, this has prompted investors and market participants to delay making investments in the market,” he added.
\nFor this year, he said that although the weeks covered by Ghost Month showed a slowdown, it is not that much different from prior months.
\n“I won’t really say that what happened in the market is mostly attributable to that phenomenon, but I think it did play its part because we have that low liquidity. But again, the negative macro-conditions are what really drove the sell-off,” he also said.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nGhost Month, a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture, has fascinated financial analysts for years.\nIn this B-Side episode, Carlos A. Temporal, a senior equity research analyst at Unicapital Securities, Inc., discusses the impact of Ghost Month on the stock market with BusinessWorld reporter Justine Irish DP. Tabile.\nThis year, Ghost Month, the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 14.\nGhost Month, which usually falls in the month of August, stems from an ancient Chinese belief that claims the gates of hell open, letting ghosts return to the living world.\n“Given that major businesses in the Philippines and most of the index constituents of the Philippine Stock Exchange are owned by Filipino-Chinese businessmen, and considering how superstitious Filipinos are, which is also attributable to the ingrained Chinese culture in the Philippines, Ghost Month has become a widespread phenomenon believed by many local market participants,” said Mr. Temporal.\nIn the case of the local bourse, he said, the period that Ghost Month covers is seasonally weaker, which is why investors are driven to position themselves ahead of it.\n“By positioning, they are liquidating their positions and their stocks ahead of the potential decline in August, so that is how it affects the market,” he noted.\n“Given that the belief during Ghost Month is that doing big-ticket things such as investments may cause some bad luck, which could upset spirits visiting our world, this has prompted investors and market participants to delay making investments in the market,” he added.\nFor this year, he said that although the weeks covered by Ghost Month showed a slowdown, it is not that much different from prior months.\n“I won’t really say that what happened in the market is mostly attributable to that phenomenon, but I think it did play its part because we have that low liquidity. But again, the negative macro-conditions are what really drove the sell-off,” he also said.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-09-11T12:00:37+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-11T12:00:37+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-09-11-B-side-Justine-Podcast-ART.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=543325", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/09/04/543325/b-side-podcast-love-unbounded-ethical-non-monogamy-explored-in-phl-setting/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Love unbounded: \u2018Ethical non-monogamy\u2019 explored in PHL setting", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nParallel, garden party, and kitchen table \u2014 these are just some of the many ways to practice ethical non-monogamy (ENM).
\nIn this B-Side episode, Drew O\u2019Bannon, founder of sex education platform Now Open PH, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson about ENM in the Philippines.
\n\u201cThere\u2019s really not that big of a difference between what makes a monogamous relationship ethical versus what makes a non-monogamous relationship ethical,\u201d said O\u2019Bannon.
\n\u201cYou have to communicate with everyone involved, you need to be honest, you need to be transparent, you need to have integrity. But again, these are the same things that make monogamous relationships work. It\u2019s just that with ENM, it has to be put on the table.\u201d
\nO\u2019Bannon said there are many \u201cunspoken rules\u201d in monogamy. \u201cWith ENM, there\u2019s really no rules. It\u2019s sort of a free-for-all, that you get to decide what that looks like.\u201d
\n\u201cThere\u2019s a variety of ways to practice this, but the main point is that everyone is informed, everyone consents, and hopefully, everyone is satisfied.”
\nO\u2019Bannon also highlighted the struggles that the non-monogamous community faces, especially in a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines.
\nCatholic beliefs are also notably ingrained in the widely accepted standards for relationships, O’Bannon said.
\n\u201cEven with people who aren\u2019t religious, our idea of romance as a one-to-one correspondence, a marriage between a man and a woman, is very religious in nature.\u201d
\nState laws and policies are also designed to cater to monogamous people. O\u2019Bannon said that legalizing divorce will be crucial to making society more inclusive and progressive.
\n\u201cThe first step is we need divorce. One of the main values in non-monogamy is autonomy and choice. We don\u2019t like trapping people in relationships. If you want to stop a relationship, you have the right to leave.”
\n\u201cYou can\u2019t say that we have the choice to have the relationship we want if we only have the choice to start them but not end them.\u201d
\nMarriage laws in general are also designed to favor monogamous relationships.
\n\u201cMarriage gives a lot of privileges and rights to people. The right to make medical decisions, the right to inheritance. Insurance companies often won\u2019t let you (list down) a partner unless you’re married,\u201d O’Bannon said.
\n\u201cWhy are there rights for getting married? If you give special rights to a certain kind of relationship, it’s more \u2018valid\u2019 in the state\u2019s eyes and society\u2019s eyes because culture revolves around the policies we have. Why do we give special rights to people who are married? Why can\u2019t we allow people to choose who gets to make their legal decisions?\u201d
\nWhen it comes down to it, O\u2019Bannon said that relationships, whether monogamous or not, should not be bound by a set of rules or preconceived notions.
\n\u201cWhatever you identify as, you get to choose what your relationships look like. You get to decide what you do. There is a particular script that you can follow if you want, but that\u2019s just one script of billions.”
\n\u201cIf there\u2019s one thing people can learn from non-monogamy, it\u2019s that you have the agency and the power to decide how to conduct your relationships.\u201d
\nRecorded remotely on Aug. 30, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nParallel, garden party, and kitchen table \u2014 these are just some of the many ways to practice ethical non-monogamy (ENM).\nIn this B-Side episode, Drew O\u2019Bannon, founder of sex education platform Now Open PH, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson about ENM in the Philippines.\n\u201cThere\u2019s really not that big of a difference between what makes a monogamous relationship ethical versus what makes a non-monogamous relationship ethical,\u201d said O\u2019Bannon.\n\u201cYou have to communicate with everyone involved, you need to be honest, you need to be transparent, you need to have integrity. But again, these are the same things that make monogamous relationships work. It\u2019s just that with ENM, it has to be put on the table.\u201d\nO\u2019Bannon said there are many \u201cunspoken rules\u201d in monogamy. \u201cWith ENM, there\u2019s really no rules. It\u2019s sort of a free-for-all, that you get to decide what that looks like.\u201d\n\u201cThere\u2019s a variety of ways to practice this, but the main point is that everyone is informed, everyone consents, and hopefully, everyone is satisfied.”\nO\u2019Bannon also highlighted the struggles that the non-monogamous community faces, especially in a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines.\nCatholic beliefs are also notably ingrained in the widely accepted standards for relationships, O’Bannon said.\n\u201cEven with people who aren\u2019t religious, our idea of romance as a one-to-one correspondence, a marriage between a man and a woman, is very religious in nature.\u201d\nState laws and policies are also designed to cater to monogamous people. O\u2019Bannon said that legalizing divorce will be crucial to making society more inclusive and progressive.\n\u201cThe first step is we need divorce. One of the main values in non-monogamy is autonomy and choice. We don\u2019t like trapping people in relationships. If you want to stop a relationship, you have the right to leave.”\n\u201cYou can\u2019t say that we have the choice to have the relationship we want if we only have the choice to start them but not end them.\u201d\nMarriage laws in general are also designed to favor monogamous relationships.\n\u201cMarriage gives a lot of privileges and rights to people. The right to make medical decisions, the right to inheritance. Insurance companies often won\u2019t let you (list down) a partner unless you’re married,\u201d O’Bannon said.\n\u201cWhy are there rights for getting married? If you give special rights to a certain kind of relationship, it’s more \u2018valid\u2019 in the state\u2019s eyes and society\u2019s eyes because culture revolves around the policies we have. Why do we give special rights to people who are married? Why can\u2019t we allow people to choose who gets to make their legal decisions?\u201d\nWhen it comes down to it, O\u2019Bannon said that relationships, whether monogamous or not, should not be bound by a set of rules or preconceived notions.\n\u201cWhatever you identify as, you get to choose what your relationships look like. You get to decide what you do. There is a particular script that you can follow if you want, but that\u2019s just one script of billions.”\n\u201cIf there\u2019s one thing people can learn from non-monogamy, it\u2019s that you have the agency and the power to decide how to conduct your relationships.\u201d\nRecorded remotely on Aug. 30, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-09-04T12:13:17+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-04T12:13:17+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-09-04-B-side-Luisa-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=542047", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/08/29/542047/b-side-podcast-what-phl-education-should-look-like-in-the-ai-era/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] What PHL education should look like in the AI era", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nA significant portion of what has traditionally been taught in tertiary education has lost its relevance in the present, according to Hyper Island Institute of Higher Education, a digital creative business school.
\nIn this episode of B-Side, Peachy Pacquing, managing director at Hyper Island Singapore, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Ashley Erika O. Jose about the need for transformative education, characterized by meta-learning, or learning how to learn.
\nThis approach arises as a response to the changing times, in which technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are now able to perform tasks that were previously taught in traditional educational settings, she said.
\n\u201cAs an example, if we spend so much money educating our children in multimedia, teaching them how to create websites and code, I am not against these hard skills, but how does that play out in a world where AI can create all of these things? Have we prepared them sufficiently for a time when the tools and frameworks that we taught them in the past no longer hold the value they used to deliver?\u201d
\n\u201cThat\u2019s why meta-learning is incredibly important to us because meta-learning is transcendent, meaning it\u2019s not just relevant today, but it will equip you with the skills and mindset that will help you see the world as it evolves and enable you to contribute value regardless of how it evolves,\u201d she added.
\nEstablished in Sweden two decades ago, Hyper Island has continued to expand its presence across the globe with operations in London, Manchester, Singapore, New York, S\u00e3o Paulo, Stockholm, and Karlskrona.
\n“It was born because the Swedish government realized that the way they were doing education was no longer sufficient, or relevant and therefore there was a challenge to reimagine education more than 20 years back,” Ms. Pacquing said.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nA significant portion of what has traditionally been taught in tertiary education has lost its relevance in the present, according to Hyper Island Institute of Higher Education, a digital creative business school.\nIn this episode of B-Side, Peachy Pacquing, managing director at Hyper Island Singapore, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Ashley Erika O. Jose about the need for transformative education, characterized by meta-learning, or learning how to learn.\nThis approach arises as a response to the changing times, in which technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are now able to perform tasks that were previously taught in traditional educational settings, she said.\n\u201cAs an example, if we spend so much money educating our children in multimedia, teaching them how to create websites and code, I am not against these hard skills, but how does that play out in a world where AI can create all of these things? Have we prepared them sufficiently for a time when the tools and frameworks that we taught them in the past no longer hold the value they used to deliver?\u201d\n\u201cThat\u2019s why meta-learning is incredibly important to us because meta-learning is transcendent, meaning it\u2019s not just relevant today, but it will equip you with the skills and mindset that will help you see the world as it evolves and enable you to contribute value regardless of how it evolves,\u201d she added.\nEstablished in Sweden two decades ago, Hyper Island has continued to expand its presence across the globe with operations in London, Manchester, Singapore, New York, S\u00e3o Paulo, Stockholm, and Karlskrona.\n“It was born because the Swedish government realized that the way they were doing education was no longer sufficient, or relevant and therefore there was a challenge to reimagine education more than 20 years back,” Ms. Pacquing said.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-08-29T12:02:26+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-29T12:02:26+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-29-B-side-Ashley-Podcast-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=540898", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/08/22/540898/b-side-podcast-phls-battle-against-fake-news-on-west-philippine-sea/", "title": "[B-SIDE\u00a0Podcast]\u00a0PHL\u2019s battle\u00a0against\u00a0fake news on\u00a0West Philippine Sea", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nChina\u2019s increased aggression in the South China Sea has made it more challenging for the Philippines, now regarded as an Asian middle power, to ignore the situation, an analyst said.
