AGP Executive Report

School Safety & Cybercrime: The NBI says it has identified “groomers” allegedly recruiting minors aged 12 to 19 to carry out violence, after the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting where the suspect livestreamed on Facebook before removal; authorities plan to meet Meta to probe the case. Digital Economy Policy: The government is evaluating options to restrict or geo-block Facebook nationwide, citing child exploitation and slow compliance, but critics warn it could hit MSMEs that rely heavily on Facebook for sales and customer service. Public Safety Tech & Training: The PNP Forensic Group inaugurated a modernized morgue at Camp Crame with new freezers, X-ray machines, negative-pressure facilities, and CCTV to support training and remote “Zoom autopsies.” National Data & Planning Budget: DEPDev’s 2027 spending proposal totals P17.27B, with big increases for PSA’s household census and National ID work, while PPP Center funding is sharply reduced. Critical Minerals & Semiconductors: Marcos’ EO framework for critical minerals pushes value-added processing; meanwhile ARTA says it’s ready to streamline approvals for Pax Silica in New Clark City, while lawmakers and communities demand clarity on data centers and impacts. Manufacturing & Investment Pipeline: PEZA approvals surged 334% in August to P64.57B, driven by large projects, as the agency nears its P300B full-year target. Health & Consumer Policy: Groups oppose proposed higher excise taxes on sweetened beverages, warning of supply-chain and consumer impacts. Local Tech & Mobility: Marcos backs efforts toward fully Filipino-made EVs, including electric tricycles and jeepneys, with DOST support. Flood Forecasting: Project NOAH gets a P1B boost for AI-assisted flood forecasting and higher-resolution hazard mapping to test flood-control designs before costly builds.

Public Sector Capacity: The Commission on Audit told lawmakers it still needs “almost 400” more field auditors, even after DBM restored 332 plantilla positions—an issue tied to past flood-control probe gaps. Forensics Modernization: PNP-Forensic Group inaugurated a modernized morgue at Camp Crame with new freezers, X-ray gear, sanitation upgrades, a negative-pressure room, and CCTV to support remote autopsies and training. School Safety & Online Threats: Two Catbalogan City secondary schools suspended in-person classes after an online threat; meanwhile, the NBI said it is probing alleged “groomers” recruiting minors for violence and plans to meet Meta. Defense & Risk Pay: Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro backed hazard pay for civilians deployed in the West Philippine Sea and flagged budget constraints affecting armed-forces modernization. Disaster Tech Funding: DBM released ₱1B for UP’s Project NOAH AI flood forecasting and hazard monitoring ahead of Typhoon Obet. AI, Climate, and Critical Minerals: A study warns Pax Silica’s AI data centers could intensify local heat and stress rice farming; COMP said the new critical minerals framework may help as Pax Silica moves toward processing. Digital Economy & Regulation: PAGCOR is building an app to steer players to licensed online gambling sites; CHED recognized five HEIs to offer for-credit micro-credentials in AI, cybersecurity, and health. Business & Investment Signals: PEZA approvals jumped 334% in August; UPS said it will invest over $2B in logistics and healthcare cold-chain, including a Clark hub opening in late 2026. Consumer Tech: HMD launched the Nokia 300 Charge in the Philippines with a 3,700mAh battery, reverse charging, and a dedicated torch.

Disaster Tech & Funding: The DBM released ₱1B to UP for Project NOAH, using AI flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring as Typhoon Obet/Saudel approaches. Flood Governance: A Pampanga business leader urged a science-based Central Luzon Flood Management Task Force to consolidate plans and plug gaps, citing recurring flooding despite past spending. Volcano Risk: Kanlaon Volcano ash prompted class suspensions in Canlaon City, with Phivolcs monitoring and local disaster advisories. Energy & Storage: BCDA signed an MoU with StB GigaFactory to study renewable power, battery energy storage, and electric mobility for New Clark City. Digital Infrastructure: DOST earmarked ₱300M seed funding to expand its data centers for greater AI sovereignty. AI Safety & Law: PNP warned that failing to label AI-generated police images could trigger liability, including issues around uniforms/insignia and cyber rules. Child-Safe Internet: A push to make online spaces safer for Filipino children gained traction amid calls to block violent content and set enforceable child-safety standards. Pax Silica Debate: Stratbase urged faster fiber, data centers, and digital backbone buildout to support Pax Silica-linked AI and semiconductor ambitions. Urban Farming: Quezon City partnered with Agrigaia Tech to set up an urban farming demo site led by women at QCU to strengthen food security. Health After Floods: DOH activated leptospirosis “fast lanes” in 33 hospitals to speed referral and treatment as flooding risks rise.

