AGP Executive Report

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.

Philippine-US Economic Push: The Philippines and the US discussed expanding economic cooperation via the Luzon Economic Corridor, signaling renewed focus on trade and investment links. Anti-Crime Mobilization: Marcos ordered all government agencies to support the 2026 National Crime Prevention Program, aiming to tighten public safety coordination. Flood-Control Case Travel Bans: Courts issued hold departure orders against officials tied to flood control corruption cases, with a published list of those barred from leaving the country. Disaster Response: Angeles City’s building collapse death toll rose to 28 as rescue operations continued, with investigators checking permit compliance and construction practices. Trans Health Access: A medical expert warned that stigma and limited access push many trans women to self-medicate for gender-affirming hormone therapy, raising safety concerns. AI Governance in ASEAN: A new explainer breaks down how AI rules in Southeast Asia range from voluntary frameworks to mandatory requirements with real penalties. Digital Education Support: Korail donated 30 computers to a youth school in the Philippines to boost digital skills. Biodiversity Wins: UNESCO added the Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan Biosphere Reserve to its biosphere network, while DENR documented the rare Jade Vine in Quezon’s Buenavista Protected Landscape. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 5.4 quake caused minor damage in parts of Albay, with teams assessing infrastructure. Climate Risk: El Niño is expected to intensify, with warnings that it could disrupt weather, water, and food systems. Wildlife Conservation Symbol: Quezon City gave symbolic Senior Citizen and PWD cards to “Girlie,” the oldest Philippine eagle in captivity, to spotlight conservation.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Quezon City’s “Girlie” Philippine eagle received symbolic Senior Citizen and PWD cards during Philippine Eagle Week, turning a bureaucratic ID into a conservation message. Conservation & Threatened Species: DENR documented the endangered Jade Vine in Quezon’s Buenavista Protected Landscape, highlighting the site’s role as habitat for rare flora. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Taguig and DOST-PAGASA signed an MOA to install flood forecasting and early warning systems with real-time monitoring tools. Food Security & Land Use: Central Luzon groups launched the Save the Rice Granary Movement, calling for a two-year moratorium on land conversion permits to protect farmlands. Waste Management: EMB condemned illegal garbage dumping in front of DENR Region XI in Davao, citing violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act amid landfill shutdown fallout. AI & Digital Economy: World Bank official said the Philippines should better capture the AI infrastructure boom by moving up the AI value chain beyond semiconductor hardware. Payments & Finance: BancNet reported digital payments growth, while economists said BSP may still hike despite softer May inflation. Education & Inclusion: Japanese NTUT students joined a deaf education immersion in Manila to learn Filipino Sign Language and inclusive employment practices. Tech Policy & Investment: Finance agencies said the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan aims to attract advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and smart tech investments.

Waste & Environment: Cebu City opened its “Ecostation” at the SRP to cut landfill-bound waste by up to 15 tons daily, using shredding and composting plus an ionization reactor to turn processed materials into ecobricks. Biodiversity Watch: DENR documented the endangered, endemic Jade Vine in Quezon’s Buenavista Protected Landscape, highlighting the area’s value for threatened flora. Disaster Response: A magnitude 5.4 quake hit Sto. Domingo, Albay, triggering minor rockslides and road cracks, with teams deployed to check infrastructure. Food Security & Land Use: Farmers and advocates in Central Luzon launched the Save the Rice Granary Movement, calling for a two-year moratorium on land conversion permits to protect agricultural lands. Public Health Integrity: DOH warned the public against fake cancer-treatment endorsements using fake DOH quotes and “MediHope” branding. Digital Consumer Tech: Google launched an AI “Try On” tool in the Philippines via Search, Shopping, and Images, letting users virtually test clothes and accessories. AI Governance: A roundup of proposed PH AI governance bills maps options like a Bureau of Artificial Intelligence Systems and an AI Development Authority. Cyber Safety for Youth: Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program trained 440+ young people in Iloilo and Negros Occidental on cybersecurity, privacy, and safer online behavior. Infrastructure Governance: Northern Samar set up a Local Infrastructure Learning Hub to strengthen disaster-resilient public works through training and auditing support. Science Recognition: Six Filipino scientists made the “Asian Scientist 100” list, spanning fields from pest control and agricultural biosecurity to nematology.

