AGP Executive Report

Animal Health & Biotech: The Department of Agriculture launched a ₱140.9M Animal Vaccine Development Program to build local swine and poultry vaccine capacity, including a planned Biosafety Level 3 facility to speed up work on high-risk pathogens. Disaster Risk & Geoscience: After Mindanao’s 7.8 quake, the Office of Civil Defense warned of “artificial river damming” from landslides that can block waterways and turn into rain-triggered flooding and debris flows. Cybersecurity: The PNP urged a government-wide cybersecurity review after hackers defaced both Senate and House websites, while DICT said no sensitive data was compromised. Digital Government: A new explainer highlights the eGov app’s push beyond portals into a digital wallet for government IDs and services, aiming to reduce reliance on physical documents. Energy & Climate Resilience: With El Niño conditions confirmed, SPREP called for coordinated regional water management planning as drier-than-usual conditions raise drought risk. Science Diplomacy: President Marcos heads to Russia for the ASEAN-Russia summit, with expected talks on food and energy security plus cooperation in science and technology. Finance & Inclusion: Landbank and PCCI expanded MSME lending under the LIFTING MSMEs program, linking entrepreneurs to credit plus digital transformation and capability-building. Food Systems: UPLB’s genomics work on ube varieties points to longer-term efforts to strengthen local supply for a globally surging crop.

Cybersecurity & Governance: The PNP urged a government-wide cybersecurity review after hackers defaced the Senate and House websites within days; DICT said no sensitive data was compromised in the House incident, while investigations continue. Disaster Readiness: As El Niño threatens water supply, the PNP rolled out water-saving protocols and prepared logistics for possible community support. Nuclear Energy Review: After the June 8 Mindanao 7.8 quake, the DOE asked the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) to re-evaluate potential atomic power sites, with a technical mission planned within six weeks. Trade & Customs Modernization: The Bureau of Customs pushed full digitalization of its Customs Processing System and plans to add AI for risk management to speed trade and curb smuggling. Plastic Waste Program: The World Bank backed a $1B Clean Philippines program to improve waste management and cut ocean-bound plastic pollution starting with Metro Manila. Labor Rights for Digital Work: A new ILO platform-work treaty (Convention 193) sets standards for gig workers, including rules on algorithmic management—prompting calls for Philippine legislative action. Agritech R&D: DA-BAR upgraded the Philippine Mungbean Center with IoT-based data analytics and new climate- and pest-resilient varieties for farmers. Finance Watch: Analysts expect the BSP to hike rates again at its June 18 meeting as inflation pressures persist, while bank assets grew fastest in over a year in Q1.

Cybersecurity: The PNP urged a government-wide review after hackers defaced the Senate and House websites, with the DICT saying no sensitive data was compromised and promising system restoration and stronger security. Defense & West Philippine Sea: Lawmakers condemned China’s reported floating platform at Scarborough Shoal, calling it an unauthorized activity inside the Philippines’ EEZ and urging removal. China sanctions: Sen. Kiko Pangilinan backed Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr., calling Beijing’s travel ban on him and family an affront to sovereignty. Disaster science & preparedness: After the Mindanao 7.8 quake, PHIVOLCS and DENR reported seabed uplift in Sarangani that exposed coral reefs and seagrass beds, while officials stressed building-code compliance and faster rescue access. Public health: A House push seeks an inquiry into DOH’s schistosomiasis program (“snail fever”), targeting persistent cases in Visayas and Mindanao. Smart transport: DOST rolled out sERVis-STEER, using V2X tech to help emergency vehicles move through traffic faster. Agritech: UPLB is developing improved ube varieties using breeding plus genomics to boost yields and nutrition. Climate & water: With El Niño risks rising, the PNP ordered intensified water conservation and contingency support for affected communities.