Urban Farming for Food Security: Quezon City partners with Agrigaia Tech to set up an urban farming demonstration site at Quezon City University, with women leading training and using hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming. Flood Forecasting Upgrade: DBM releases ₱1B to UP for Project NOAH, funding AI-powered flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring to shift disaster response toward earlier prevention. Leptospirosis Response: DOH activates “Leptospirosis Fast Lanes” in 33 government hospitals across Metro Manila and nearby regions to speed up care after widespread flooding. National ID + AI in Finance: Maya says it has integrated PSA National ID eVerify into onboarding, using responsible AI and automation to scale identity checks as BSP pushes wider National ID use. Power System Loss Debate: Sen. Erwin Tulfo presses the energy sector to share the burden of reducing system loss, not just distributors, in Senate Energy hearings. AI-Generated Police Images: PNP warns that failing to label AI-made police images and uniforms/insignia could trigger legal liability. EV and Charging Infrastructure: Greenstrum expands EV charging and battery storage for corporate fleets and developers in PH, using Huawei hardware and storage to manage grid constraints. Poverty Numbers Questioned: Sen. Loren Legarda challenges PSA’s poverty decline figures, arguing the official threshold may not match real daily purchasing power. School Safety Drills Under Fire: Psychiatric groups urge DepEd to defer live active-shooter drills, citing potential psychological harm and weak support for reduced casualties. Pax Silica Digital Backbone Push: A think tank urges faster investment in fiber, data centers, and digital infrastructure to support AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing under the Pax Silica initiative.

School Safety & Drills: DepEd postponed a nationwide live-shooter drill set for Aug. 25 after psychiatric groups said high-intensity simulations lack proof they reduce harm and may worsen trauma, following the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting. Local Security Response: Valencia City, Bukidnon suspended face-to-face classes after viral threats of gun and grenade attacks; a teen suspect tied to the posts was arrested. Monetary Policy Watch: Analysts expect the BSP to raise rates again on Aug. 27 as inflation risks and peso weakness persist, with some forecasts pointing to a 25 bps hike to 5%. AI Readiness: The World Bank warned that weak, fragmented data systems could slow the Philippines’ AI push unless data governance and sharing improve. Digital Safety & Telecoms: PLDT, Globe, Smart, and Converge escalated network-level blocking to curb access to sites linked to school shootings and graphic violence. Critical Minerals Policy: Marcos’ EO 122 on critical minerals drew sharp criticism from ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, who called it a surrender of ore wealth to foreign firms. Renewables Investment: HSBC flagged renewables and AI data centers as major FDI “sweet spots,” citing large first-half renewable inflows. Solar Expansion: Raslag said it’s scouting new green tech as it targets a bigger role in government auctions, with onshore wind among its next moves. Citrus Push in Mindanao: A Mindanao citrus summit in Koronadal highlighted opportunities to close the domestic supply gap that forces imports of mandarins, oranges, and lemons.

Critical Minerals Policy: President Marcos signed EO 122 to set a framework for the critical minerals industry, pushing exploration, processing, and higher-value manufacturing—while critics warn it could accelerate privatization and displacement. Mindanao as Gateway: MinDA says the same EO could help Mindanao move from extraction to value creation for refining, batteries, and clean-energy supply chains. Digital Child Safety Enforcement: The CICC warned that platforms that repeatedly ignore child protection rules could face geo-blocking or access suspension. School Safety Drills: Mental health groups urged DepEd to defer nationwide live-shooter simulations, citing lack of safety benefits and potential psychological harm. Local Security Response: Valencia City (Bukidnon) suspended face-to-face classes after online threats allegedly posted by a teen, who was arrested. Disaster Tech for Roads: DPWH eyes modern mountain technologies to curb landslides and erosion in the Cordillera, with new methods planned for the 2027 budget. AI in Rescue: Manila rescuers used thermal and AI-powered drones to search for a missing 13-year-old at Baseco Beach. WPS Information War: House officials urged the NTC to block China-linked misinformation pages, comparing the crackdown to blocking porn sites. EV Infrastructure: Voltai plans to expand motorcycle battery-swapping stations starting 2027, aiming for about 1,000 over the medium term. Agri Bio-Control: Negros Occidental hired more biologists to scale up biological control agents against a sugarcane pest.