Renewables & Energy: Ateneo researchers flagged three Visayas straits—San Bernardino, San Juanico, and Cebu—as top tidal power sites, saying tapping a fraction of theoretical tidal energy could cover current PH electricity demand. Digital Commerce: Google rolled out an AI “Try On” tool in Search, Shopping, and Images, generating realistic previews of how clothes and accessories fit based on user photos. Public Health & Trust: The DOH warned the public about fake cancer “endorsements” using a fake Health Secretary quote card and unapproved product branding. Cyber & Youth Safety: Globe trained 440+ youth in Iloilo and Negros Occidental on cybersecurity, online safety, privacy, and responsible digital behavior. Governance & Justice: The Supreme Court launched commemorative Beep Cards and a Gift Shop for its 125th anniversary; meanwhile, Senate-linked contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya is set for turnover to DILG/PNP after a court-ordered arrest. Environment & Industry: DENR ordered closure of a Misamis Oriental steel plant after PNRI found radioactive materials in imported scrap; DENR also denied claims that Marcos ordered a Davao landfill garbage-collection suspension. Climate & Food Security: Manila’s Luneta Urban Garden relaunch showcased smart greenhouse farming to boost urban food production. Policy Watch: Private economists still expect a BSP rate hike despite softer May inflation.

Cyber Safety Training: Globe Telecom’s Digital Thumbprint Program trained 440+ youth in Iloilo and Negros Occidental on cybersecurity, online safety, privacy, and responsible social media use. Health Fraud Alert: The DOH warned the public about fake “endorsements” for cancer treatment, including a misleading quote card using Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s name, and said it’s coordinating takedowns. Renewables Research: Ateneo de Manila University researchers flagged three Visayas straits (San Bernardino, San Juanico, Cebu) as promising for tidal-stream power, estimating that tapping a small share of theoretical tidal energy could cover current power needs. Public Health Access: A CEOWorld Health Care Index analysis says the Philippines has capacity but access is uneven by location and resources, pointing to coordination and delivery gaps. Education Readiness: DepEd launched Project Handa to use school-level data to deploy facilities and supplies ahead of the June 8 opening. Emergency Tech Rollout: PNP urged responsible use of Unified 911 as satellite command centers expand, warning repeated prank calls can lead to hotline blocking. Environmental Cleanup Deal: DENR signed a five-year partnership with The Ocean Cleanup to remove floating plastic waste from the Pasig River using interception systems and data sharing. Legal/Compliance: Ombudsman filed graft and malversation charges over alleged irregularities in a Bulacan flood control project, while DENR ordered closure of a Misamis Oriental steel plant after radioactive materials were found in imported scrap.

Education Data Systems: DepEd’s Project Handa will use fast, school-level readiness tracking (facilities, learner support, and instruction readiness) to deploy resources ahead of the June 8 opening, aiming to remove “guesswork” from education governance. River Cleanup Tech: DENR signed a five-year deal with The Ocean Cleanup to tackle floating plastic in the Pasig River, pairing producer accountability with interception systems and data-supported cleanup methods. Smart Agriculture in Cities: Manila relaunched the Luneta Urban Garden with greenhouse and automated smart farming tech to boost urban food production, highlighted by Japanese musk melon harvests. AI for Climate Innovation: IPOPHL launched the 2026 Socially Relevant Technologies contest, urging AI-driven green and inclusive solutions for climate-resilient communities. Health Tech Research: UP and DLSU researchers developed CSEN analysis to compare disease and biology reaction models more reliably, potentially improving drug target discovery. Public Safety Connectivity: Bacolod police reintroduced a 911 hotline under its S.A.F.E. program to speed emergency response. Sim Racing Growth: The National Esports Championship 2026 added an all-women’s race and endurance formats, with new legs scheduled through September. Agriculture Pest Findings: Researchers documented rice plants trapping and killing fall armyworm larvae inside spikelets, pointing to new directions for pest control. Court Update: Sandiganbayan reset the arraignment of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and DPWH ex-chief Manuel Bonoan to June 30 in a graft and non-bailable plunder case.

Sim Racing in PH: The National Esports Championship 2026 kicked off its first on-site sim-racing event at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, adding an All-Women’s Race and a three-hour endurance format with physical challenges during driver swaps; next rounds are set for August and September. Court & Governance: The Sandiganbayan reset the arraignment of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and DPWH ex-chief Manuel Bonoan to June 30 as motions to quash are pending, while the Senate blue ribbon committee suspended its June 4 flood-control hearing amid Senate leadership gridlock. Public Health Tech: UST researchers unveiled iSULAT, an AI-powered smart pen that analyzes handwriting patterns to flag possible autism spectrum disorder and other developmental concerns for earlier screening. Climate & Food Security: PAGASA warned of dangerous heat index levels across parts of the country, as El Niño-driven dryness threatens crop planting and could tighten regional food supplies. Nuclear & Industry Safety: DENR revoked Sanjia Steel’s ECC after radioactive isotopes were found in imported scrap metals used for rebars, alongside claims of substandard, structurally risky products. Digital Rights: The House passed an anti-false information bill on final reading, drawing criticism from rights groups over vague wording that could curb online speech. Maritime Tech/Transparency: A second satellite image reportedly corroborated an object and a possible floating barrier near Bajo de Masinloc entrance, as AFP continues assessment.