Disaster Response: The DOH will send the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team to Glan, Sarangani on June 14, bringing specialized doctors and a portable gravity-powered ultrafiltration unit to produce safe drinking water for quake-affected communities. Emergency Tech: DOST rolled out sERVis-STEER, a V2X smart traffic system that helps emergency response vehicles navigate intersections faster by triggering intelligent green lights. West Philippine Sea: Lawmakers condemned China’s reported deployment of a floating platform in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) ahead of the arbitral award anniversary, while the Coast Guard said the movable platform remains inside the shoal and monitoring continues. AI & Work: A survey found HR leaders are cautious about AI-led hiring decisions, while contact centers expect revenue and headcount growth next year driven by AI automation. Digital Assets Oversight: The BSP ordered virtual asset service providers to tighten screening, monitoring, and delisting standards for listed coins and tokens. Agritech & Food Security: UPLB researchers are developing improved purple yam (“ube”) varieties with higher yields and better nutrition, aiming to expand planting materials for farmers. Policy & Education: CitizenWatch Philippines urged AI reforms in education to focus on values formation, citizenship, and critical thinking—not just technical skills. GM Crop Debate: Oriental Mindoro reviewed its GM crop ban, weighing biodiversity and public health protections against impacts on corn farmers’ access to support and high-yield seeds.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: The DOH is sending Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT) to quake-hit Glan, Sarangani and other affected areas, bringing specialized doctors, nurses, mental health support, and water filtration equipment as the 7.8 quake’s toll and displacement continue. Disaster Tech for Roads: DOST rolled out sERVis-STEER, a V2X-based emergency dispatch system that can automate routes and trigger smarter traffic signals to help ambulances and other response vehicles move faster through intersections. Agritech & Nutrition: UPLB researchers are developing improved purple yam (“ube”) varieties with higher yields, richer purple flesh, and better nutritional quality, aiming to expand access to quality planting materials for farmers. Digital Payments Milestone: A new analysis says the Philippines’ shift to majority digital payments was driven less by “super apps” and more by interoperable public payment rails like InstaPay, PESONet, and QR Ph. Border Security & Tourism: The Bureau of Immigration links rising foreign arrivals in Q2 2026 to stronger airport and seaport security, with visitor numbers continuing to climb even into June. Water Security: DENR is scaling low-cost community water refilling stations nationwide, with more sites planned to expand access to safer drinking water. Cyber/Platform Disruption: Meta services including Facebook and Instagram saw a global outage, briefly locking users out and disrupting feeds. Maritime Tensions: China rejected the Philippine Coast Guard’s transparency push over Bajo de Masinloc/Scarborough Shoal, escalating a dispute over alleged research and structures in the area.

AI in Education: CitizenWatch Philippines says AI can reform the education system if proven models are scaled through DepEd, LGUs, and private partners, including Khan Academy and digital safety/AI literacy efforts. Mosquito-Borne Viruses: UP Diliman researchers report that human-altered landscapes may host a more diverse mosquito virus “virome,” adding a new angle for disease surveillance. Cybersecurity & Governance: PNP-ACG will coordinate with the Senate after a hacktivist group claimed responsibility for Senate website defacement; DICT says no sensitive data was compromised. Crypto Compliance: BlockShoals says it has selected a BSP-regulated VASP partner and is completing StratBox testing integration steps, after SEC clarified the 90-day period is for system integration, not public exchange operations. Energy Policy: DOE proposes streamlined rules for own-use solar (zero-export and micro-solar) to reduce permitting friction for small users. Mental Health Access: MPIC’s mWell expands its roster of certified specialists via MindNation to widen culturally sensitive mental health care. Disaster & Resilience: Mindanao’s 7.8 quake sparked renewed focus on earthquake-resilient design and preparedness, while separate coverage highlights community solidarity in past disasters like Mt. Pinatubo. Meta Outage: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger suffered a global service disruption affecting login and feeds, including reports from the Philippines.