Filipino engineer in one of the world's biggest tech company

Meet the Filipino engineer keeping one of the world’s biggest tech companies running

The Global Filipino Magazine
05 October 2026

When the systems behind a company run smoothly, nobody sends a thank-you note. Emails load, dashboards refresh, servers answer on the first try, and the people who made it happen stay out of sight. Kevin Roma has built a career around making sure the moment of failure never comes.

The 33-year-old Filipino is a Senior Site Reliability Engineer in the IT organization at NVIDIA. After seven years abroad, he now works out of Taiwan, keeping critical technology systems reliable, available, and stable for one of the world’s leading technology companies.

Kevin knows the job title means little to anyone outside the industry, so he explains it with a picture. “Imagine a huge city that has to operate 24 hours a day,” he shares with TGFM. “Engineers like me help make sure the roads, traffic systems, electricity, and essential services continue working smoothly.” In his world, the roads are the systems and services that employees and customers rely on every day.

The city he helps maintain has grown enormous. NVIDIA’s accelerated computing now runs underneath artificial intelligence, data centers, scientific research, healthcare, robotics, and gaming. “Although people may not directly see NVIDIA’s technology in their everyday lives, the computing infrastructure behind many modern digital experiences increasingly relies on technologies developed around NVIDIA’s platforms,” the engineer points out.

A career built system by system

Kevin’s route to NVIDIA did not run in a straight line. He started at Hewlett Packard Enterprise as a Global Service Desk Analyst, on the front line of IT support, and then moved into Systems Engineer roles at Sandz Solutions and ClinicIT.

His first stint in Taiwan came as an IT Infrastructure Engineer at Lunfa Technology. “I chose to work abroad because I wanted to challenge myself, expand my professional experience, and pursue opportunities in an international environment,” he says.

Then he came home. Back in the Philippines, the infrastructure engineer took on bigger roles: Senior System Engineer at Indra, then Senior DevOps Engineer at Staizen. For many overseas workers, coming home is where the story ends. For Kevin, it was a running start.

He went back to Taiwan as a Senior UNIX Systems Administrator at Synopsys, where he deepened his expertise in UNIX administration and OpenStack. Kevin says each of these roles added to the foundation that eventually carried him to his current post.

Taiwan played its own part. The island is a global center of semiconductor manufacturing and hardware innovation, and the Filipino engineer says it gave him “valuable exposure to the technology and semiconductor industry, which has played an important role in my professional development.”

What keeps Kevin engaged is the problems, not the prestige of the company badge. “What I appreciate most about my current job is the opportunity to solve complex problems and continuously learn,” the SRE says.

He has always wanted to understand how systems work and how to make them more reliable and efficient. Site reliability engineering happens behind the scenes by design, so its reward is quieter than applause.

“The most satisfying part of my work is knowing that what I do can contribute to technology that reaches people around the world,” Kevin says.

He is clear-eyed about what working at that scale means. The NVIDIA engineer says being part of a company operating at this level has let him learn alongside talented people from around the world, in an industry that is changing fast.

The weight behind three simple words

Kevin’s personal mantra is three words long: “Keep moving forward.” It sounds simple until it is tested.

Building a life away from home meant time away from family, a new culture to adapt to, and situations he had never faced before. “Moving abroad and building a career away from home was not always easy,” the Taiwan-based Filipino admits.

The lesson he took from those years was patience. Kevin says he refused to let setbacks stall him and instead focused on learning from each experience and finding ways to improve. He also had help. “My family, friends, and colleagues have been important sources of support throughout my journey,” he says. “Their encouragement reminded me that I was never truly alone, even when I was far away from home.”

Those years changed him beyond his work. Living abroad taught the engineer independence, adaptability, and resilience. It also taught him how to communicate and collaborate across cultures and how to build an international network.

For all the talk of servers and uptime, Kevin’s plans for the future center on people. He wants to keep growing professionally while giving back to the Filipino community, especially to young Filipinos who are curious about technology.

“I would also like to support initiatives that help young Filipinos develop technical skills and understand that opportunities exist beyond traditional career paths,” he says.

His advice to kababayans already overseas is practical rather than lofty. “There will be difficult days, whether they involve work, finances, relationships, loneliness, or adjusting to a new environment,” Kevin warns. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people you can trust.” He urges them to keep learning, manage their money wisely, look after their relationships, and never forget the people who helped them get where they are.

Seven years abroad have also changed how the former service desk analyst measures success. “My seven years abroad have taught me that success is not only about having a good job or working for a well-known company,” he says. “It is also about personal growth, resilience, relationships, and how we use our opportunities to help others.”

Kevin does not claim to be the only one doing this. “There are Filipinos around the world doing incredible things in different industries,” he says. “I hope my journey can be one small example that with persistence, continuous learning, and the mindset to keep moving forward, we can create opportunities for ourselves and inspire others along the way.”