\nOn Aug. 5, the Chinese Coast Guard, backed by its maritime militia and People\u2019s Liberation Army ships, fired water cannons to block a resupply mission to a Philippine military outpost on Second Thomas Shoal. The shoal is located about 200 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China\u2019s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.
\nChina\u2019s move prompted a diplomatic protest from the Philippines and statements of concern from countries including the US, Japan, Australia, South Korea and members of the European Union.
\nBut China was quick to counter international backlash, with the Chinese Coast Guard accusing the Philippines of failing to honor a supposed promise to remove its grounded warship from the Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippines calls Ayungin.
\nDon McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst and international studies lecturer at De La Salle University, said that this propaganda is just one aspect of China\u2019s complex strategy in the South China Sea, which aims to avoid direct military conflict.
\nIn particular, China\u2019s narrative on the World War II-era warship named BRP Sierra Madre is a form of psychological warfare that seeks to alter the status quo without the use of overt military force, he told\u00a0BusinessWorld.
\n\u201cInformation, or disinformation, is a vital tool in altering the narrative on the South China Sea, or the West Philippine Sea in particular,\u201d Mr. Gill said. \u201cIf you say something that is not backed by evidence, and you say it over and over again, every single day, you are bound to have people believe in what you are saying. You are bound to have some attractiveness.\u201d\u00a0
\nPeople who will believe in the narrative \u201cwill eventually take part in spreading the word \u2014 consciously or subconsciously,\u201d the analyst added, \u201cand it will eventually snowball.\u201d
\nMr. Gill said the Philippines needs to counter China\u2019s influence operations by, among others, providing \u201clegitimate information.\u201d
\nPhilippine authorities have already debunked China\u2019s claim, with Mr. Marcos saying he was not aware of an agreement to remove BRP Sierra Madre from the Second Thomas Shoal.\u00a0
\n\u201cAnd let me go further, if there exists such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now.\u201d
\nMr. Gill said China\u2019s provocative actions that stops short of a military confrontation will continue \u201cuntil a significant cause will be placed on China\u2019s multifaceted strategy.\u201d
\nIn deterring Chinese aggression, the Philippines needs to consider Beijing\u2019s cabbage tactics, which refer to the strategy of seizing control of an island by surrounding and wrapping it in successive layers of Chinese naval and coast guard ships and fishing boats, said Mr. Gill, who noted that China is avoiding moves that could prompt Washington to invoke a 1950s mutual defense treaty with Manila.\u00a0
\nThe analyst cited the need for the Philippines to boost its defense partnerships with like-minded nations and expand its economic networks.\u00a0
\nChina is the Philippines\u2019 largest trade partner, with\u202ftheir total trade amounting to $3.01 billion in April, according to the local statistics agency. Manila\u2019s exports to China reached $772.47 million in the same month, while its imports from Beijing hit $2.26 billion.\u00a0
\nThe Southeast Asian nation also needs to conduct \u201cconsistent\u201d joint patrols and military activities in the West Philippine Sea, Mr. Gill said. \u201cThe Philippines and its allies must push back by cementing the status quo in the South China Sea.\u201d\u00a0
\n\u201cThese must be done with utmost consistency and over a long period of time. The battle now will rely on patience and consistency \u2014 above anything else.\u201d \u2014 Kyle Aristophere T.\u00a0Atienza
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nChina\u2019s increased aggression in the South China Sea has made it more challenging for the Philippines, now regarded as an Asian middle power, to ignore the situation, an analyst said.\nOn Aug. 5, the Chinese Coast Guard, backed by its maritime militia and People\u2019s Liberation Army ships, fired water cannons to block a resupply mission to a Philippine military outpost on Second Thomas Shoal. The shoal is located about 200 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China\u2019s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.\nChina\u2019s move prompted a diplomatic protest from the Philippines and statements of concern from countries including the US, Japan, Australia, South Korea and members of the European Union.\nBut China was quick to counter international backlash, with the Chinese Coast Guard accusing the Philippines of failing to honor a supposed promise to remove its grounded warship from the Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippines calls Ayungin.\nDon McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst and international studies lecturer at De La Salle University, said that this propaganda is just one aspect of China\u2019s complex strategy in the South China Sea, which aims to avoid direct military conflict.\nIn particular, China\u2019s narrative on the World War II-era warship named BRP Sierra Madre is a form of psychological warfare that seeks to alter the status quo without the use of overt military force, he told\u00a0BusinessWorld.\n\u201cInformation, or disinformation, is a vital tool in altering the narrative on the South China Sea, or the West Philippine Sea in particular,\u201d Mr. Gill said. \u201cIf you say something that is not backed by evidence, and you say it over and over again, every single day, you are bound to have people believe in what you are saying. You are bound to have some attractiveness.\u201d\u00a0\nPeople who will believe in the narrative \u201cwill eventually take part in spreading the word \u2014 consciously or subconsciously,\u201d the analyst added, \u201cand it will eventually snowball.\u201d\nMr. Gill said the Philippines needs to counter China\u2019s influence operations by, among others, providing \u201clegitimate information.\u201d\nPhilippine authorities have already debunked China\u2019s claim, with Mr. Marcos saying he was not aware of an agreement to remove BRP Sierra Madre from the Second Thomas Shoal.\u00a0\n\u201cAnd let me go further, if there exists such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now.\u201d\nMr. Gill said China\u2019s provocative actions that stops short of a military confrontation will continue \u201cuntil a significant cause will be placed on China\u2019s multifaceted strategy.\u201d\nIn deterring Chinese aggression, the Philippines needs to consider Beijing\u2019s cabbage tactics, which refer to the strategy of seizing control of an island by surrounding and wrapping it in successive layers of Chinese naval and coast guard ships and fishing boats, said Mr. Gill, who noted that China is avoiding moves that could prompt Washington to invoke a 1950s mutual defense treaty with Manila.\u00a0\nThe analyst cited the need for the Philippines to boost its defense partnerships with like-minded nations and expand its economic networks.\u00a0\nChina is the Philippines\u2019 largest trade partner, with\u202ftheir total trade amounting to $3.01 billion in April, according to the local statistics agency. Manila\u2019s exports to China reached $772.47 million in the same month, while its imports from Beijing hit $2.26 billion.\u00a0\nThe Southeast Asian nation also needs to conduct \u201cconsistent\u201d joint patrols and military activities in the West Philippine Sea, Mr. Gill said. \u201cThe Philippines and its allies must push back by cementing the status quo in the South China Sea.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThese must be done with utmost consistency and over a long period of time. The battle now will rely on patience and consistency \u2014 above anything else.\u201d \u2014 Kyle Aristophere T.\u00a0Atienza", "date_published": "2023-08-22T13:31:14+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-22T13:40:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-22-B-side-KyleGill-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza", "Podcast" ], "summary": "China\u2019s increased aggression in the South China Sea has made it more challenging for the Philippines, now regarded as an Asian middle power, to ignore the situation, an analyst said." }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=539668", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/08/15/539668/b-side-podcast-central-bank-digital-currency-deployment-insights-from-imf/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Central bank digital currency deployment: Insights from IMF", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) needs to be properly prepared to deploy central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), as these virtual currencies might pose risks to banks, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
\nTommaso Mancini-Griffoli, deputy division chief in the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the IMF, said in an interview during the IMF Spring Meetings in April that if consumers find a more convenient payment method, such as using CBDCs, they might opt not to deposit money in banks.
\n\u201cIf there is an alternative that allows us to make payments perhaps even more easily, and that is perhaps even safer as a store of value, we might switch to that. CBDC might well be that form of money that is just as liquid and convenient for me to make payments, perhaps more so,\u201d Mr. Mancini-Griffoli told\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan.
\n\u201cSo, if that’s the case, people may move their money out of the banks into CBDC. That would cut back on bank funding, and will cut back on the bank’s ability to provide credit to the economy and that is a problem.\u201d
\n\u201cIt’s important that central banks are attentive to this and manage these risks carefully. [They] can set limits on how much people can hold in their CBDC wallets or [they] can have fees on wallet transactions if [a person] holds above a certain level,\u201d he added.
\nThe Philippine central bank has been testing the use of wholesale CBDCs among selected financial institutions through its CBDCPh project.
\nThe pilot project was initiated in 2022 and is set to continue until 2024. The BSP employs a test-and-learn approach within a sandbox environment to gain a deeper understanding of the possibilities and risks associated with wholesale CBDC. This effort also aims to bridge gaps within the national payment system.
\nThe project encompasses various aspects, including policy and regulatory considerations, technological infrastructure, governance and organizational requirements, legal matters, payment and settlement models, reconciliation procedures, and risk management.
\n\u201cA CBDC is new and involves new technologies. It also involves a type of work that central banks are not necessarily used to, which is building products that will eventually be used directly by households and firms,\u201d\u00a0Mr. Mancini-Griffoli\u00a0said.
\n\u201cCentral banks that are serious about doing deploying and testing CBDCs need to understand these challenges and need to tool up in order to deliver. That\u2019s a little complicated to do, but certainly not beyond the reach of central banks,\u201d he added.
\nRelated story:\u00a0https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2022/04/28/445079/bsp-to-launch-digital-currency-pilot-project/
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) needs to be properly prepared to deploy central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), as these virtual currencies might pose risks to banks, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).\nTommaso Mancini-Griffoli, deputy division chief in the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the IMF, said in an interview during the IMF Spring Meetings in April that if consumers find a more convenient payment method, such as using CBDCs, they might opt not to deposit money in banks.\n\u201cIf there is an alternative that allows us to make payments perhaps even more easily, and that is perhaps even safer as a store of value, we might switch to that. CBDC might well be that form of money that is just as liquid and convenient for me to make payments, perhaps more so,\u201d Mr. Mancini-Griffoli told\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Keisha B. Ta-asan.\n\u201cSo, if that’s the case, people may move their money out of the banks into CBDC. That would cut back on bank funding, and will cut back on the bank’s ability to provide credit to the economy and that is a problem.\u201d\n\u201cIt’s important that central banks are attentive to this and manage these risks carefully. [They] can set limits on how much people can hold in their CBDC wallets or [they] can have fees on wallet transactions if [a person] holds above a certain level,\u201d he added.\nThe Philippine central bank has been testing the use of wholesale CBDCs among selected financial institutions through its CBDCPh project.\nThe pilot project was initiated in 2022 and is set to continue until 2024. The BSP employs a test-and-learn approach within a sandbox environment to gain a deeper understanding of the possibilities and risks associated with wholesale CBDC. This effort also aims to bridge gaps within the national payment system.\nThe project encompasses various aspects, including policy and regulatory considerations, technological infrastructure, governance and organizational requirements, legal matters, payment and settlement models, reconciliation procedures, and risk management.\n\u201cA CBDC is new and involves new technologies. It also involves a type of work that central banks are not necessarily used to, which is building products that will eventually be used directly by households and firms,\u201d\u00a0Mr. Mancini-Griffoli\u00a0said.\n\u201cCentral banks that are serious about doing deploying and testing CBDCs need to understand these challenges and need to tool up in order to deliver. That\u2019s a little complicated to do, but certainly not beyond the reach of central banks,\u201d he added.\nRelated story:\u00a0https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2022/04/28/445079/bsp-to-launch-digital-currency-pilot-project/\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-08-15T08:31:44+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-15T08:31:44+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-14-B-side-Keisha-IMF-Tommaso-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=538140", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/08/07/538140/b-side-podcast-building-stronger-healthcare/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Building stronger healthcare", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nHow are Philippine hospitals evolving after the pandemic? What important lessons have they learned from the crisis? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol speaks with Eugenio F. Ramos, president and group chief executive officer of The Medical City (TMC), about the importance of public-private partnerships, embracing technology, and addressing staff-related difficulties.
