Connect with us

NEWS

Sinag Solutions turns 13: Guiding businesses to embrace Artificial Intelligence

2:42 p.m. June 26, 2025

Sinag Solutions chose to mark its 13th anniversary with a challenge of conventional thinking regarding both numerology and technology.

The homegrown digital transformation leader hosted an exclusive gathering of digital transformation professionals to explore practical approaches to artificial intelligence adoption in the business landscape.

Francis Uy, Chief Executive Officer of Sinag Solutions, framed the discussion by drawing parallels between society’s unfounded fears about the number 13 and common misconceptions surrounding AI.

He shared his early experiences with AI at the University of the Philippines, where he worked with Prolog programming to create chess algorithms, demonstrating that the technology has been evolving for decades. Uy emphasized that today’s AI revolution, driven by large language models, presents both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges that require thoughtful navigation.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need for businesses to understand emerging regulations, particularly the EU AI Act, which imposes penalties of up to €35 million for non-compliance.

These regulations classify AI systems by risk level and establish corresponding requirements, making governance a critical first step for any organization beginning its AI journey. Uy stressed that companies serving European customers must prioritize compliance to avoid costly consequences.

Real-world applications of AI took center stage during the panel discussions. In healthcare, the speaker shared a personal experience where AI assisted in analyzing medical test results, although he cautioned against blind reliance on the technology.

Financial sector panelists warned about the risks of algorithmic bias, noting that systems trained primarily on Western data might not adequately serve Asian customers.

Retail examples demonstrated AI’s potential to drive engagement, with one panelist citing Spotify’s AI DJ feature as an example of successful personalization.

Uy emphasized that successful AI implementation requires balancing innovation with responsibility.

“Many companies rush into enterprise-wide transformations,” he noted, “when they should be starting with focused pilots that allow for learning and adjustment.” This measured approach helps organizations maintain control while exploring AI’s potential.

Insights From Industry Pioneers

The event featured compelling perspectives from leaders at the forefront of AI adoption:

Omar Dapul, CEO of Deepfaic, highlighted emerging security threats: “Deepfakes aren’t just videos—audio scams are exploding. Imagine a voice clone stealing your identity over a call. Our tools give enterprises a fighting chance.”

His warning underscored the growing sophistication of AI-powered fraud.

David Rosario of Katapult Digital shared a success story about practical AI implementation: “Adding plain-text explanations to dashboards boosted an airline’s ad returns by 13%. Sometimes, the simplest AI fix unlocks millions.”

This example demonstrated how small, thoughtful AI applications can yield significant returns.

Arup Maity, President of Xamun, addressed implementation challenges: “Enterprises don’t need more code—they need clarity. Our AI co-pilot ensures every requirement translates to working software, one step at a time.” His approach emphasized reducing complexity in AI adoption.

Dr. Ezekiel Bernardo, a Human-AI Interaction Researcher from DLSU, focused on user experience: “People adopt AI when it feels transparent, not just accurate. A well-designed explanation can increase trust by 70%—emotions drive adoption.”

His research highlighted the human element often overlooked in technical implementations.

Sinag Solution guest speakers during recent seminar at Crowne Plaza Ortigas. They are (from left) Francis Uy, Dr. Ezekiel Bernardo, Arup Maity, Omar Dapul, David Rosario, and Lanz Oliveros.

Charting the Path Forward

As the event concluded, several key themes emerged that define successful AI adoption. First, regulatory compliance must form the foundation of any AI strategy.

Second, high-quality, locally relevant data is essential for effective AI systems. Third, focused pilot projects provide valuable learning opportunities before scaling. Fourth, human oversight remains critical even as automation increases. Finally, partnering with experienced enterprise architects can accelerate safe adoption.

Through its 13-year history of challenging technological norms, Sinag Solutions continues to position itself as a thought leader in practical, responsible AI adoption.

As a winner of the Open Group Awards for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sinag leads the digital transformation space where AI represents one of the new frontiers.

The closing remarks highlighted how the company measures impact “not just in technology deployments, but in how we’re helping build our nation’s digital future” through projects across energy, education, and healthcare sectors.

As Francis Uy noted, in an era of rapid technological change, fortune favors those who prepare rather than those who hesitate.

NEWS

DITO delivers superior network performance, turning digital aspirations into possibilities

8:11 p.m. August 28, 2025

DITO Telecommunity showcased how superior connectivity transforms Filipino digital aspirations into achievable realities during the successful media launch of the telco’s latest campaign, Kaya DITO, held at Manila House, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

Built on True 5G standalone technology and as validated by a global leader in mobile analytics and insights, Opensignal, as the Philippines’ Fastest Mobile Network, DITO’s ecosystem proves that the Filipino telecommunity’s demand for seamless network connectivity, value-driven services and unified digital experience aren’t distant possibilities, but today’s basic expectations—this challenges what the telco industry has long normalized.

“For too long, outages, dropped calls, and overpriced data have been treated as normal. Let us say it bluntly: It is not normal. Every Filipino has limitless potential when equipped with the right tools, and the game is now changing since DITO has joined the fray and taken up the cause to disrupt the status quo—to deliver inclusive, next-gen technology to the  Filipino people. “Kaya DITO!” is our battle cry to symbolically break that cycle, because we truly believe that Filipinos deserve better,” shared by DITO Telecommunity President Eric Alberto in the event.