Digital Rights Clash: Human Rights Watch warned lawmakers against the anti-fake news bill (HB 9465), saying its “vague and overly broad” provisions could let the government curb speech and weaken internet freedom. Renewables Push: Greenpeace and other groups urged a faster shift to renewable energy, warning a possible “Super El Niño” could worsen heat, water stress, and food risks. Climate & Heat Monitoring: PAGASA data showed Infanta, Quezon hit a dangerous 49°C heat index even as the rainy season began, prompting local health advisories. Evidence Tech for Justice: UP Diliman scientists are nearing wider rollout of the locally developed Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit), aiming to protect DNA evidence from collection to conviction. AI in Local Government: Davao City showcased AI humanoid robots at a council session, pitching a future AI-and-robot-centered city model for faster public services. Payments & Regulation: Google Pay adoption in the Philippines remains slow despite Android dominance, while the BIR said foreign digital providers can’t use international tax treaties to dodge VAT. Energy & Industry Planning: Apeco welcomed Malacañang approval of BOI 2026 incentives that prioritize frontier tech like AI, quantum, cybersecurity, and hydrogen. Agritech Funding: DA allocated P17M for ube and other root crops R&D, including planting material propagation and plans for a geographic indication. Fisheries Oversight: Lawmakers and groups pressed BFAR to release vessel monitoring data after satellite detections showed commercial fishing intrusions into municipal waters. Smart Cities Infrastructure: Dell said integrated infrastructure plus AI will speed up Philippine smart city development, stressing a “system of systems” approach.

Extreme Heat Advisory: Infanta, Quezon urged residents to keep precautions after PAGASA recorded a dangerous 49°C heat index as the rainy season begins, warning of heat cramps, exhaustion, and possible heat stroke. Forensic Science for Justice: UP Diliman researchers are nearing wider rollout of the locally developed Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit), built to protect the chain from evidence collection to conviction. Fisheries Enforcement Push: Lawmakers and groups renewed calls for BFAR to release vessel monitoring data after satellite detections showed commercial fishing intrusions into municipal waters. Climate Resilience Research: The House advanced a bill to create the UP National Climate Resilience Institute to strengthen science-based planning and response to stronger typhoons, flooding, drought, and extreme heat. Digital Security for Citizens: DICT shared practical steps for safer use of free public Wi-Fi, including avoiding banking apps and disabling auto-connect. Local Tech & Manufacturing Skills: Makerlab will open a 3D printing experience hub at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on June 12, aiming to make additive manufacturing hands-on for education and industry. Cyber Breach Monitoring: The Philippines’ National CERT, with DICT, can now monitor government domains via Have I Been Pwned’s free service to spot exposed accounts faster. Education Equity: A World Bank-based analysis highlights that college completion remains limited, with women outpacing men in university completion by 2022. Governance & Transparency: The House approved the Right to Information bill on final reading, expanding access to government records, contracts, expenditures, and research data. AI Workforce Readiness: An Aon study says APAC is rapidly adopting AI, but workforce readiness and AI talent recruitment remain major gaps.

Climate Resilience Research: The House approved a consolidated bill to create the UP–National Climate Resilience Institute, aiming to boost climate resilience research, innovation, policy work, and capacity building using “best science and data.” Waste-to-Energy Fight: Environmental groups and urban poor advocates renewed calls to stop a P26.648-billion waste-to-energy incineration plan in Smokey Mountain, warning of health, displacement, and transparency risks. Digital Economy Push: The DTI said the Philippines is set to benefit from the region-wide Digital Economy Framework Agreement, expected to attract investment and make digital transformation more inclusive. Energy Financing: The World Bank is set to approve a $1.02B energy transition and climate resilience policy loan package with a $20M grant, with fast-disbursing reforms rather than single infrastructure projects. Flood Control Accountability: In flood-control graft cases, courts questioned immunity and procedures around alleged kickback schemes tied to DPWH projects, while local governments also ramped up creek dredging ahead of habagat rains. Election Tech Budget Cuts: Comelec signaled it may trim about P6B from its 2028 election prep budget, dropping voter verification and blockchain components as “nonessential.” Banking Stress Signals: BSP data showed banks’ NPL ratio rose to an eight-month high in April, with analysts linking the uptick to tighter conditions amid Middle East-related pressures. Space Cooperation: The Philippines and Japan moved to deepen space cooperation, including satellite initiatives backed in a space council meeting. AI Governance Concern: A new column highlights how “shadow AI” and untrained use of public AI tools can leak sensitive work—an issue that matters for government and industry alike.