\nContinue to foster public-private partnerships.
\nThe COVID-19 pandemic was a time for everyone in the public and private sectors to set aside their differences and work together, according to Mr. Ramos.
\nHe said that such collaborations, which he called the \u201csilver lining\u201d of a \u201ctraumatic\u201d period, need to continue.
\n\u201cThe Philippine healthcare system was really dismal,\u201d he said. \u201cThe DoH (Department of Health) needed help. It wasn\u2019t a time for appointing blame [but] for working together.\u201d
\nTMC initiated calls with other hospitals to ensure that those who cannot be accommodated in its hospital can be sent elsewhere. \u201cWe had to collaborate in terms of providing healthcare to those in need,\u201d Mr. Ramos said.
\nSuch collaborations are also necessary because the likelihood of another pandemic lurks, he added.
\nThe complex drivers of zoonosis \u2013 such as climate change, pollution, and disasters \u2013 are some of the reasons for emerging pandemic threats, according to Noel Lee J. Miranda, a consultant specializing in the topic.
\nThe Philippines already has three viruses that are in the same family as pathogens identified by the World Health Organization as having \u201cpandemic potential\u201d, with a fourth one on the horizon.
\nUtilize technology for better decision-making and improved efficiency.
\nTMC\u2019s enterprise \u2013 with its flagship complex in Pasig, Manila, four provincial hospitals, and over 50 clinics \u2013 is in varying stages of the digital journey.
\nThe company started to use artificial intelligence (AI) for its diagnostic services such as mammograms.
\nIt is also \u201cgetting into AI for its ECG (electrocardiogram) and echo (electrocardiogram),\u201d Mr. Ramos said. It is not to replace people but to improve the processes\u2019 efficiency, he added.
\nThe secret to AI is people, according to an August 2020 article by Harvard Business Review.
\nGaining a competitive advantage in AI requires transforming \u201cthe way companies do business so human resources can be augmented with machine power.\u201d
\nAI can likewise be used to make faster data-driven changes, a 2023 McKinsey report noted.
\n\u201cPost-pandemic, we have to prepare ourselves in terms of how we get data. Sometimes, the decisions may not be the best decisions, but those that are quick and helpful to the most number of people,\u201d Mr. Ramos said.
\nGive staff good reasons to stay.
\nHealthcare staff are not commodities and should not be treated as such, Mr. Ramos said.
\n\u201cFilipino nurses are the best in the world, [but] a lot have been siphoned off the country.\u201d
\nThe Philippines is the second-largest exporter of human labor in the world, a 2017 Human Resources for Health study found.
\nThe World Health Organization has projected that by 2030, there will be a shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers in low- to middle-income countries.
\nThe same McKinsey report noted that 39% of its respondents from seven countries plan to leave their jobs within the next three to six months.
\nLocal hospitals need to give them better reasons to stay, said Mr. Ramos.
\n\u201cOther than giving them a decent salary, empower them with better chances of mobility as far as the career is concerned… A lot want to stay because of their families here.\u201d
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nHow are Philippine hospitals evolving after the pandemic? What important lessons have they learned from the crisis? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol speaks with Eugenio F. Ramos, president and group chief executive officer of The Medical City (TMC), about the importance of public-private partnerships, embracing technology, and addressing staff-related difficulties.\nContinue to foster public-private partnerships.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic was a time for everyone in the public and private sectors to set aside their differences and work together, according to Mr. Ramos.\nHe said that such collaborations, which he called the \u201csilver lining\u201d of a \u201ctraumatic\u201d period, need to continue.\n\u201cThe Philippine healthcare system was really dismal,\u201d he said. \u201cThe DoH (Department of Health) needed help. It wasn\u2019t a time for appointing blame [but] for working together.\u201d\nTMC initiated calls with other hospitals to ensure that those who cannot be accommodated in its hospital can be sent elsewhere. \u201cWe had to collaborate in terms of providing healthcare to those in need,\u201d Mr. Ramos said.\nSuch collaborations are also necessary because the likelihood of another pandemic lurks, he added.\nThe complex drivers of zoonosis \u2013 such as climate change, pollution, and disasters \u2013 are some of the reasons for emerging pandemic threats, according to Noel Lee J. Miranda, a consultant specializing in the topic.\nThe Philippines already has three viruses that are in the same family as pathogens identified by the World Health Organization as having \u201cpandemic potential\u201d, with a fourth one on the horizon.\nUtilize technology for better decision-making and improved efficiency.\nTMC\u2019s enterprise \u2013 with its flagship complex in Pasig, Manila, four provincial hospitals, and over 50 clinics \u2013 is in varying stages of the digital journey.\nThe company started to use artificial intelligence (AI) for its diagnostic services such as mammograms.\nIt is also \u201cgetting into AI for its ECG (electrocardiogram) and echo (electrocardiogram),\u201d Mr. Ramos said. It is not to replace people but to improve the processes\u2019 efficiency, he added.\nThe secret to AI is people, according to an August 2020 article by Harvard Business Review.\nGaining a competitive advantage in AI requires transforming \u201cthe way companies do business so human resources can be augmented with machine power.\u201d\nAI can likewise be used to make faster data-driven changes, a 2023 McKinsey report noted.\n\u201cPost-pandemic, we have to prepare ourselves in terms of how we get data. Sometimes, the decisions may not be the best decisions, but those that are quick and helpful to the most number of people,\u201d Mr. Ramos said.\nGive staff good reasons to stay.\nHealthcare staff are not commodities and should not be treated as such, Mr. Ramos said.\n\u201cFilipino nurses are the best in the world, [but] a lot have been siphoned off the country.\u201d\nThe Philippines is the second-largest exporter of human labor in the world, a 2017 Human Resources for Health study found.\nThe World Health Organization has projected that by 2030, there will be a shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers in low- to middle-income countries.\nThe same McKinsey report noted that 39% of its respondents from seven countries plan to leave their jobs within the next three to six months.\nLocal hospitals need to give them better reasons to stay, said Mr. Ramos.\n\u201cOther than giving them a decent salary, empower them with better chances of mobility as far as the career is concerned… A lot want to stay because of their families here.\u201d\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-08-07T12:43:11+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-06T12:32:03+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-07-Patricia-Dr.-Eugene-Ramos-ART-1.jpg", "tags": [ "change management", "healthcare", "Patricia B. Mirasol", "Patricia Mirasol", "Philippines", "public-private partnerships", "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=535601", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/07/24/535601/b-side-podcast-advancing-the-philippine-coffee-industry/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast]\u00a0Advancing the Philippine coffee industry", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe local demand for coffee outpaces its production in the Philippines, according to an industry expert.\u00a0
\nThis unmet need bodes well for farmers seeking credit from typically risk-averse financial institutions.
\nIn this B-Side episode, TJ Ryan, chief of the party of Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE), talks to\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about post-harvest handling, agricultural lending, and leveraging public-private partnerships in the Philippine coffee industry.
\nPhilCAFE is a project focused on Philippine coffee and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
\nTAKEAWAYS\u00a0
\nAgricultural lending in the sector has improved, but it is still a work in progress.
\nPhilCAFE has set up coffee appreciation tours with its financial institution partners to help facilitate agricultural lending, Mr. Ryan said.
\nThe tours demonstrated how coffee was being produced according to improved quality standards. Partners were also introduced to the entire value chain of local coffee, which included introductions to buyers.
\nSuch efforts have yielded results, such as a tripartite agreement among the cooperatives, banks, and buyers worth north of $4.2 million in agricultural financing, Mr. Ryan said.
\n\u201cAgriculture is really the last thing banks want to invest in,\u201d he said, noting how the effects of climate change have likewise made farming tough for coffee producers.\u00a0
\n\u201cWhen [financial institutions] talk to buyers and the buyers say, \u2018We can\u2019t get enough coffee,\u2019 that\u2019s going to be positive for the banks, because of course they understand that that\u2019s an unmet demand. An unmet demand means a financial opportunity,\u201d Mr. Ryan added.\u00a0
\nThe Philippines imports 90% of the coffee it consumes.\u00a0
\nRobusta is undergoing an image makeover worldwide.\u00a0
\nRobusta used to be looked down upon because of its reputation as fodder for instant, lower quality coffee, Mr. Ryan said. However, two factors are now working in favor of this variant.
\n\u201cOne, people have focused on improving its quality, and are therefore showing that Robusta can be very, very good coffee,\u201d he said. \u201cTwo, Robusta\u2019s resilience against inclement weather and high temperatures is really thrusting it in the spotlight.\u201d\u00a0
\nArabica, another commercially grown variant that is used in chains such as Starbucks and Bo\u2019s Coffee, is under greater threat of climate change.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\u201cWhen we took the Philippine Robusta to Milan last year and Greece this year, it was really well-received,\u201d added Mr. Ryan. \u201cWith proper investment and attention, it could be a real source of economic strength and build a reputation in the coffee world for the Philippines.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe Philippines produces about 45,000 metric tons of Robusta.\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe other known commercially grown variants are Excelsa and Liberica (locally known as\u00a0barako).\u00a0
\nEducation in coffee production, including in post-harvest handling, are raising the livelihoods of Filipino coffee farmers.\u00a0
\nCompetition among the 137 entries was so stiff at the 2023 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, Mr. Ryan said. He mentioned that if the 2022 winner had participated, he would have finished 6th.
\n\u201cWe had the highest number of specialty Arabica and fine Robusta entries,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had the highest percentage of those two categories, and the highest scores ever in the competition.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe competition has been running since 2017. Micro-lots of the winning entries are sold through bids in a subsequent international auction.
\nLast year\u2019s winning cup was sold at $75 per kilo.
\n\u201c[These] are life-changing numbers for these producers,\u201d Mr. Ryan added.\u00a0\u00a0
\nPhilCAFE, for its part, offers processing courses for free to coffee producer organizations in the Philippines. The courses are from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), which sets standards for coffee quality around the world.