The Telco that Truly Takes Care of its Users 

DITO’s prepaid solutions eliminate the frustration of wasted data through Level-Up Packs with ViLTE technology, making DITO the primary telco offering unlimited DITO-to-DITO HD video calls and unli mobile calls. Combined with Viber and Prime Video inclusions and flexible data packages with longer validity periods, users can now maximize their every peso without worrying about abruptly expiring data allocations.

The Telco that Offers Value-Packed Postpaid Plans

DITOFlexPlan 888 redefines what postpaid should offer—comprehensive inclusions and generous data at prices that make sense for Filipino budgets. Whether you choose SIM-only or device bundles, these plans prove that premium network performance doesn’t have to break the bank, empowering users to pursue their goals without connectivity compromises.

The Telco that Brings True 5G Home Internet Convenience 

DITO WoWFi Pro 365 makes home connectivity effortless with a year-long unlimited connection that works when you need it. Families enjoy the convenience of reliable internet for work, study, and entertainment without the inconvenience of data top-ups and complicated installations; just network performance that simplifies your digital life at home.  Just ask any of your relatives and friends who have already ditched ordinary WiFi and jumped onto WoWFi— they will tell you what you’ve been missing out on.

The Telco that Built Everything You Need in One App

The DITO App represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive digital platforms, built from the ground up to handle the entire customer journey. From SIM and load purchase to account management and a wide range of OTT apps, users enjoy complete digital control with custom special offers, DITO Rewards points, and 24/7 customer support—managing everything while earning exclusive benefits.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Pay with GCash and turn daily payments into big wins

11:39 a.m. August 27, 2025

GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is making everyday payments more rewarding with “Pay It, Win It”, where every ₱50 spent on GCash builds your chances to win over ₱20 million worth of exciting rewards.

With “Pay It, Win It”, everyday payments turn into extraordinary wins with prizes designed to match the passion and lifestyle of all GCash users. Every two weeks, new and bigger rewards drop, bringing you closer to the life upgrade you’ve been dreaming of.
GCash takes it further by listening to what its users truly value and showing up where they are. Whether it’s in the daily grind, their fandoms, or their passions, rewards don’t just excite, but they resonate in everyday life.

Upgrade Your Everyday
Every peso spent gives users a chance to win must-have prizes that can upgrade their everyday lives– from driving home a brand-new BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic or zipping through the city on a Yamaha NMAX, to bringing homea Samsung Smart TV.

A Trip to the K-Land 
For all dedicated and passionate K-pop fans, you can turn your bills and shopping receipts into plane tickets, taking you a step closer to your bias.  Win a trip for two to Seoul or Busan and make your ultimate K-dream a reality.

Level Up Your Play
For PC and console gamers, leveling up has never been this thrilling. Win the latest gaming console (PlayStation™ 5), a high-performance gaming laptop (ASUS ROG Strix G16), and the ultimate gaming phone (ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro), because every gamer knows that better gear leads to better performance.

Joining is simple; just head over to the “Pay It, Win It” page by clicking the “Tap for Promos” banner on your GCash app and choosing a prize to register. Every ₱50 spent instantly counts as a raffle entry.

Pay any way you like, whether it’s scanning or generating a QR code, paying with your GCash Card, paying online, buying load or paying bills inside the GCash app, paying with GCash Tap to Pay, or generating a QR with your Huawei Watch. No extra forms, no fuss, just keep using GCash everyday.

Winners are drawn weekly and announced every Friday through the official social media channels of GCash and in-app promo page. All winners will be notified via email, and in-app alerts.

With “Pay It, Win It,” GCash proves that every payment isn’t just a flow of funds from users’ wallets; it’s a step toward progress, a connection to your passion, and a chance to unlock rewards that truly matter.  For more information about GCash, visit www.new.gcash.com.

Continue Reading

NEWS

‘Gender dimension’ will make urban spaces more inclusive, useful — expert

11:12 a.m. August 26, 2025

Urban planners must consider the “gender dimension” to make public spaces more inclusive and allow better use of infrastructures designed to make users move comfortably, according to a US-based expert supporting movements for greater public mobility.

Benjie de la Peña, CEO of the Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) and chair of the Global Network for Popular Transportation, said buildings, walkways or sidewalks, and transport terminals should not be mere infrastructures as they must be public spaces where people should be able to move comfortably.

Engineers tend to think of efficiency and movement alone and they don’t think about the waiting part, right? … It’s always about the moving and not about the waiting. But in a good system, you think about how it is to wait and dwell,” De la Peña told participants of the Philippine Mobility Series 2025’s “Mobility Chat” recently.

For instance, De la Peña said, women and caregivers have different trip patterns from men and regular office workers, hence, the significance to create mobility hubs for women, as well as caregivers.

In their analysis, De la Peña noted that in most cities, available public transport services go to the employment areas and serves particular times, but that’s not how women and caregivers move. 

“They sometimes have to stop over at school to drop off the kids, or on the way home, stop over and pick up a grocery, or if they’re caring for someone older, they have to take them to the doctor or to the pharmacy. And so, none of the public transportation systems are particularly friendly to that,” said the Filipino urban transport expert.

“This is precisely why Grab in the Philippines is supporting the Philippine Mobility Series 2025. We need to hear more civilian voices. We need a platform to allow exchanges of ideas to flow in order to improve mobility in the country,” according to Booey Bonifacio of Grab.

After interviewing 100 women aged 11 to 95 on their transportation needs and challenges, De la Peña noted how the framework they designed had radically changed when gender dimension was added.

If we design for the people with the most challenges, it works better for everyone else,” De la Peña told the “Mobility Chat” organized by AltMobility PH and co-presented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and in partnership with Grab and the Move As One Coalition.

Continue Reading