PH companies dominate ASEAN’s best tech workplaces 2026

PH firms dominate ASEAN’s best tech workplaces

Story by J.G. Amor 
The Manila Times
02 August 2026

PHILIPPINE-based companies dominated the inaugural Southeast Asia's Best Workplaces in Technology 2026 rankings released by workplace culture authority Great Place To Work, accounting for seven of the top 10 organizations recognized across the region.

The rankings were based on more than 58,200 confidential employee survey responses representing over 219,200 employees from technology companies in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. Organizations were evaluated on employee trust, workplace culture and the consistency of employee experience across their workforce.

Cisco topped the regional list, followed by Carelon Global Solutions Philippines and Insight. Other Philippine-based organizations in the top 10 were Genpact, Concentrix Philippines, Capital One Philippines and Lexmark Research and Development Corp., a subsidiary of Xerox Corp. Cognizant, which operates across several Southeast Asian markets, ranked eighth, while Vietnam-based Bosch Global Software Technology Co. Ltd. placed ninth.

The study found that younger employees expressed the highest levels of confidence in their employers. Workers aged 25 and below accounted for 11 percent of respondents and recorded a 91.1-percent trust score in leadership, exceeding the overall average for recognized workplaces.

It also found that 79 percent of employees in the under-25 age group had been with their employers for less than two years. According to the report, they were the demographic group most prepared to embrace innovation in the workplace.

Compensation, however, remained an area of concern. The statement, "I feel I receive a fair share of the profits made by this organization," received a 75-percent rating, making it the lowest-scoring measure even among the region's highest-ranked employers.

Pay fairness and transparency in promotions were identified as the weakest aspects of workplace culture across all categories.

Great Place To Work said participating organizations were assessed through employee feedback on leadership, credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. Regional rankings also considered each company's presence across Southeast Asia, employee population, and the number of markets where it had achieved Great Place To Work certification.

Charles Plumley, general manager of Great Place To Work Philippines, said the inaugural rankings reflected the growing importance of workplace culture as Southeast Asia's technology industry expands.

"There has never been a more exciting time to work in technology in this region," Plumley said. "The companies that will define the next decade are the ones measuring how their people feel."

"Southeast Asia is where the next decade in technology is being decided," said Evelyn Kwek, managing director for Asean and Australia-New Zealand at Great Place To Work. "The 219,262 employees behind this list have given the region a clear, public benchmark for how technology companies treat the people doing the building."

Philippines top Southeast Asia’s Best Workplaces in Technology 2026

PH firms included in Southeast Asia’s best workplaces 2026 tech list

Story by Bryan Rilloraza 
Technobaboy
10 July 2026

Out of 50 companies included in Southeast Asia’s Best Workplaces in Technology 2026, 23 are certified in the Philippines. Nine of the ten winners in the Large category are Philippine-based, showing the country’s strong presence in the region.

The rankings were based on confidential feedback from 219,262 employees across six countries, making it the largest workplace culture survey in Southeast Asia.

The Philippine IT-BPM sector continues to grow, closing 2025 with US$40 billion in export revenues and a workforce of 1.9 million. It now contributes over 8% of GDP, with projections of US$42 billion and 1.97 million jobs in 2026.

This recognition cements the Philippines as the center of Southeast Asian tech employment, with workplaces that employees would recommend to their peers. The challenge now is to sustain growth while keeping a strong workplace culture.

Top ten firms in the Large Category

1. Cisco (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

2. Carelon Global Solutions Philippines (Philippines)

3. Insight (Philippines, Singapore)

4. Genpact (Philippines)

 5. Visa (Philippines, Singapore)

6. Concentrix Philippines (Philippines)

7. Capital One Philippines (Philippines)

8. Cognizant (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand)

9. Bosch Global Software Technology Company Limited (Vietnam) 

10. Lexmark Research and Development Corporation (Philippines)

Top ten firms in the Medium Category

1. Arcanys (Philippines)
2. Experian (Malaysia, Singapore)
3. Atlassian (Philippines)
4. Kollab (Philippines)
5. One CoreDev IT (Philippines)
6. Lingaro (Philippines)
7. Etrading Software Manila (Philippines)
8. CoDev (Philippines)
9. AGS Health (Philippines)
10. Full Scale Teams PH (Philippines)

Top ten firms in the Small Category

1. Tech One Global Phils., Inc. (Philippines)
2. ABPSecurite (Singapore)
3. HP Technology Vietnam Company Ltd (Vietnam)
4. Menlo Security (Singapore)
5. Cloudera (Singapore)
6. Manifest Global (Singapore)
7. RAKSUL Vietnam (Vietnam)
8. Ansarada (Vietnam)
9. HEMMERSBACH (Malaysia)
10. Karbon (Philippines)

Amazon to invest $5B digital infrastructure in the Philippines

Marcos backs Amazon’s $5-billion digital infrastructure investment in PH

Dexter Cabalza
Inquirer.net
09 July 2026

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed to back the plan of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Inc. to invest $5 billion or over P300 billion in the country to build digital infrastructure in the next 15 years, according to Malacañang.