\nAccording to Mr. Ryan, these processing skills have been distributed geographically in areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
\n\u201cNormally the CQI courses are a paying course, but – in a country that\u2019s transitioning into a pretty significant specialty coffee phase – these courses can make a huge difference both in producers\u2019 livelihoods and skillsets,\u201d he said.\u00a0
\n\u201cWhen the project ends, they probably would have to renew their certification in 3 years through a paid course,\u201d he added, \u201cbut they typically now earn more, because they\u2019re selling higher-quality coffee.\u201d\u00a0
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe local demand for coffee outpaces its production in the Philippines, according to an industry expert.\u00a0\nThis unmet need bodes well for farmers seeking credit from typically risk-averse financial institutions.\nIn this B-Side episode, TJ Ryan, chief of the party of Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE), talks to\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about post-harvest handling, agricultural lending, and leveraging public-private partnerships in the Philippine coffee industry.\nPhilCAFE is a project focused on Philippine coffee and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.\nTAKEAWAYS\u00a0\nAgricultural lending in the sector has improved, but it is still a work in progress.\nPhilCAFE has set up coffee appreciation tours with its financial institution partners to help facilitate agricultural lending, Mr. Ryan said.\nThe tours demonstrated how coffee was being produced according to improved quality standards. Partners were also introduced to the entire value chain of local coffee, which included introductions to buyers.\nSuch efforts have yielded results, such as a tripartite agreement among the cooperatives, banks, and buyers worth north of $4.2 million in agricultural financing, Mr. Ryan said.\n\u201cAgriculture is really the last thing banks want to invest in,\u201d he said, noting how the effects of climate change have likewise made farming tough for coffee producers.\u00a0\n\u201cWhen [financial institutions] talk to buyers and the buyers say, \u2018We can\u2019t get enough coffee,\u2019 that\u2019s going to be positive for the banks, because of course they understand that that\u2019s an unmet demand. An unmet demand means a financial opportunity,\u201d Mr. Ryan added.\u00a0\nThe Philippines imports 90% of the coffee it consumes.\u00a0\nRobusta is undergoing an image makeover worldwide.\u00a0\nRobusta used to be looked down upon because of its reputation as fodder for instant, lower quality coffee, Mr. Ryan said. However, two factors are now working in favor of this variant.\n\u201cOne, people have focused on improving its quality, and are therefore showing that Robusta can be very, very good coffee,\u201d he said. \u201cTwo, Robusta\u2019s resilience against inclement weather and high temperatures is really thrusting it in the spotlight.\u201d\u00a0\nArabica, another commercially grown variant that is used in chains such as Starbucks and Bo\u2019s Coffee, is under greater threat of climate change.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cWhen we took the Philippine Robusta to Milan last year and Greece this year, it was really well-received,\u201d added Mr. Ryan. \u201cWith proper investment and attention, it could be a real source of economic strength and build a reputation in the coffee world for the Philippines.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nThe Philippines produces about 45,000 metric tons of Robusta.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe other known commercially grown variants are Excelsa and Liberica (locally known as\u00a0barako).\u00a0\nEducation in coffee production, including in post-harvest handling, are raising the livelihoods of Filipino coffee farmers.\u00a0\nCompetition among the 137 entries was so stiff at the 2023 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, Mr. Ryan said. He mentioned that if the 2022 winner had participated, he would have finished 6th.\n\u201cWe had the highest number of specialty Arabica and fine Robusta entries,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had the highest percentage of those two categories, and the highest scores ever in the competition.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nThe competition has been running since 2017. Micro-lots of the winning entries are sold through bids in a subsequent international auction.\nLast year\u2019s winning cup was sold at $75 per kilo.\n\u201c[These] are life-changing numbers for these producers,\u201d Mr. Ryan added.\u00a0\u00a0\nPhilCAFE, for its part, offers processing courses for free to coffee producer organizations in the Philippines. The courses are from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), which sets standards for coffee quality around the world.\nAccording to Mr. Ryan, these processing skills have been distributed geographically in areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.\n\u201cNormally the CQI courses are a paying course, but – in a country that\u2019s transitioning into a pretty significant specialty coffee phase – these courses can make a huge difference both in producers\u2019 livelihoods and skillsets,\u201d he said.\u00a0\n\u201cWhen the project ends, they probably would have to renew their certification in 3 years through a paid course,\u201d he added, \u201cbut they typically now earn more, because they\u2019re selling higher-quality coffee.\u201d\u00a0", "date_published": "2023-07-24T16:58:22+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-28T10:44:40+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-24-Pat-PhilCAFE-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "coffee", "Patricia B. Mirasol", "Patricia Mirasol", "PhilCAFE", "Philippine coffee", "Philippine coffee industry", "Podcast", "Robusta" ], "summary": "The local demand for coffee outpaces its production in the Philippines, according to an industry expert.\u00a0" }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=534418", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/07/17/534418/b-side-podcast-revolutionizing-coconut-farming-in-the-philippines/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Revolutionizing coconut farming in the Philippines", "content_html": "\nGiven their higher yield and early bearing characteristics, coconut hybrids offer Filipino coconut farmers a means to improve production, according to an expert.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Leilani D. Pelegrina, director at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DoST-PCAARRD), discusses the impact of coconut hybridization on coconut farming with BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nCoconut hybrids yield more output with the same level of management.
\nCoconut hybrids can increase the annual yield of each palm to 150 nuts per year, compared to 45 nuts with traditional coconuts.
\nHybrids begin flowering within 3 to 4.5 years, faster than the average 3 to 7 years for traditional coconuts, leading to potential fruit harvesting in 4 to 5 years instead of 3 to 7.
\nWhile one farmer claimed to have observed flowering after 18 months, further replication and verification are necessary, according to Ms. Pelegrina.
\nThe potential yield per hectare for traditional coconut varieties is 15,000 nuts per year.
\nBased on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s farmgate price of P10.47 for a young coconut or buko, farmers cultivating traditional varieties can expect annual sales of around P157,000.
\nIn contrast, a hectare of hybrid coconuts has the potential to yield 22,000 nuts per year, equivalent to approximately P230,340.
\nAdditionally, intercropping practices, such as cultivating cash crops like vegetables, coffee, and cacao, can provide farmers with additional income.
\nCoconut production in the country increased by 1.6% to 3.26 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, driven by increased awareness of coconut benefits and growing demand for coconut-based products in major developed countries, as per the Philippine Information Agency.
\nThe coconut hybridization program in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) will be expanded nationwide.
\nFunded by the DOST-PCAARRD, the program aimed to enhance the production and sustainability of coconut hybrids in Region IV-A from 2018 to 2022.
\nThe Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) implemented the project using two hybridization schemes: directed natural pollination and assisted pollination.
\nFour project sites were involved in the former (Institute of Plant Breeding in Los Ba\u00f1os, Oliveros Farm in Laguna, Stuart’s Farm in Quezon, and Villa Escudero in Laguna), while two project sites were designated for the latter (DFarm in Quezon and Feria’s Farm in Quezon).
\nDeveloping coconut hybrids entails combining exceptional parental mother palms (such as the Catigan Green Dwarf and Malayan Red Dwarf) with parental pollen source palms (such as Bago Oshiro Tall, Baybay Tall, Laguna Tall, and Tagnanan Tall). It takes at least 15 years of continuous research to develop coconut hybrid varieties.
\n“We are scaling this coconut hybridization program nationwide through the coconut farmers and industry trust fund (CFITF),” Ms. Pelegrina said.
\nUnder the Coconut Farmers and Industry Fund Act (Republic Act 11524), farmers can utilize the coconut trust fund to develop the industry.
\nThe fund, initially derived from the coconut levy imposed on farmers in the 1970s, was seeded with capital recovered from the levy.
\nThe DoST received the first tranche of funds from the CFITF in 2022, with 20% of the allocation dedicated to coconut hybridization.
\nThe PCA manages 15% of the funds for operations and activities, while 5% is overseen by the council for research and development, according to Ms. Pelegrina. Budgets from the fund will be received on an annual basis for five years.
\nThe PCA aims to raise its coco levy fund allocation by P11 billion in 2024.
\nThe P75-billion CFITF is facing challenges in hiring personnel and commissioning a study to improve the coconut industry, as the coco levy fund does not cover administrative costs, according to PCA administrator Bernie F. Cruz in a June 26 news briefing.
\nFilipino farmers can already apply to be accredited as program partners.
\nThe PCA has a process for accrediting private farms, involving prerequisites, Ms. Pelegrina explained. Farmers can visit any PCA office or approach the DOST-PCAARRD, which can then refer them to the PCA.
\n“The first step should be to write to the PCA and express their intent to be considered as an accredited farmer cooperator,” Ms. Pelegrina said.
\nShe added that at least 5 hectares would be effective for an area to be accredited as a farm, and accreditation includes training sessions on pest management and good agricultural practices.
\nStakeholders have emphasized that, in addition to producing coconut hybrids, improving transportation infrastructure and farmers’ access to loans will further promote the coconut industry.
\nThe Philippines is home to 2.5 million coconut farmers, with 69 out of the country’s 82 provinces classified as coconut-producing by the PCA.
\n", "content_text": "Given their higher yield and early bearing characteristics, coconut hybrids offer Filipino coconut farmers a means to improve production, according to an expert.\nIn this B-Side episode, Leilani D. Pelegrina, director at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DoST-PCAARRD), discusses the impact of coconut hybridization on coconut farming with BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol.\nTAKEAWAYS\nCoconut hybrids yield more output with the same level of management.\nCoconut hybrids can increase the annual yield of each palm to 150 nuts per year, compared to 45 nuts with traditional coconuts.\nHybrids begin flowering within 3 to 4.5 years, faster than the average 3 to 7 years for traditional coconuts, leading to potential fruit harvesting in 4 to 5 years instead of 3 to 7.\nWhile one farmer claimed to have observed flowering after 18 months, further replication and verification are necessary, according to Ms. Pelegrina.\nThe potential yield per hectare for traditional coconut varieties is 15,000 nuts per year.\nBased on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s farmgate price of P10.47 for a young coconut or buko, farmers cultivating traditional varieties can expect annual sales of around P157,000.\nIn contrast, a hectare of hybrid coconuts has the potential to yield 22,000 nuts per year, equivalent to approximately P230,340.\nAdditionally, intercropping practices, such as cultivating cash crops like vegetables, coffee, and cacao, can provide farmers with additional income.\nCoconut production in the country increased by 1.6% to 3.26 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, driven by increased awareness of coconut benefits and growing demand for coconut-based products in major developed countries, as per the Philippine Information Agency.\nThe coconut hybridization program in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) will be expanded nationwide.\nFunded by the DOST-PCAARRD, the program aimed to enhance the production and sustainability of coconut hybrids in Region IV-A from 2018 to 2022.\nThe Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) implemented the project using two hybridization schemes: directed natural pollination and assisted pollination.\nFour project sites were involved in the former (Institute of Plant Breeding in Los Ba\u00f1os, Oliveros Farm in Laguna, Stuart’s Farm in Quezon, and Villa Escudero in Laguna), while two project sites were designated for the latter (DFarm in Quezon and Feria’s Farm in Quezon).\nDeveloping coconut hybrids entails combining exceptional parental mother palms (such as the Catigan Green Dwarf and Malayan Red Dwarf) with parental pollen source palms (such as Bago Oshiro Tall, Baybay Tall, Laguna Tall, and Tagnanan Tall). It takes at least 15 years of continuous research to develop coconut hybrid varieties.\n“We are scaling this coconut hybridization program nationwide through the coconut farmers and industry trust fund (CFITF),” Ms. Pelegrina said.\nUnder the Coconut Farmers and Industry Fund Act (Republic Act 11524), farmers can utilize the coconut trust fund to develop the industry.\nThe fund, initially derived from the coconut levy imposed on farmers in the 1970s, was seeded with capital recovered from the levy.\nThe DoST received the first tranche of funds from the CFITF in 2022, with 20% of the allocation dedicated to coconut hybridization.\nThe PCA manages 15% of the funds for operations and activities, while 5% is overseen by the council for research and development, according to Ms. Pelegrina. Budgets from the fund will be received on an annual basis for five years.\nThe PCA aims to raise its coco levy fund allocation by P11 billion in 2024.\nThe P75-billion CFITF is facing challenges in hiring personnel and commissioning a study to improve the coconut industry, as the coco levy fund does not cover administrative costs, according to PCA administrator Bernie F. Cruz in a June 26 news briefing.\nFilipino farmers can already apply to be accredited as program partners.\nThe PCA has a process for accrediting private farms, involving prerequisites, Ms. Pelegrina explained. Farmers can visit any PCA office or approach the DOST-PCAARRD, which can then refer them to the PCA.\n“The first step should be to write to the PCA and express their intent to be considered as an accredited farmer cooperator,” Ms. Pelegrina said.\nShe added that at least 5 hectares would be effective for an area to be accredited as a farm, and accreditation includes training sessions on pest management and good agricultural practices.\nStakeholders have emphasized that, in addition to producing coconut hybrids, improving transportation infrastructure and farmers’ access to loans will further promote the coconut industry.\nThe Philippines is home to 2.5 million coconut farmers, with 69 out of the country’s 82 provinces classified as coconut-producing by the PCA.", "date_published": "2023-07-17T10:20:02+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-18T15:53:29+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-17-Pat-Coconuts-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "coconut farming", "coconut hybridization", "DoST", "DOST-PCAARRD", "Patricia B. Mirasol", "Patricia Mirasol", "podcasts", "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=533188", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/07/10/533188/b-side-podcast-japans-nuclear-water-release-relevance-to-filipinos/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast]: Japan\u2019s nuclear water release: Relevance to Filipinos", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nJapan is planning to release 1.3 million tons of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, which covers more than one-third of the planet.