Critical Minerals Policy: President Marcos approved EO 122 to build a Philippine critical minerals industry, pushing exploration and “mineral reservation” via DENR-MGB and aiming to move from raw ore exports to value-added processing for batteries, electronics, defense, and clean energy. Supreme Court Fight Over Fishing Oversight: The Office of the Solicitor General asked the Supreme Court to reconsider a ruling that struck down round-the-clock monitoring of commercial fishing vessels, arguing it should protect small fishers and sustainable livelihoods. Flood, Landslide Tech Shift: DPWH says it will use newer mountain technologies and stability systems after rain-triggered landslides in Baguio and Benguet, with funds earmarked for 2027 and quick response repairs. Education Continuity: DepEd is proposing a policy letting individual schools resume face-to-face classes after disasters even if citywide suspensions remain, to reduce lost learning time. Sugar Pest Biocontrol: Negros Occidental hired more biologists to speed production of biological control agents against red-stripe soft scale insects, using insectary bugs and fungus-based sprays. EV Battery Swapping Expansion: Voltai plans to expand motorcycle battery-swapping stations starting 2027, targeting about 1,000 sites, starting with Metro Manila. Digital Safety & Trust: Dagupan police warned the public about AI-generated images impersonating police, urging caution before creating or sharing such content. Payments Network Leadership: PNPI elected new board and officers for 2026–2027, including BDO’s Nestor Tan as chairman and Fabian Dee as president.

AI in creative production: Mishkam Technologies’ upcoming Filipino anime “Trading Wars” uses synthography, but its COO says AI is only a tool—human directors and artists still drive the creative core. EV infrastructure: Voltai, backed by AboitizPower, plans to expand motorcycle battery-swapping stations starting 2027, aiming for about 1,000 sites and prioritizing Metro Manila before expanding north and south. Digital safety for schools: PLDT/Smart will block over 100 sites streaming or hosting school-shooting and extreme-violence content, after a second fatal campus attack in less than two months. Healthcare funding: DBM released P27.41B for DOH’s Maifip medical assistance program for indigent and financially incapacitated patients. Power reliability crisis: Cebu’s prolonged power crisis is hitting remote workers and businesses, pushing some to pay for coworking access and invest in backup solar. Capital markets tech upgrade: The PSE outlined nearly P2.9B in technology investments, including a new trading engine, clearing upgrades, disclosure tooling, and AI initiatives. Biodiversity finds: A survey in Apayao documented at least 15 amphibian and reptile species, including three Platymantis specimens that may be new to science. Environmental governance: Marcos issued an EO framework for critical minerals, including a virtual one-stop shop for permits and downstream processing incentives. Wildlife rescue: Philippine eagle “Lakpue” was rescued in Leyte after losing a talon, with specialists assessing whether it can hunt and survive in the wild.

Philippine Stock Exchange Tech Upgrade: The PSE outlined nearly ₱2.9B in technology investments, including a new trading engine, clearing and central depository systems, an XBRL disclosure platform, and market surveillance upgrades, plus AI initiatives to support investor access and PDS integration. School Safety & Network Blocking: After the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting, PLDT/Smart said it will block 100+ websites streaming school-shooting footage and other extreme violence content. The PNP also pledged support for DepEd’s Aug. 25 nationwide active-threat drill. Power Reliability in Cebu: Cebu’s ongoing Visayas grid crisis is hitting remote workers and businesses with brownouts, higher operating costs, and overheating issues despite solar backups. Biodiversity & Research in Apayao: A UST-Kyoto-led survey in Calanasan documented at least 15 amphibian and reptile species, including three Platymantis specimens that may be new to science, pending taxonomic checks. Critical Minerals Policy: Marcos signed EO 122 to push critical minerals exploration and downstream processing, with a virtual one-stop shop to streamline permits while requiring environmental protection and community rights. Wildlife Rescue in Leyte: The Philippine Eagle Foundation rescued “Lakpue” in Burauen, Leyte, after a talon injury, with medical screening and rehabilitation planned before possible transfer to the Philippine Eagle Center.

