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.
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
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
3:30 p.m. October 27, 2025
Quezon City First District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde reiterated that there are no “ghost projects” in his district, following a personal inspection of seven flood control and drainage projects in his district.
“There are no ghost projects with us. There’s no ghost in District One. There’s no basis for claims that these exists. Maybe there’s just a need for proper coordination so information about the projects is accurate,” Atayde said after visiting sites in Barangay Bahay Toro, Del Monte, Project 6, and San Antonio.
Atayde’s visit confirmed findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office, which stated in a September 19 letter that “all projects are verifiable on site,” referring to the seven projects questioned due to alleged lack of coordinates.
According to the DPWH, out of 66 alleged ghost projects reported in the media, only seven were located in Atayde’s district, where all of them were found to be completed or ongoing, with proper documentation, correct coordinates, and photographic evidence.
Verified projects included four flood control structures along Culiat Creek and Dario Creek in Barangay Bahay Toro, rehabilitation of Drainage Road 3 in Project 6, the West Riverside Pumping Station in Barangay Del Monte, and a flood control structure along San Francisco River in Barangay San Antonio.
Atayde said five of the seven projects were completed, while two were suspended due to pending issues.
He also visited two additional flood control projects to assess their status – one completed along Dario Creek and one suspended along Mariblo Creek.
Atayde assured to his constituents that public funds were used properly and allegations of ghost projects are “baseless”.
“The projects are not ghosts – they can be seen, touched, and are beneficial. It looks like Halloween came early for some people,” Atayde said.
He also called on those who accused him of benefiting from these projects to verify their information first.
Atayde emphasized he couldn’t benefit from these DPWH projects as they’re already in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), and he couldn’t unilaterally include them in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as he’s not a member of the bicameral conference committee.
“We all want to end corruption and jail the corrupt, but we won’t succeed if we punish the wrong people,” the lawmaker said.
He further reiterated the DPWH’s assertion that there are no ghost projects in Atayde’s district.
“The evidence speaks for itself, and the evidence speaks the truth,” Atayde said.
NEWS
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
6:30 p.m. October 26, 2025
The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
These reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, leading to significant public funds being misspent.
SYMS Construction Trading
Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no real construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed COA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. DPWH’s own records showed 0.00% completion.
Maycapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported as 100% accomplished and fully paid, yet COA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a “ghost project.”
L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation (Joint Venture)
Barangay Piel, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. DPWH pointed COA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.
DARCY & ANNA BUILDERS & TRADING
Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of October 3, 2024, satellite images and COA’s inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.
In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to COA, hindering validation of the projects.
Individuals Held Liable
Several individuals from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO have been identified as liable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.
Those implicated may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
These audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba’s directive on August 12, 2025, initiated an immediate audit of all DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 Fraud Audit Reports already submitted to oversight bodies, reinforcing COA’s commitment to transparency and protecting public funds, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.
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.
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