\nThe power plant’s regulators, and even the government of Japan, say that the release will not cause any harm to the world’s oceans, but fisherfolk and activists from different countries surrounding the Pacific, including the Philippines, say otherwise.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Gregg Yan, founder and executive director of the environmental group Best Alternatives, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz why Japan’s planned release of treated water from its nuclear power plants should matter to Filipinos.
\nHe said that the move would put at risk “the livelihoods not just of the 17 countries that fish in the Pacific Ocean but essentially of all the countries on earth.”
\nMr. Yan said that 70% of the world’s fish catch comes from the Pacific Ocean.
\n“So much life thrives here, from small fish like anchovies to large and economically valuable fish like tuna, which have spawned multi-billion-dollar industries,” he added, noting that the release of treated water into the Pacific could harm fisheries in the region.
\nFukushima plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) has said that the water will continuously be filtered until radionuclides, except tritium, are removed.
\nRecognizing that it will be difficult to eliminate entirely, TEPCO said that tritium will be diluted in seawater at least a hundred times for its concentration to fall below Japanese regulatory standards.
\n“A few years ago, the Japanese were already caught not telling the full truth about what’s actually in the wastewater from their nuclear plants,” Mr. Yan said, referring to a 2018 statement from TEPCO acknowledging that more than half of the treated water in the power plant was contaminated with dangerous radioactive elements. Previously, they claimed that the water only contained tritium.
\nMr. Yan noted that any radioactive elements are cancerous and could damage smaller aquatic creatures like coral or fish larvae.
\nHe said the best solution for nuclear byproducts is to bury them\u2014out of sight, out of mind.
\nMr. Yan also mentioned that the Pacific Ocean “has enough problems on its own,” citing huge amounts of plastic waste settled in the northern part of the ocean called The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is believed to be double the size of Texas or three times the size of France.
\nAccording to Mr. Yan, the Pacific Ocean is also facing issues such as climate change and overfishing.
\nMr. Yan called on the public to be more concerned about environmental issues and their effects on their lives and the next generation.
\n“A lot of this environmental news matters to you. It will directly affect your lives,” he said.
\nThis podcast episode was recorded remotely on June 22, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nJapan is planning to release 1.3 million tons of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, which covers more than one-third of the planet.\nThe power plant’s regulators, and even the government of Japan, say that the release will not cause any harm to the world’s oceans, but fisherfolk and activists from different countries surrounding the Pacific, including the Philippines, say otherwise.\nIn this B-Side episode, Gregg Yan, founder and executive director of the environmental group Best Alternatives, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz why Japan’s planned release of treated water from its nuclear power plants should matter to Filipinos.\nHe said that the move would put at risk “the livelihoods not just of the 17 countries that fish in the Pacific Ocean but essentially of all the countries on earth.”\nMr. Yan said that 70% of the world’s fish catch comes from the Pacific Ocean.\n“So much life thrives here, from small fish like anchovies to large and economically valuable fish like tuna, which have spawned multi-billion-dollar industries,” he added, noting that the release of treated water into the Pacific could harm fisheries in the region.\nFukushima plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) has said that the water will continuously be filtered until radionuclides, except tritium, are removed.\nRecognizing that it will be difficult to eliminate entirely, TEPCO said that tritium will be diluted in seawater at least a hundred times for its concentration to fall below Japanese regulatory standards.\n“A few years ago, the Japanese were already caught not telling the full truth about what’s actually in the wastewater from their nuclear plants,” Mr. Yan said, referring to a 2018 statement from TEPCO acknowledging that more than half of the treated water in the power plant was contaminated with dangerous radioactive elements. Previously, they claimed that the water only contained tritium.\nMr. Yan noted that any radioactive elements are cancerous and could damage smaller aquatic creatures like coral or fish larvae.\nHe said the best solution for nuclear byproducts is to bury them\u2014out of sight, out of mind.\nMr. Yan also mentioned that the Pacific Ocean “has enough problems on its own,” citing huge amounts of plastic waste settled in the northern part of the ocean called The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is believed to be double the size of Texas or three times the size of France.\nAccording to Mr. Yan, the Pacific Ocean is also facing issues such as climate change and overfishing.\nMr. Yan called on the public to be more concerned about environmental issues and their effects on their lives and the next generation.\n“A lot of this environmental news matters to you. It will directly affect your lives,” he said.\nThis podcast episode was recorded remotely on June 22, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-07-10T11:35:23+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-10T11:35:23+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-10-Nuclear-Water-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=531914", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/07/03/531914/b-side-podcast-press-freedom-in-phl-challenges-impact-and-way-forward/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast]: Press freedom in PHL: Challenges, impact, and way forward", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe Philippines needs to work on ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists to report reliable developments on national issues, despite its improved world press freedom ranking in six years, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said.
\nIn this B-Side episode, NUJP Chairperson Jonathan de Santos discusses the current roadblocks to a free press in the Philippines and its potential impact on investors and the economy with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter John Victor D. Ordo\u00f1ez.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\n“There has been some improvement in dealing with the media in the Philippines, in the sense that the government isn’t as hostile to the press as before,” said Mr. De Santos.
\nThe country ranked 132nd out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders\u2019 2023 World Press Freedom Index, released on May 3. It was 147th last year.
\nAlthough this is a welcome development, Filipinos need to remember that attacks on the media are still common, noted Mr. De Santos.
\n“These attacks are still grim reminders that press freedom is something for which we need to struggle,” he said. “We cannot be complacent about things like this.”
\nA free press bodes well for the economy.
\nMr. De Santos said the government has to consider that investors may look at press freedom metrics as a major factor in doing business in the Philippines.
\n“It is good to be seen as a rights-respecting country as the government is trying to improve the country’s image after the previous administration.”
\nThe worsening human rights indicators could jeopardize the country’s trade privileges with international bodies such as the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) with the European Union, he also said.
\nGSP+ requires the Philippines to uphold commitments to 27 international conventions encompassing human rights, labor, good governance, and climate action.
\n“The human rights record of a country will affect aspects such as aid and trade promotion with other countries,\u201d Mr. De Santos said.
\nHurdles still persist for Filipino journalists.
\nMr. De Santos cited the need for the decriminalization of libel, which he said is often used against journalists.
\nHe mentioned the libel case against Rappler Chief Executive Offficer Maria A. Ressa, which he said had a significant impact on how the world perceived press freedom in the Philippines.
\n“There was a lot of international pressure on the government to drop the charges.”
\nThe NUJP has filed a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the subscriber identity module (SIM) card registration law, citing privacy concerns.
\nMr. De Santos said that media workers have been urging Congress to pass laws that would safeguard the right to organize within the workplace and ensure the safety of journalists during coverage.
\n“We are drowning in white noise, and it has become more challenging to capture the reader’s attention,” said the NUJP chief on the impact of social media on news delivery.
\nWithout a free press, people would have less informed lives.
\n“If we don’t have press freedom and we’re labeled as bashers or haters, it will be more difficult to address our needs because the government won’t pay attention to these problems,” said Mr. De Santos.
\nJournalism is under attack worldwide, and Filipino media practitioners have been actively fostering solidarity to defend the free press, he added.
\nThe NUJP has been collaborating with six journalism organizations in Southeast Asia to gather information on media attacks, with the aim of identifying trends in the region on how governments treat journalists.
\n“Governments from Southeast Asia are learning from each other on how to silence dissent, and we hope to develop a similar playbook for the media.”
\n“It has been a challenging couple of years, and many of us are questioning whether it is still worthwhile to remain in this profession,” Mr. De Santos said.
\nHe also emphasized the importance of journalists forming support groups to advocate for improved working conditions in the media.
\n“You can’t do this alone,” he addressed Filipino journalists. “Always remember who we are doing this for, and ultimately, we are serving the public.”