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: The 7.8 quake’s impact keeps widening: 86,135 families affected, with 55 deaths, 1,120 injured, and 38 missing as reports are reconciled; DPWH clears routes and OCD flags hard-to-reach coastal areas. Cybersecurity: The PNP-ACG will coordinate with the Senate after the Senate website was defaced; authorities say no sensitive data was compromised, but the attack is treated as part of escalating threats. Water & Education Access: DENR is rolling out low-cost community water refilling stations (6 now operating; 18 more installing; 49 targeted by year-end), while DepEd inaugurated the first DepEd-funded ALS Community Learning Center in Sablayan, Mindoro. AI for Learning: CitizenWatch Philippines argues AI can scale proven education models via DepEd partnerships and private-sector support. Health & Environment Research: UP Diliman researchers report that human-altered landscapes may change the mosquito “virome,” with implications for disease surveillance. Maritime Tech: Bataan officials explore electric hydrofoiling ferries with Swedish firm Candela for faster, quieter, lower-impact coastal transport. Biodiversity: DENR documented a family of northern rufous hornbills in Bicol Natural Park using drone-assisted monitoring. Independence Day Tech Angle: Marcos urged Filipinos to “protect truth from distortion” and harness technology wisely, while BSP promoted a limited-edition colored commemorative coin set.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: The PNP offered help to local governments to set up tent cities after the 7.8 quake affected 75,324 families, while DepEd reported 8,642 schools damaged across Mindanao, disrupting classes for 4.9 million learners—another reminder that school safety is a tech-and-infrastructure issue, not just a disaster headline. Cybersecurity & Governance: Senate website defacement was reported with DICT and the Senate saying no sensitive data was compromised, as Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian warned of escalating threats and urged full investigation. Crypto Regulation: The BSP said Binance and its local partner BlockShoals lack the needed VASP licenses, and the SEC clarified BlockShoals’ StratBox sandbox integration is only for system testing and sandbox operations. AI Education Push: UA&P will launch a BS Artificial Intelligence degree, aiming to prepare students for generative-AI job shifts with responsible AI governance and hands-on lab work. Energy & Climate Debate: Environmental groups urged ADB to halt waste-to-energy funding, arguing “false solutions” worsen pollution and harm communities. Renewables & Industry: Cebu leaders flagged shipbuilding, offshore wind, EV infrastructure, and solar as partnership hotspots for the next growth phase. Geopolitics in Tech Terms: US intelligence is monitoring Scarborough Shoal activity amid concerns China may be building a more permanent presence—raising stakes for regional maritime tech, surveillance, and security cooperation.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: A magnitude 7.8 quake damaged thousands of schools, disrupting classes for 4.9 million learners; OCD says the morning timing helped reduce casualties, but aftershocks and preparedness remain critical. School Safety & Land Security: A lawmaker wants DepEd to permanently own untitled public school lands to prevent disputes that delay retrofitting and repairs, while teachers’ groups call for a nationwide audit and demolition of unsafe buildings. AI for Education & Work: UA&P will launch a BS in Artificial Intelligence, aiming to train students for AI deployment and responsible governance as millions of jobs face generative-AI displacement risk. Cybersecurity: The Senate website was defaced, but DICT says no sensitive data was compromised; a technical probe is ongoing. Energy Transition Under Pressure: Zurich warns ASEAN renewables face up to $165B in climate risk, and Acwa Power Philippines and BCDA signed for a 500MW solar-plus-storage project in New Clark City. Solar & EV Charging Push: Graphion is rolling out modular solar EV charging hubs in Pampanga, testing sodium-ion storage to cut grid dependence. AI in Retail: Packworks reports AI inventory planning boosts sari-sari store sales, with median GMV rising sharply within two months.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: President Marcos Jr. and DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara inspected quake-hit schools in General Santos City as the government estimates an initial ₱245.8M for cleanup, debris removal, and repairs across 1,022 public schools, with thousands of classrooms affected. Disaster Preparedness Policy: A former lawmaker urged the administration to fund the Permanent Evacuation Centers Act (R.A. 12076), warning that without permanent, disaster-resilient centers, evacuees remain exposed. Local Safety Enforcement: Davao City’s OCBO ordered strict compliance for red- and yellow-tagged buildings, while 29 structures were damaged after the tremor, with seven red-tagged and 22 yellow-tagged. Transport Continuity: DOTr rerouted ships from Makar Wharf in GenSan to Malalag Port in Davao del Sur to keep passenger and cargo service running. Infrastructure Pipeline: DavSam Bridge is nearing 60% completion, targeting first-quarter 2028 finish, while Cebu prepares for a possible “Big One” with quake risk monitoring. AI for Work and Microbusiness: PH contact centers added 60K jobs in 2025 as AI adoption expanded, and Packworks reported AI inventory planning boosted sari-sari store revenues by 79%. Energy Transition: DOE is considering more aggressive EV and biofuel blend targets to cut oil import dependence, as power alerts were raised after earthquake-driven outages strained grids. Climate and Coastal Risk: A Tulane-led study found human-caused sea-level rise makes 100-year coastal floods about 12 times more frequent worldwide.