Flood Control Policy Push: Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan urged Congress to pass a National Land Use Act, arguing flooding is a land-use and planning problem—not just drainage—after the House approved HB 8466 but the Senate counterpart is still pending. School Safety Drills: The PNP backed DepEd’s Aug. 25 nationwide active-threat school drill, following recent shootings, saying it will deploy personnel and test real-time reunification protocols. Classroom Overcrowding: Sen. Loren Legarda called for urgent action on overcrowded public classrooms, citing PIDS-EDCOM II findings that some areas still see 60+ learners per room. Education Security Details: Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla said the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooter entered via an unlocked emergency exit under standard protocol, rejecting claims of an institutional security lapse. Capital Markets Tech Upgrade: The PSE plans ₱2.85B in upgrades over 10 years, including a new trading engine, clearing system, disclosure platform, central depository system, surveillance, and AI initiatives. Power Grid Reliability: NGCP is advancing a 230-kilovolt transmission project in Mandaue after residents agreed to disturbance fees and housing-material support to protect the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu interconnection. Digital Inclusion via National ID: Landbank and OFBank opened 211,000 accounts without physical IDs using PSA-powered real-time National ID verification through mobile onboarding. AI Safety Warning: San Juan police cautioned the public against using AI-generated images of people in PNP uniforms, warning it can mislead others about police endorsement. Healthcare Tech Research: UP researchers developed AXEL Virtual Care, an immersive gamification rehab tool for cerebral palsy and dementia patients. Coconut Value-Add Drive: DTI-7 pushed Cebu’s coconut sector to move beyond raw production toward value-added products, branding, and wider market access at the Coco Negosyo–Cebu Coconut Market Expo.

Semiconductor & critical-minerals push: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto urged US firms to invest in PH semiconductor and electronics—especially advanced packaging, chip design, R&D, and critical-mineral processing—bringing tech and training, not just buying. AI for healthcare: Taiwan’s Acer Medical is seeking FDA approval in the Philippines for AI tools that screen patients (e.g., diabetic retinal images) to triage who needs specialists, aiming to ease doctor shortages. MSME AI upskilling: DTI and Converge opened an AI and Scale-Up Center in Makati to train MSMEs and let startups test AI-powered products, with cloud tools and cybersecurity support. Flood control planning: Malacañang released 39 potential NCR rain-catchment sites for underground detention structures, with detailed engineering plans due end-August and targets to be ready before next rainy season. Gun safety research: A UP Diliman-led text analysis of 5,222 papers found “easy access to guns” and gun-regulation gaps were most frequently discussed factors in mass violence studies. POGO tax case: The BIR filed a ₱2.23B tax evasion complaint vs Hongsheng Gaming tied to POGO operations linked to Alice Guo. Digital safety for kids: Game developers urged parents not to be blamed for online risks, saying awareness of existing parental controls must improve. Pax Silica debate: PCCI-North Luzon backed Pax Silica “in principle,” calling for transparency, environmental stewardship, and Filipino participation as the US-led supply-chain initiative targets AI and advanced manufacturing in New Clark City.

US-Philippines Investment Push: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto urged American firms to expand in semiconductors, electronics, and critical minerals—asking for technology, R&D, and training, not just buying from the Philippines. Flood Control Tech & Planning: Malacañang released a shortlist of 39 NCR rain-catchment sites (from Haskoning) to cut habagat flooding, with detailed engineering due end-August and targets for operations before next rainy season. School Safety & Policy: DepEd is drafting an EO letting school heads decide on face-to-face resumption using site-specific safety checks with mayor concurrence, while officials probe whether a Zamboanga shooter targeted a teacher. Climate-Health Research Gaps: A UP-led review found climate-health studies rising since 2018, but still concentrated in Luzon and often lacking long-term climate-health datasets. Cyber Resilience for AI Era: Sparkle Security debuts in the Philippines with an AI-first secure SDLC pitch for faster, safer banking/fintech releases. Disaster Connectivity Trials: PLDT/Smart tested direct-to-device satellite messaging in Batangas for emergency alerts when cell networks fail. Industry Automation: Epson will add industrial robots to its Batangas plant, aiming for commercial operations in March 2027. Innovation Scorecard: The Philippines ranked 50th in WIPO’s 2025 Global Innovation Index, improving from 53rd, but research productivity and university-industry links still lag.