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe Philippines needs to work on ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists to report reliable developments on national issues, despite its improved world press freedom ranking in six years, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said.\nIn this B-Side episode, NUJP Chairperson Jonathan de Santos discusses the current roadblocks to a free press in the Philippines and its potential impact on investors and the economy with\u00a0BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter John Victor D. Ordo\u00f1ez.\nTAKEAWAYS\n“There has been some improvement in dealing with the media in the Philippines, in the sense that the government isn’t as hostile to the press as before,” said Mr. De Santos.\nThe country ranked 132nd out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders\u2019 2023 World Press Freedom Index, released on May 3. It was 147th last year.\nAlthough this is a welcome development, Filipinos need to remember that attacks on the media are still common, noted Mr. De Santos.\n“These attacks are still grim reminders that press freedom is something for which we need to struggle,” he said. “We cannot be complacent about things like this.”\nA free press bodes well for the economy.\nMr. De Santos said the government has to consider that investors may look at press freedom metrics as a major factor in doing business in the Philippines.\n“It is good to be seen as a rights-respecting country as the government is trying to improve the country’s image after the previous administration.”\nThe worsening human rights indicators could jeopardize the country’s trade privileges with international bodies such as the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) with the European Union, he also said.\nGSP+ requires the Philippines to uphold commitments to 27 international conventions encompassing human rights, labor, good governance, and climate action.\n“The human rights record of a country will affect aspects such as aid and trade promotion with other countries,\u201d Mr. De Santos said.\nHurdles still persist for Filipino journalists.\nMr. De Santos cited the need for the decriminalization of libel, which he said is often used against journalists.\nHe mentioned the libel case against Rappler Chief Executive Offficer Maria A. Ressa, which he said had a significant impact on how the world perceived press freedom in the Philippines.\n“There was a lot of international pressure on the government to drop the charges.”\nThe NUJP has filed a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the subscriber identity module (SIM) card registration law, citing privacy concerns.\nMr. De Santos said that media workers have been urging Congress to pass laws that would safeguard the right to organize within the workplace and ensure the safety of journalists during coverage.\n“We are drowning in white noise, and it has become more challenging to capture the reader’s attention,” said the NUJP chief on the impact of social media on news delivery.\nWithout a free press, people would have less informed lives.\n“If we don’t have press freedom and we’re labeled as bashers or haters, it will be more difficult to address our needs because the government won’t pay attention to these problems,” said Mr. De Santos.\nJournalism is under attack worldwide, and Filipino media practitioners have been actively fostering solidarity to defend the free press, he added.\nThe NUJP has been collaborating with six journalism organizations in Southeast Asia to gather information on media attacks, with the aim of identifying trends in the region on how governments treat journalists.\n“Governments from Southeast Asia are learning from each other on how to silence dissent, and we hope to develop a similar playbook for the media.”\n“It has been a challenging couple of years, and many of us are questioning whether it is still worthwhile to remain in this profession,” Mr. De Santos said.\nHe also emphasized the importance of journalists forming support groups to advocate for improved working conditions in the media.\n“You can’t do this alone,” he addressed Filipino journalists. “Always remember who we are doing this for, and ultimately, we are serving the public.”\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-07-03T13:07:38+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-03T13:07:38+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-03-NUJP-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=530644", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/06/26/530644/b-side-podcast-sari-sari-stores-balancing-community-care-and-business-dynamics/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast]: Sari-Sari stores: Balancing community care and business dynamics", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nIn various cities and barangays (villages) without proper road infrastructure, sari-sari stores, or small neighbourhood shops, have emerged as a crucial lifeline, supporting both the local economy and the daily needs of residents, according to sari-sari store startup Packworks.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Andres Montiel, Packworks’ chief data officer, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave the significant role sari-sari stores play in communities and the national economy.
\n“What we’ve seen is that in a number of cities and barangays, especially those that do not have roads, sari-sari stores serve as a lifeline, not only for the economy but also for the residents’ daily existence. Consumers rely on them for water, canned goods, detergent, and other necessities,” Mr. Montiel said.
\n“One thing that modern trade will never be able to replace when it comes to sari-sari stores is the community aspect\u2014the genuine concern these stores have for their communities. Sari-sari stores take care of their communities. However, it is important to remember that sari-sari stores are still businesses; they are not charities,” he added.
\nIn May, Packworks released a report revealing that consumers spend an average of P800 per month on sari-sari stores, with liquor and tobacco products being the most purchased items.
\nThe study also indicated that cigarettes, alcohol, hygiene products, soda drinks, and powdered drinks constitute the top five consumer goods in the monthly budget of an average Filipino household.
\n“Sari-sari stores are highly accessible. They are part of the community. If you frequently buy from a sari-sari store, the store owner knows you. The close proximity of sari-sari stores within neighborhoods makes them the ideal place for repeated purchases of these items,” said Mr. Montiel.
\nThe survey findings were based on Packworks’ Sari IQ business intelligence tool, which covers almost 200,000 sari-sari stores across the country.
\nAccording to the study, 13 out of 17 regions in the Philippines spent the most on cigarettes, while the Cordillera Administrative Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen had the biggest spending on alcoholic drinks, and the Zamboanga Peninsula spent the most on powdered coffee.
\nDespite cigarettes and liquor being the top two most bought items, Mr. Montiel said the startup sees a lower threat of vice products being sold by sari-sari stores to minors.
\n“But since sari-sari stores have a personal approach and exhibit genuine concern (malasakit), I believe the danger is lower compared to modern trade,” he noted.
\nHe also said that sari-sari stores remain a viable business option for those looking to start a small business.
\n“Sari-sari stores, especially community-based ones, serve as a means to supplement the income of households,” Mr. Montiel said.
\nThis podcast episode was recorded remotely on May 27, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nIn various cities and barangays (villages) without proper road infrastructure, sari-sari stores, or small neighbourhood shops, have emerged as a crucial lifeline, supporting both the local economy and the daily needs of residents, according to sari-sari store startup Packworks.\nIn this B-Side episode, Andres Montiel, Packworks’ chief data officer, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Revin Mikhael D. Ochave the significant role sari-sari stores play in communities and the national economy.\n“What we’ve seen is that in a number of cities and barangays, especially those that do not have roads, sari-sari stores serve as a lifeline, not only for the economy but also for the residents’ daily existence. Consumers rely on them for water, canned goods, detergent, and other necessities,” Mr. Montiel said.\n“One thing that modern trade will never be able to replace when it comes to sari-sari stores is the community aspect\u2014the genuine concern these stores have for their communities. Sari-sari stores take care of their communities. However, it is important to remember that sari-sari stores are still businesses; they are not charities,” he added.\nIn May, Packworks released a report revealing that consumers spend an average of P800 per month on sari-sari stores, with liquor and tobacco products being the most purchased items.\nThe study also indicated that cigarettes, alcohol, hygiene products, soda drinks, and powdered drinks constitute the top five consumer goods in the monthly budget of an average Filipino household.\n“Sari-sari stores are highly accessible. They are part of the community. If you frequently buy from a sari-sari store, the store owner knows you. The close proximity of sari-sari stores within neighborhoods makes them the ideal place for repeated purchases of these items,” said Mr. Montiel.\nThe survey findings were based on Packworks’ Sari IQ business intelligence tool, which covers almost 200,000 sari-sari stores across the country.\nAccording to the study, 13 out of 17 regions in the Philippines spent the most on cigarettes, while the Cordillera Administrative Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen had the biggest spending on alcoholic drinks, and the Zamboanga Peninsula spent the most on powdered coffee.\nDespite cigarettes and liquor being the top two most bought items, Mr. Montiel said the startup sees a lower threat of vice products being sold by sari-sari stores to minors.\n“But since sari-sari stores have a personal approach and exhibit genuine concern (malasakit), I believe the danger is lower compared to modern trade,” he noted.\nHe also said that sari-sari stores remain a viable business option for those looking to start a small business.\n“Sari-sari stores, especially community-based ones, serve as a means to supplement the income of households,” Mr. Montiel said.\nThis podcast episode was recorded remotely on May 27, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-06-26T11:33:35+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-26T11:33:35+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-26-Packworks-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=529626", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/06/20/529626/b-side-podcast-how-common-tower-companies-help-boost-digital-transformation/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] How common tower companies help boost digital transformation", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe Philippines’ mobile network operators (MNOs) are now using shared towers to accelerate and lower the cost of digital transformation in the country as a result of the government’s common tower policy.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Suresh Sidhu, chief executive officer and founder of EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn. Bhd., speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola how telecommunications infrastructure companies support the Philippines’ digital transformation.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nSeeking operations from third-party telco infrastructure companies grants cost efficiency and focus for MNOs.
\n\u201cWe can offer them much longer-term solutions for using our infrastructure,\u201d Mr. Sidhu said on the difference in investment horizon for telco infrastructure companies building shared towers.
\nThe total cost comes down for all MNOs, where their capital expenditures (capex) are converted to operational expenditures (opex), and sites are shared by multiple operators.
\n\u201cUsing us, [payback is] closer to seven to ten years, so rather than spending all that capex themselves up front, the leasing of the site gives them a payback that is much longer and, therefore, much better for them.\u201d
\n\u201cColocation pricing is often somewhere in the region of 10-20% from the market price\u2026 so things are a lot cheaper for them as well.\u201d
\n\u201cThe price we offer is reflective of the fact that any single site is able to be shared, and we don’t need just one operator to recover our investment.\u201d
\nOther advantages for MNOs include \u2018colocation discounts,\u2019 faster market operations, and immediate access to sites.
\n\u201cThey don\u2019t have to focus so much on infrastructure\u2026 That\u2019s our job.\u201d
\n\u201cThe operators can spend more time thinking about network quality and customer service.\u201d
\nProcess clarity is a key challenge for telco infrastructure companies in the Philippines.
\n\u201cAcquiring the site and getting the landlords to agree to lease the rent \u2014 [it] takes a lot of time,\u201d Mr. Sidhu said.
\n\u201cYou need to make sure that you’re talking to the right landlord. You know that you’ve got everything in order. I think that’s a key challenge,\u201d he added.
\nThis challenge of process clarity includes securing the necessary permits and establishing trustworthiness with landlords, both of which slow down the time it takes to build a tower.
\n“I think the local government units (LGUs) are also trying quite hard, but we know we can always improve and automate more processes.\u201d
\nLocal production of materials will boost telco infrastructure operations.
\nMr. Sidhu noted that telco infrastructure companies in the country rely on tower imports, which result in longer wait time and greater cost.
\n\u201cThere’s not a lot of local production, and I think having and encouraging more local fabrication in the Philippines will improve time for delivery, as well as costs quite considerably,\u201d he said on maximizing the local supply chain.
\n\u201cRight now, we probably have to use multiple vendors, which is fine, but typically in a mature tower country, you have fewer bigger partners to help you deliver the sites.\u201d
\nHowever, Mr. Sidhu also sees progress in terms of the growing number of skilled vendors in the country.
\n\u201cHopefully, they continue to grow and become more professionally established and skillful because it’s always a little different putting up a site in sandy soil, marshy soil, mountain areas, urban sites,\u201d he said of local manufacturers who can help them install and prepare a site.
\n\u201cWe’re looking forward to some of these partners getting bigger and bigger over time, and therefore building more and more skill, so we can use them more regularly.\u201d
\nAnalytics and artificial intelligence (AI) will become an important part of telco infrastructure companies.
\nAside from the continuous growth of 5G networks in the Philippines through good site acquisition, telco infrastructure companies also look forward to using analytics and AI to improve operations.
\n\u201cWhat we’re now doing is using crowdsourced data to put analytics in place, to also offer ideas to the operators where we see they may need it,\u201d Mr. Sidhu said.
\n\u201cSo we are able to transform over time, from being a reactive order taker to a proactive solution provider for operators.\u201d
\n\u201cIt\u2019s starting now, but we need to get more mature.\u201d
\nSolving the backhaul transmission through satellites can complement the goal, but it still needs to mature.
\nLow Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have the opportunity to provide network coverage and stable broadband access to remote locations in the country, Mr. Sidhu noted.