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: The Department of Education estimates an initial P245.8M for cleanup, debris removal, and repairs across 1,022 public schools, with thousands of classrooms damaged and more assessments expected to raise costs. Disaster-Ready Voting: Comelec says it may build makeshift polling precincts near quake-affected schools if structures are unsafe, to avoid disenfranchising voters. Aftershocks on the Ground: In General Santos City, fear of aftershocks keeps thousands sleeping outdoors, while doctors treat patients in tents as engineers assess hospital damage. School Continuity: DepEd also mobilizes emergency classrooms, learning packets, and clean-up for 267 heavily affected schools, while class suspensions and partial reopenings vary by area. Evacuation Infrastructure Gap: A former lawmaker urges funding for the Permanent Evacuation Centers Act after two years of no budget, warning displacement risks after major quakes. Climate and Heat Stress: Even as the rainy season starts, Infanta, Quezon reports a 46°C heat index, highlighting how extreme heat can persist. West Philippine Sea Tensions: The Philippines protests a Chinese floating platform at Scarborough Shoal, warning it won’t allow it to become a man-made installation. Digital Finance Expansion: Billease injects ₱500M more into its rural bank unit, targeting broader digital banking services beyond consumer lending. AI for MSMEs: A PH business expo highlights new digital tools for MSMEs, including GCash for Business support. Agricultural Biotech: Northern Samar launches a tissue culture laboratory to produce disease-free planting materials for crops like abaca, banana, ube, and taro.

Mindanao Quake Response: A 7.8-magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami fears and major damage, prompting the Supreme Court to suspend court operations across parts of Mindanao while engineers assess buildings. Education Continuity: DepEd mobilized emergency classrooms and learning packets for 267 heavily affected schools, with class suspensions across thousands of schools and a phased reopening for some areas. Transport Recovery: DOTr ordered rapid checks at General Santos Airport; commercial operations were paused for a week while repairs target the terminal and electrical systems. Maritime Safety: The Philippine Ports Authority activated tsunami and port safety protocols, suspending nonessential activities and coordinating with disaster agencies after Phivolcs advisories. Space for Agriculture & Disaster: Marcos approved a satellite constellation under the MULA program, aiming to support farming, maritime monitoring, and disaster response, with testing underway in the UK and a possible 2027 launch. Crypto Tax Transparency: The Philippines will automatically exchange crypto-asset transaction data with foreign tax authorities starting in 2028 under the OECD CARF framework. AI Infrastructure Push: DICT is seeking $30B for its Philippines AI+ Infrastructure Masterplan to close gaps in compute, data centers, and connectivity. Coral Reef Research: A scuba-diver study in the Philippines and Indonesia quantified reef damage from tourist contacts and found most harm is unintentional, with programs like Green Fins helping reduce contacts.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: A 7.8 quake off Sarangani triggered tsunami warnings and left at least 37 dead, with rescue teams working amid aftershocks and cut-off communities; thousands remain displaced and schools and courts face localized suspensions while engineers assess damage. Education & Public Safety: DepEd deployed engineers and reported 8,642 schools affected, while LGUs issued differing class resumption rules; DILG put responders on full alert and raised fire readiness to Code Red. Space & Earth Observation: President Marcos approved plans for a MULA Earth observation satellite constellation, with the first satellite built and undergoing space testing in the UK, targeting launch as early as April 2027 to support agriculture, maritime monitoring, disaster response, and national security. Cybersecurity Push: PhilSec returns June 30–July 1 with strong DICT and law-enforcement backing as the local cybersecurity market is projected to nearly triple by 2032. Digital Governance: Cebu launched CIPMMS, a portal for public monitoring of infrastructure projects and feedback, aiming to improve transparency and contractor payment processing. AI in Schools: DepEd’s AI guidelines and Project AGAP.AI focus on safer classroom use, shifting the challenge to how schools manage GenAI risks. Maritime Workforce Tech: Seatrade’s Crew Connect Global 2026 returns to Manila with a focus on digital transformation, compliance, crew welfare, and sustainable training.