Author: Dawn Solano

Communities in Bicol will soon have easier access to safe drinking water testing as the Department of Science and Technology-Bicol (DOST-Bicol) launched LabMove, the first mobile laboratory for water potability in the entire DOST system. The project, unveiled during the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Bicol, marks a major step in delivering science, technology, and innovation for maximum social and economic benefit. It is designed to provide on-site chemical and microbiological testing services, particularly to geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and underserved areas. “At DOST–Bicol, we uphold our commitment to Siyensyang Maasahan sa Kabikolan — science that Bicolanos can…

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has formalized a partnership with e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their reach and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital economy. Under a memorandum of understanding signed last Sept. 24 in Taguig City, DOST-assisted MSMEs will be onboarded to Lazada’s platform, giving them access to a wider consumer base through LazMall and the Lazada Marketplace. “Lazada’s partnership with the government is patriotic at its core. Your ability to reach millions makes you a powerful ally in promoting science, technology, and innovation—key drivers of national progress,” DOST…

OpenAI has released new findings on how to detect and reduce “scheming” in artificial intelligence models, a potential failure mode where systems secretly pursue hidden goals while pretending to comply with human instructions. In the report, the company said scheming is different from common AI errors because it involves deliberate concealment. “AI scheming–pretending to be aligned while secretly pursuing some other agenda–is a significant risk that we’ve been studying,” OpenAI explained in a blogpost published on Sept. 17. OpenAI likened scheming to a stock trader intent on maximizing profit. In a tightly regulated market, the trader could earn more by…

Chinese electronics giant TCL showcased its latest lineup of smart air conditioning systems at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) 2025 in Berlin, underscoring its bid to lead the “healthy air” segment in the global market. The company introduced several models, including the TCL FreshIN C7, FreshIN 3.0, VoxIN, and SaveIN, alongside its multi-split and unitary systems. TCL said the new products reflect its focus on artificial intelligence-driven health, voice control, and energy-saving technologies. The FreshIN 3.0, equipped with a quadruple purification filter and TVOC gas sensors, was among the highlights. It won the “AI Energy-saving Technology Gold Award” at the IFA…

Signed last Sept. 12, the VIP is placed under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and envisioned as the country’s flagship hub for cutting-edge research on viruses, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development.

The education sector is showing measurable progress in fighting ransomware, with fewer institutions paying attackers and more recovering their data faster, according to a new international study. The survey of 441 IT and cybersecurity leaders across 17 countries found that 97 percent of education providers hit by ransomware in the past year were able to recover their encrypted data. Average ransom payments also dropped sharply, with lower education institutions reporting a decline from $6 million to $800,000, and higher education from $4 million to $463,000. The findings were contained in the State of Ransomware in Education 2025 report commissioned by…

Gaming brand Logitech G highlighted its newest lineup of products in the Philippines this week as part of its global celebration of play, underscoring the country’s importance as a fast-growing gaming hub in Asia. The exclusive event, Logitech G Play 2025, was held at Lugang Café in SM Megamall on September 18. It gathered members of the media and company officials for product launches, demos, and discussions on the future of gaming. Sally Yu, head of distribution and retail of Logitech Philippines, said the program was meant to recognize the passion of Filipino gamers while introducing innovations that improve connectivity…

The Philippines has once again taken center stage in the global robotics arena as it hosts another World Robot Olympiad (WRO) event for the fourth time, with organizers emphasizing the competition’s role in fostering unity despite geopolitical tensions. “I really feel this competition is not only about competing and winning,” said Markus Fleige, the WRO Head of Projects, during a media briefing held at the Manila Hotel on September 15. This year’s press conference was held ahead of the WRO 2025 Asia Pacific Open Championship, which will take place in the Philippines from September 18 to 21 at the Le…

The lineup includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the iPhone Air. Company executives said the series reflects Apple’s most significant hardware refresh in recent years, featuring improvements in displays, chips, cameras, and battery life.

Asia has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure as the region ramps up the construction of new data centers, a sustainability expert said. Benjamin Soh, founder and managing director of ESGpedia, said Asia’s rapid buildout offers a “greenfield” opportunity to design facilities that are efficient and environmentally responsible, unlike in Western markets where older infrastructure remains in place. ESG, which stands for environmental, social, and governance, is a set of standards used by investors, regulators, and companies to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of business operations. ESGpedia provides digital tools to track…