\n\u201cYou can build a site almost anywhere, but the issue is what we call backhaul transmission,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cSo if I build a site on one end of the country, but the nearest site is blocked by a mountain or 50 mountains, how am I going to connect that site?\u201d
\n\u201cWe see them as more complementary and potential partners\u2026 The technology has to mature a little bit to become more reliable.\u201d
\n\u201cThere’s some regulatory matters that probably have to be sorted out, but overall, we think it can be a complementary part of the solution for our countries\u2019 infrastructure.\u201d
\nRecorded remotely on June 5, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe Philippines’ mobile network operators (MNOs) are now using shared towers to accelerate and lower the cost of digital transformation in the country as a result of the government’s common tower policy.\nIn this B-Side episode, Suresh Sidhu, chief executive officer and founder of EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn. Bhd., speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola how telecommunications infrastructure companies support the Philippines’ digital transformation.\nTAKEAWAYS\nSeeking operations from third-party telco infrastructure companies grants cost efficiency and focus for MNOs.\n\u201cWe can offer them much longer-term solutions for using our infrastructure,\u201d Mr. Sidhu said on the difference in investment horizon for telco infrastructure companies building shared towers.\nThe total cost comes down for all MNOs, where their capital expenditures (capex) are converted to operational expenditures (opex), and sites are shared by multiple operators.\n\u201cUsing us, [payback is] closer to seven to ten years, so rather than spending all that capex themselves up front, the leasing of the site gives them a payback that is much longer and, therefore, much better for them.\u201d\n\u201cColocation pricing is often somewhere in the region of 10-20% from the market price\u2026 so things are a lot cheaper for them as well.\u201d\n\u201cThe price we offer is reflective of the fact that any single site is able to be shared, and we don’t need just one operator to recover our investment.\u201d\nOther advantages for MNOs include \u2018colocation discounts,\u2019 faster market operations, and immediate access to sites.\n\u201cThey don\u2019t have to focus so much on infrastructure\u2026 That\u2019s our job.\u201d\n\u201cThe operators can spend more time thinking about network quality and customer service.\u201d\nProcess clarity is a key challenge for telco infrastructure companies in the Philippines.\n\u201cAcquiring the site and getting the landlords to agree to lease the rent \u2014 [it] takes a lot of time,\u201d Mr. Sidhu said.\n\u201cYou need to make sure that you’re talking to the right landlord. You know that you’ve got everything in order. I think that’s a key challenge,\u201d he added.\nThis challenge of process clarity includes securing the necessary permits and establishing trustworthiness with landlords, both of which slow down the time it takes to build a tower.\n“I think the local government units (LGUs) are also trying quite hard, but we know we can always improve and automate more processes.\u201d\nLocal production of materials will boost telco infrastructure operations.\nMr. Sidhu noted that telco infrastructure companies in the country rely on tower imports, which result in longer wait time and greater cost.\n\u201cThere’s not a lot of local production, and I think having and encouraging more local fabrication in the Philippines will improve time for delivery, as well as costs quite considerably,\u201d he said on maximizing the local supply chain.\n\u201cRight now, we probably have to use multiple vendors, which is fine, but typically in a mature tower country, you have fewer bigger partners to help you deliver the sites.\u201d\nHowever, Mr. Sidhu also sees progress in terms of the growing number of skilled vendors in the country.\n\u201cHopefully, they continue to grow and become more professionally established and skillful because it’s always a little different putting up a site in sandy soil, marshy soil, mountain areas, urban sites,\u201d he said of local manufacturers who can help them install and prepare a site.\n\u201cWe’re looking forward to some of these partners getting bigger and bigger over time, and therefore building more and more skill, so we can use them more regularly.\u201d\nAnalytics and artificial intelligence (AI) will become an important part of telco infrastructure companies.\nAside from the continuous growth of 5G networks in the Philippines through good site acquisition, telco infrastructure companies also look forward to using analytics and AI to improve operations.\n\u201cWhat we’re now doing is using crowdsourced data to put analytics in place, to also offer ideas to the operators where we see they may need it,\u201d Mr. Sidhu said.\n\u201cSo we are able to transform over time, from being a reactive order taker to a proactive solution provider for operators.\u201d\n\u201cIt\u2019s starting now, but we need to get more mature.\u201d\nSolving the backhaul transmission through satellites can complement the goal, but it still needs to mature.\nLow Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have the opportunity to provide network coverage and stable broadband access to remote locations in the country, Mr. Sidhu noted.\n\u201cYou can build a site almost anywhere, but the issue is what we call backhaul transmission,\u201d he said.\n\u201cSo if I build a site on one end of the country, but the nearest site is blocked by a mountain or 50 mountains, how am I going to connect that site?\u201d\n\u201cWe see them as more complementary and potential partners\u2026 The technology has to mature a little bit to become more reliable.\u201d\n\u201cThere’s some regulatory matters that probably have to be sorted out, but overall, we think it can be a complementary part of the solution for our countries\u2019 infrastructure.\u201d\nRecorded remotely on June 5, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-06-20T10:54:02+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-20T10:54:02+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-19-Edgepoint-ART-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=528302", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/06/13/528302/b-side-podcast-phl-potential-as-a-key-player-in-global-semiconductor-industry/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] PHL potential as a key player in global semiconductor industry", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nThe Philippine government needs to invest more in the local semiconductor industry to boost its competitiveness globally, according to RS Group PLC, an electronics and industrial products distributor.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Sean Fredericks, the president of RS Asia-Pacific, discusses with reporter Sheldeen Joy Talavera the potential of the Philippines to become a key player in the industry.
\n“The Philippines itself is a critical player in the global semiconductor industry… The country’s strategic location provides crucial access to the Southeast Asian market through international shipping and air routes,\u201d he said.
\nHe also said that the country’s English-proficient population and strict adherence to intellectual property protection and international labor laws make it an attractive investment destination.
\nAccording to trade data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the value of the country’s electronics product exports in 2022 reached $45.66 million, representing a 13.9% increase from the previous year. Semiconductors accounted for the majority at $35 million, followed by electronic data processing at $6 million, and office equipment at $504,450.
\nMr. Fredericks highlighted several areas that the government needs to address in order to improve the semiconductor industry.
\n“The challenges I would say include the country’s inadequate infrastructure, including power supply, roads, and networks. These are basic infrastructure elements that require expansion to support the industry,” he said.
\nHe also highlighted the shortage of high-end skilled talent, such as engineers and technicians, due to Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad.
\nMoreover, Mr. Fredericks discussed how the ongoing chip dispute between the United States and China can be an opportunity for the Philippines to solidify its position in the industry.
\n“The ongoing US-China dispute hopefully presents the Philippines with some new opportunities for business. Many US manufacturers are now resourcing away from China to balance their risk,” he said.
\nThe B-Side episode was recorded remotely on May 23, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nThe Philippine government needs to invest more in the local semiconductor industry to boost its competitiveness globally, according to RS Group PLC, an electronics and industrial products distributor.\nIn this B-Side episode, Sean Fredericks, the president of RS Asia-Pacific, discusses with reporter Sheldeen Joy Talavera the potential of the Philippines to become a key player in the industry.\n“The Philippines itself is a critical player in the global semiconductor industry… The country’s strategic location provides crucial access to the Southeast Asian market through international shipping and air routes,\u201d he said.\nHe also said that the country’s English-proficient population and strict adherence to intellectual property protection and international labor laws make it an attractive investment destination.\nAccording to trade data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the value of the country’s electronics product exports in 2022 reached $45.66 million, representing a 13.9% increase from the previous year. Semiconductors accounted for the majority at $35 million, followed by electronic data processing at $6 million, and office equipment at $504,450.\nMr. Fredericks highlighted several areas that the government needs to address in order to improve the semiconductor industry.\n“The challenges I would say include the country’s inadequate infrastructure, including power supply, roads, and networks. These are basic infrastructure elements that require expansion to support the industry,” he said.\nHe also highlighted the shortage of high-end skilled talent, such as engineers and technicians, due to Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad.\nMoreover, Mr. Fredericks discussed how the ongoing chip dispute between the United States and China can be an opportunity for the Philippines to solidify its position in the industry.\n“The ongoing US-China dispute hopefully presents the Philippines with some new opportunities for business. Many US manufacturers are now resourcing away from China to balance their risk,” he said.\nThe B-Side episode was recorded remotely on May 23, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-06-13T13:24:31+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-13T16:50:00+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-07-Semiconductors-ART-1-scaled-e1686641501936.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=526724", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/06/05/526724/b-side-podcast-how-phl-banks-can-boost-digital-adoption/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] How PHL banks can boost digital adoption", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side
\nBanks are now actively working to make their operations digital. They want to reduce the reliance on physical cash and move towards a cash-lite economy. This means finding ways to automate their processes and make them available online.\u00a0
\nBy doing so, they hope to provide customers with convenient and secure digital banking experiences.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Kissflow\u2019s chief executive officer, Suresh Sambandam, discusses with BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy how banks can accelerate digital adoption.\u00a0
\nTakeaways:
\nRecorded remotely on May 22, 2023.
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side\nBanks are now actively working to make their operations digital. They want to reduce the reliance on physical cash and move towards a cash-lite economy. This means finding ways to automate their processes and make them available online.\u00a0\nBy doing so, they hope to provide customers with convenient and secure digital banking experiences.\nIn this B-Side episode, Kissflow\u2019s chief executive officer, Suresh Sambandam, discusses with BusinessWorld\u00a0reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy how banks can accelerate digital adoption.\u00a0\nTakeaways:\n\nAs in India, a cashless society in the Philippines could succeed and benefit the country if the government and regulators invest in platforms like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). \u201cIf you can build something like a nationwide infrastructure similar to UPI in India, cashless is not at all a problem. It\u2019s going to be really powerful,\u201d Mr. Suresh said.\n\n\n\nAutomating processes in the middle office is the key to ramping up digital banking. Banks need to digitally transform their processes to make employee operations more efficient, Mr. Suresh said. \u201cDigital banking has not really happened effectively in the middle office applications. The front office applications and the back-office applications are more or less there.\u201d\n\n\n\nTo address the underserved sector in rural areas, regulators could start by introducing cashless payments to get them into digital banking. \u201cWhen they embark on that, automatically the MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and the agricultural farmers, all of these people can go into the banking system. And that automatically enables digital commerce, digital payments, and takes us one step closer to the cashless banking initiative.\u201d\n\n\n\nCitizen development paradigm provides a platform for non-IT personnel to translate their field of expertise into working applications without the need for programming knowledge. Banks should be educated in expanding their programming knowledge outside of the IT department, Mr. Suresh said. The citizen development paradigm can also be applied to other industries aside from banking such as retail, merchandise, and even the public sector.\n\n\n\u201cThere is a paradigm shift that is required in terms of thinking. Conventionally, the digital automation process is always handled by IT. But for a lot of simpler workflows and applications, you no longer need to depend on IT,\u201d Mr. Suresh noted. \u201cThere is a new concept called citizen development paradigm that banks have adopted.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cThe place where the cashless society and the digital transformation and digital banking is lacking is in the middle,\u201d he added. \u201cSo what the central bank needs to do is to provide the best practices and guidance for all the banks in the Philippines to be able adopt digital transformation in the middle office. If that can be done, the whole cashless society transformation will be very smooth.\u201d\n\n\nRecorded remotely on May 22, 2023.", "date_published": "2023-06-05T13:27:05+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-05T13:34:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-05-30-Kissflow-ART-scaled.jpeg", "tags": [ "digital", "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=522833", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/05/15/522833/b-side-podcast-how-ai-is-reshaping-the-academic-landscape/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] How AI is reshaping the academic landscape", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side
\nPhilippine institutions have expressed concerns and optimism regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), seeing it as both a potential challenge and an opportunity, according to plagiarism checker Turnitin.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Jack Brazel, regional director and spokesperson at Turnitin Southeast Asia, speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola about the current state of AI in Philippine academia.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nPhilippine institutions are concerned about AI, but they also see it as an opportunity.\u00a0
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know any Filipino institution that has tried to ban ChatGPT. They are looking at ways on how we enhance the technology, how we make sure that students are ready for it,\u201d he said.\u00a0
\n\u201cBut at the same time, they\u2019re asking, \u2018How do we protect the integrity of our [students\u2019] course work?\u2019\u201d he added.\u00a0
\nMr. Brazel also noted that educational institutions worldwide are eager to find out if students\u2019 use of AI tools has affected their learning process.