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: A 7.8 quake off Sarangani left at least 32 dead and 12 missing, with over 200 injured, triggered landslides, collapsed buildings, and a tsunami scare that disrupted transport and prompted evacuations; malls in General Santos suspended operations while DepEd engineers were sent to inspect damaged schools and classes were suspended across quake-hit areas as officials reported thousands of schools and millions of learners affected. Education & Infrastructure Checks: DepEd said the affected school count climbed to 8,642 across multiple regions, with structural assessments underway and safety inspections prioritized before classes resume. Digital Payments & Costs: The IMF warned Philippine retail transaction fees are higher than regional peers due to fragmented payment infrastructure, flagging cross-settlement frictions between InstaPay and PESONet systems. Digital Skills Gap: An ADB study found the Philippines has the lowest digital skills demand among surveyed Asia-Pacific economies, though the gap is narrowing as digital requirements spread beyond tech jobs. Energy Security: Cebu business leaders warned limited fuel reserves (around 57–58 days) leave growth exposed to oil shocks, urging stronger energy security and strategic petroleum reserves. Maritime Workforce: A seafarer survey highlighted burnout and retention risk, with nearly half considering leaving within five years—raising pressure for better welfare and working conditions. Tech & Games: A Filipino developer is building a metroidvania-style console title dubbed “Pinoyvania,” blending classic exploration with Filipino-inspired dark fantasy. Markets & Rates: The PSE fell amid Middle East-driven risk sentiment, while economists debated whether BSP may still need a rate hike despite softer inflation.

Disaster Response: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across the Philippines and parts of the Pacific, with coastal evacuations reported and aftershocks continuing; DepEd suspended classes in quake-hit areas, with thousands of schools and millions of learners affected while engineers assess structural damage. Local Impacts: Malls in General Santos temporarily shut for safety checks, and reports of building collapses and injuries pushed authorities to keep monitoring intensities and tsunami risk. Climate Policy: PIDS says Filipinos are highly climate-conscious, but financing bottlenecks, local capacity gaps, and weak coordination are slowing climate resilience and adaptation. Open Finance: A commentary argues the Philippines can’t delay open finance, saying consumers lack access to full financial histories needed for fairer credit terms. Energy & Tech Partnerships: Russia signals deeper cooperation with the Philippines in energy, agriculture, tourism, and information technology as both mark 50 years of ties. Mobility Electrification: Graphion Energy Solutions launched EWave, an electric two-wheel fleet platform aimed at Southeast Asia, touting fast charging and fleet-friendly economics. Investment Incentives: The government released the updated 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan, expanding incentives toward AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and advanced renewables.

Energy & Climate Finance: The AIIB is set to co-finance a $1-billion Philippine policy package for energy transition, power market reforms, and water improvements, with $200M from AIIB and $800M from the World Bank, targeting AIIB board approval in Nov. 2026 and closing in Dec. 2027. AI & Services Jobs: US Commercial Service says the Philippines’ IT-BPM sector is the most promising AI market for US firms, citing $40B+ revenues and 1.9M workers, with AI adoption seen in voice-based services and upskilling. Inflation & Markets: BSP warns inflation remains “challenging” and projections keep rates pressured; traders expect the PSEi to stay cautious as US-Iran tensions and possible further tightening loom. Trade & Ecozones Tech: BOC rolls out AEDS PLUS to link customs systems with ecozone/free port export declarations, requiring stakeholder registration and a 24-hour export departure rule. Space Policy: Marcos backs key PhilSA satellite initiatives, including the MULA Earth observation program (launch as early as Apr. 2027) and a sovereign geostationary telecom satellite plan. Cyber/Finance Scams: SEC warns of AI-generated fake endorsements using Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto’s likeness to push investment schemes. Education Reform: Edcom 2 urges a 10-year education reform plan after data shows steep drops in student proficiency from Grade 3 to Grade 12. Waste & Circularity: Cebu and Davao face urgent waste-management calls, with critics pushing circular systems over waste-to-energy incineration. Aviation & Connectivity: Philippine Airlines signs oneworld MoU, bringing the Philippines’ independent flag carrier into the alliance as the region’s travel demand grows. Agri Exports: Mindanao’s MD2 pineapples ship to the UAE, reopening a key Gulf pathway for premium exports.