Flood Control & Urban Resilience: President Marcos says 30 underground rain-catchment sites are ready for detailed engineering, with excavation targeted to start soon—DPWH is also pushing detention basins like a ~3-million-liter facility at Plaza Rajah Sulayman and exploring a similar option at SM Sucat in Parañaque. Education Continuity in Disasters: DepEd wants school heads to decide on face-to-face class resumptions during bad weather using site-specific safety checks, instead of blanket citywide suspensions. School Safety & Youth Platforms: A Senate hearing set for Aug. 20 will tackle school violence and the role of digital platforms in children’s mental health, following the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting. Public Budget Pressure: Budget analysts flag that the 2027 national budget has shrinking “fiscal space” for new priorities as mandatory spending crowds out room for emerging needs, including scrutiny of the National Tax Allotment for LGUs. Satellite Connectivity for Emergencies: Smart/PLDT and Lynk run direct-to-device satellite trials in Batangas to keep emergency alerts and public safety messages working when cell networks fail. Industrial Tech in PH: Epson expands in Batangas with a P40M+ industrial robot manufacturing upgrade, targeting operations in March 2027. Smart Farming: Bukidnon and DOST roll out an almost P10M automated weather-station program under Project SARAI to help farmers plan and respond to climate shocks. Cybersecurity Reality Check: A new analysis argues many organizations keep buying more tools without coordination, leaving blind spots—especially for offline devices—and treating resilience as an IT-only problem.

Flood Resilience in Metro Manila: President Marcos says 30 Metro Manila sites are being studied for underground rainwater cisterns, with detailed engineering due by end-August, as DPWH also pushes faster detention-basin builds like a ~3-million-liter facility at Plaza Rajah Sulayman. Local Flood Risk: In Oriental Mindoro, a Bagto River protection dike damage could directly affect ~1,093 Naujan residents if it fails, prompting inspections and temporary measures. Budget & Governance: Congress is open to adjusting 2027 flood-control allocations (P107B proposed) after Marcos scrapped some locally funded projects, with hearings rescheduled due to habagat. Education Support: A Senate bill would make the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program permanent, targeting ~20,000 scholars and requiring top academic performance. Public Safety After School Violence: Senators call for firearm-access safeguards and a review of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act after the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting. Dengue Control Tech: Baguio is considering a Wolbachia pilot to curb dengue transmission as cases rise. Digital Payments: GoTyme Bank enables Apple Pay in the Philippines via Paymentology, expanding secure mobile payments for users and SMEs.

School Safety & Firearms: A deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga’s Tumaga campus killed two junior high students, with the Grade 9 shooter also dying after livestreaming the attack, prompting renewed calls for tighter gun access rules and stronger school security. Policy & Youth Justice: Senators urged a review of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, pointing to gaps in implementation, plus concerns over mental health and exposure to violent online content. Weather & Resilience: PAGASA said habagat-driven rains will continue through the week in western Luzon and Metro Manila, with Tropical Depression Neneng and a second low-pressure area boosting rainfall but not expected to match Monday’s totals. Public Finance & Inflation: CPBRD warned inflation may stay above government targets in 2H 2026, with risks from monsoon impacts, El Niño effects, and commodity constraints. Banking Oversight: The BSP proposed more frequent fitness-and-propriety checks for bank and nonbank executives, and possible board reconstitution if conditions deteriorate. Transport Accountability: The Ombudsman ordered preventive suspension of LTFRB and OTC chiefs over the alleged P13B LTO “computer fees” issue. Tech & Agriculture: DA and UPLB identified 10 promising ube varieties to improve quality and consistency for export growth. Smart Mobility: FETCi and SynerPark launched an AI smart parking ecosystem at SM Southmall, combining license-plate recognition, automated access control, and centralized management.

School Safety & Youth Violence: Lawmakers and officials reacted to the Ateneo de Zamboanga campus shooting that killed two students, with calls for tighter safeguards and questions on how firearms still reach campuses. Transport Accountability: The Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of LTFRB and OTC officials over the alleged P13B LTO “computer fees” issue, while DOTr said it will cooperate. Public Safety in Disasters: Habagat rains continue, with the Office of Civil Defense reporting widespread flooding and rising deaths, while MMDA and agencies scramble on drainage and clearing. Metro Manila Flood Readiness: MMDA says it will propose funding for the San Juan River drainage master plan in the 2027 budget, but inclusion isn’t guaranteed. Energy & Resilience Tech: A solar-powered ice plant in Romblon is set to cut fisherfolk operating costs, supported by DoST. AI & Industry Growth: HSBC says the Philippines can capture more of the AI boom by expanding semiconductor testing, assembly, and packaging, while PEZA welcomed an Australian healthcare firm exploring IT-BPO operations. Wages & Legal Pressure: Labor groups asked the Supreme Court to intervene after a Pasig court injunction paused the Metro Manila P85 minimum wage hike. Maritime Monitoring: AFP noted China’s WPS posture shifting toward more coast guard and research vessels. Digital Payments: Paymentology-backed GoTyme Bank moves to enable Apple Pay in the Philippines.