\nAI should exist to enhance people\u2019s lives.\u00a0
\n\u201cBut not replace the instructor,\u00a0not do anything terrible like that,\u201d Mr. Brazel said.
\nA crucial point for the global education sector is to prepare students undergo the challenges they are bound to face, he noted.\u00a0
\nMr. Brazel likened AI to the autopilot mechanism for pilots. \u201cSay a pilot\u2026 Even though they\u2019ve got autopilot, we still need them to be well-trained, qualified, ready to go, ready to handle any sort of crisis,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cBut of course, if they\u2019re up there cruising in the peaceful skies using autopilot, there\u2019s no problem to that.\u201d
\nThe priority is always the development of students\u2019 skills.
\n\u201cFilipino institutions are asking the questions: Are we developing our students the right way? Are we developing that skillset of writing? Are we able to produce an argument and articulate ourselves clearly?\u201d Mr. Brazel said.\u00a0
\nThe local education sector should prioritize producing graduates capable of making a positive impact on society and performing critical tasks independently, without excessive reliance on AI, he noted.
\nHe also said that institutions worldwide will need to adapt to the presence of AI by redesigning assessments and clearly defining their expectations for students.
\n\u201cAI is just there to\u2014let\u2019s call it\u2014fuel better learning and better outcomes to students.\u201d
\nMr. Brazel noted that AI is here to stay, and Filipinos must maintain an inquisitive approach to working alongside it.\u00a0
\n\u201cStudents should be saying, \u2018How do I become a better student?\u2019 \u2018How do I get ready for the real world?\u2019\u201d he said.
\n\u201cInstructors should be saying, \u2018How do I use AI to speed up my marking process and get feedback back to the students quicker?\u2019\u201d
\n\u201cGreater society should be saying, \u2018Hey, AI is going to be a part of society\u2026 but we can sort of get unproductive tasks done quickly and effectively.\u2019\u201d\u00a0
\nThe education sector should prioritize real-world skills and producing graduates prepared for the challenges they will face, while acknowledging the persistent concerns surrounding academic integrity, Mr. Brazel said.
\nRecorded on May 11, 2023.
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side\nPhilippine institutions have expressed concerns and optimism regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), seeing it as both a potential challenge and an opportunity, according to plagiarism checker Turnitin.\nIn this B-Side episode, Jack Brazel, regional director and spokesperson at Turnitin Southeast Asia, speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola about the current state of AI in Philippine academia.\nTAKEAWAYS\nPhilippine institutions are concerned about AI, but they also see it as an opportunity.\u00a0\n\u201cI don\u2019t know any Filipino institution that has tried to ban ChatGPT. They are looking at ways on how we enhance the technology, how we make sure that students are ready for it,\u201d he said.\u00a0\n\u201cBut at the same time, they\u2019re asking, \u2018How do we protect the integrity of our [students\u2019] course work?\u2019\u201d he added.\u00a0\nMr. Brazel also noted that educational institutions worldwide are eager to find out if students\u2019 use of AI tools has affected their learning process.\nAI should exist to enhance people\u2019s lives.\u00a0\n\u201cBut not replace the instructor,\u00a0not do anything terrible like that,\u201d Mr. Brazel said.\nA crucial point for the global education sector is to prepare students undergo the challenges they are bound to face, he noted.\u00a0\nMr. Brazel likened AI to the autopilot mechanism for pilots. \u201cSay a pilot\u2026 Even though they\u2019ve got autopilot, we still need them to be well-trained, qualified, ready to go, ready to handle any sort of crisis,\u201d he said.\n\u201cBut of course, if they\u2019re up there cruising in the peaceful skies using autopilot, there\u2019s no problem to that.\u201d\nThe priority is always the development of students\u2019 skills.\n\u201cFilipino institutions are asking the questions: Are we developing our students the right way? Are we developing that skillset of writing? Are we able to produce an argument and articulate ourselves clearly?\u201d Mr. Brazel said.\u00a0\nThe local education sector should prioritize producing graduates capable of making a positive impact on society and performing critical tasks independently, without excessive reliance on AI, he noted.\nHe also said that institutions worldwide will need to adapt to the presence of AI by redesigning assessments and clearly defining their expectations for students.\n\u201cAI is just there to\u2014let\u2019s call it\u2014fuel better learning and better outcomes to students.\u201d\nMr. Brazel noted that AI is here to stay, and Filipinos must maintain an inquisitive approach to working alongside it.\u00a0\n\u201cStudents should be saying, \u2018How do I become a better student?\u2019 \u2018How do I get ready for the real world?\u2019\u201d he said.\n\u201cInstructors should be saying, \u2018How do I use AI to speed up my marking process and get feedback back to the students quicker?\u2019\u201d\n\u201cGreater society should be saying, \u2018Hey, AI is going to be a part of society\u2026 but we can sort of get unproductive tasks done quickly and effectively.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\nThe education sector should prioritize real-world skills and producing graduates prepared for the challenges they will face, while acknowledging the persistent concerns surrounding academic integrity, Mr. Brazel said.\nRecorded on May 11, 2023.", "date_published": "2023-05-15T17:27:29+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-15T17:27:29+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05.15.23-B_Side_AIgrad_1400x1400.jpg", "tags": [ "AI", "Artificial intelligence", "Podcast" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=521442", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/podcast/2023/05/08/521442/b-side-podcast-advertising-in-ever-changing-media-navigating-disruptions/", "title": "[B-SIDE Podcast] Advertising in ever-changing media: Navigating disruptions", "content_html": "\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\nAdvertising has come a long way from traditional paper and ink, and with today\u2019s boom in social commerce and artificial intelligence, the space continues to witness rapid changes, associations, and niches that push the boundaries of product consumption.
\nA battle for brand reach, attribution, performance, and transparency is rapidly evolving, according to Entravision. Finding, engaging, and retaining customers has become more challenging with the increasing host of strategies to tell a story and sell a product effectively.
\nIn this B-Side episode, Juan Saldivar, chief digital, strategy and accountability officer at Entravision, talks to reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola about the fundamental aspects of advertising, as well as the disruptions in the field that are turning into new beginnings.
\nTAKEAWAYS
\nAdvertising is not about the channel, but rather how you consume content.
\nWith over 30 years of experience in advertising, Mr. Saldivar said that he never thought the world would be rapidly heading in its current direction. \u201cWhat\u2019s very interesting is that we historically thought that the world revolved around printing text on paper or distributing video only on a TV set,\u201d he said.
\nMr. Saldivar also noted how the vast associations with media channels like print, radio, and video have altered consumption more than the channels themselves. \u201cThe term print used to be associated with reading, and now it\u2019s just reading, and on multiple devices,\u201d he said.
\nQuality, storytelling, and engagement are the fundamental aspects of advertising.
\n\u201cYou can learn\u2026 through going to school, YouTube, or asking peers you really admire,\u201d Mr. Saldivar said on quality production.
\nLearning how to use the means closer to one\u2019s target audience is key to properly facilitating engagement, he noted.
\nThis includes being able to execute short or long-form content while sustaining their attention. \u201cWithout mastering the length and language, you will not get an audience,\u201d he added.
\nInfluencer marketing and livestream shopping will become everyday standards.
\nEmerging trends such as influencer marketing and livestream shopping capitalize on being inspired by someone else to acquire a product. \u201cIf someone you trust is using a product, you will most likely be loyal to it,\u201d Mr. Saldivar said.
\n\u201cLive shopping is a great source for discovery, especially among special audiences.\u201d
\nFor audiences not acquainted with current specialized media channels, marketers need to find ways to engage with them either through product reviews, direct marketing, or other forms of content communication, Mr. Saldivar said.
\nArtificial intelligence (AI) in advertising is a new beginning, not the end of the road.
\n\u201cMany of us have hallucinations of what\u2019s going to happen, but certainly, there\u2019s going to be disruptions in many industries,\u201d Mr. Saldivar said.
\nHe continued by expounding on intellectual property and how the onset of AI can affect the livelihoods of models, photographers, and marketers. However, AI can also be a tool for brands to sell more.
\n\u201cWe have to be very open and vigilant of how to integrate it in our day to day,\u201d he said. \u201cThe future of advertising is growth.\u201d
\nRecorded physically on May 4, 2023.
\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side\nAdvertising has come a long way from traditional paper and ink, and with today\u2019s boom in social commerce and artificial intelligence, the space continues to witness rapid changes, associations, and niches that push the boundaries of product consumption.\nA battle for brand reach, attribution, performance, and transparency is rapidly evolving, according to Entravision. Finding, engaging, and retaining customers has become more challenging with the increasing host of strategies to tell a story and sell a product effectively.\nIn this B-Side episode, Juan Saldivar, chief digital, strategy and accountability officer at Entravision, talks to reporter Miguel Hanz L. Antivola about the fundamental aspects of advertising, as well as the disruptions in the field that are turning into new beginnings.\nTAKEAWAYS\nAdvertising is not about the channel, but rather how you consume content.\nWith over 30 years of experience in advertising, Mr. Saldivar said that he never thought the world would be rapidly heading in its current direction. \u201cWhat\u2019s very interesting is that we historically thought that the world revolved around printing text on paper or distributing video only on a TV set,\u201d he said.\nMr. Saldivar also noted how the vast associations with media channels like print, radio, and video have altered consumption more than the channels themselves. \u201cThe term print used to be associated with reading, and now it\u2019s just reading, and on multiple devices,\u201d he said.\nQuality, storytelling, and engagement are the fundamental aspects of advertising.\n\u201cYou can learn\u2026 through going to school, YouTube, or asking peers you really admire,\u201d Mr. Saldivar said on quality production.\nLearning how to use the means closer to one\u2019s target audience is key to properly facilitating engagement, he noted.\nThis includes being able to execute short or long-form content while sustaining their attention. \u201cWithout mastering the length and language, you will not get an audience,\u201d he added.\nInfluencer marketing and livestream shopping will become everyday standards.\nEmerging trends such as influencer marketing and livestream shopping capitalize on being inspired by someone else to acquire a product. \u201cIf someone you trust is using a product, you will most likely be loyal to it,\u201d Mr. Saldivar said.\n\u201cLive shopping is a great source for discovery, especially among special audiences.\u201d\nFor audiences not acquainted with current specialized media channels, marketers need to find ways to engage with them either through product reviews, direct marketing, or other forms of content communication, Mr. Saldivar said.\nArtificial intelligence (AI) in advertising is a new beginning, not the end of the road.\n\u201cMany of us have hallucinations of what\u2019s going to happen, but certainly, there\u2019s going to be disruptions in many industries,\u201d Mr. Saldivar said.\nHe continued by expounding on intellectual property and how the onset of AI can affect the livelihoods of models, photographers, and marketers. However, AI can also be a tool for brands to sell more.\n\u201cWe have to be very open and vigilant of how to integrate it in our day to day,\u201d he said. \u201cThe future of advertising is growth.\u201d\nRecorded physically on May 4, 2023.\nFollow us on Spotify\u00a0BusinessWorld B-Side", "date_published": "2023-05-08T13:08:17+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-10T17:56:25+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05.08.23-B_Side_Online-ads_1400x1400.jpg", "tags": [ "Podcast" ] } ] }