During a courtesy call in Malacañang on Wednesday, Marcos and AWS officials discussed expanding the company’s presence in the country as part of the administration’s push to accelerate digital transformation and position the Philippines as a regional hub for digital infrastructure.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said AWS presented to Marcos its proposed Digital Infrastructure Investment in the Philippines, which is expected to strengthen the country’s digital transformation initiatives and create more jobs for Filipinos.

“President Marcos welcomed the proposal and pledged the government’s support for the planned investment,” she added.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the proposed investment includes the possible establishment of an AWS Region in the Philippines, a cluster of data centers that would provide cloud computing services directly from the country.

The Philippines currently hosts an AWS Local Zone in Manila, which provides low-latency computing for selected services but depends on the parent Singapore Region and offers only a subset of AWS services.

If the proposed AWS Region in the Philippines is realized, it would be aligned with the Marcos administration’s push for digital transformation by accelerating e-government initiatives, attracting more technology and AI investments, and strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.

It would also create high-value jobs and position the Philippines as a more competitive regional hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Last month, Amazon announced the launch of AWS Region in Taipei, along with plans to invest more than $5 billion to support the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of its data centers in Taiwan. /cb

Moody's: Philippines among Southeast Asia’s rising semiconductor hubs

‘Philippines among Southeast Asia’s rising semiconductor hubs’

Keisha Ta-Asan
Philstar Global
03 September 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s growing hubs for semiconductor assembly and testing, with the industry now accounting for about 32 percent of the country’s total goods exports in 2024, according to Moody’s Ratings.

In its latest sector review, Moody’s said the Philippines, alongside Malaysia and Vietnam, is playing a bigger role in the global chip supply chain as multinational firms diversify operations amid United States-China trade tensions and calls to strengthen supply chain resilience.

While Southeast Asia is gaining ground in back-end processing – particularly assembly, testing and packaging – Moody’s cautioned that economies like the Philippines face hurdles in moving up the value chain.

“Technical gaps constrain their ability to capture greater economic value,” the report said, pointing to weaknesses in research and development, talent and infrastructure.

According to Moody’s, Asia continues to dominate global semiconductor manufacturing, commanding more than 75 percent of overall chipmaking capacity, spanning advanced wafer fabrication, materials and assembly.

Despite US-led efforts to reshore production and the intensifying push for self-sufficiency in China, large-scale relocations of chipmaking out of Asia remain “commercially challenging” due to cost advantages and established ecosystems.

In the Philippines, semiconductors remain the backbone of electronics exports, supplying components used in consumer devices, automotive and industrial applications.

However, Moody’s warned that chronic issues such as power supply reliability, logistics bottleneck and limited investment could weigh on the country’s ability to attract higher-value operations in fabrication and design.

Still, the credit watcher said the region is on track to capture around 24 percent of global semiconductor back-end capacity by 2032, up from current levels. Malaysia leads the pack, but the Philippines and Vietnam are expected to expand their roles as cost-competitive alternatives for multinational players.

“Securing a competitive edge will hinge on workforce development, innovation and stronger public-private partnerships,” Moody’s said, adding that without such reforms, Southeast Asian economies risk remaining concentrated in low-margin, labor-intensive segments of the semiconductor chain.

Mindoro as biodiversity hotspot

Scientists discover more of Mindoro’s ancient technology, biodiversity

Raymond Gregory Tribdino
Manila Times
17 July 2025

Scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), collaborating with international experts and institutions, have uncovered compelling evidence of Mindoro’s significant role in ancient maritime activities in Southeast Asia. At almost the same time, biologists from the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) revealed a new species of mice endemic to the biodiverse island.

A map of Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) and the Sunda region as it appeared roughly 25,000 years ago at the height of the last Ice Age, with locations of archaeological sites surveyed by the Mindoro Archaeology Project. (Base Map: www.gebco.net, 2014)

The ADMU findings detail effective human migration, advanced technological innovation, and long-distance intercultural relations dating back more than 35,000 years. The compilation of a 15-year study detailed in the Ateneo researchers' latest publication from the Mindoro Archaeology Project offers some of the oldest evidence of Homo sapiens (anatomically modern humans) in the country. These discoveries were made in Ilin Island, San Jose, and Sta. Teresa, Magsaysay all in Occidental Mindoro.

Mindoro, unlike most other main Philippine islands except Palawan, was never connected to mainland Southeast Asia by land bridges or ice sheets. Sea crossings were always necessary to reach it, which likely spurred the development of sophisticated technologies for traversing and surviving this environment.

Mindoro’s unique geological history and isolation are also reflected in its extraordinary biodiversity. The island is home to a bounty of endemic mammalian wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, including the famous tamaraw, the Mindoro warty pig and the humble Mindoro shrew.

Recently, three more species were added to this list with the discovery of Philippine forest mice, all belonging to the Apomys genus. From 2013 to 2017, teams of field biologists led by Filipino scientist Dr. Danilo Balete surveyed relatively understudied forests of Mindoro. During their expeditions, they noticed three distinctive forest mice that appeared noticeably different from the island's known endemic species, Apomys gracilirostris.

Evidence of Sophisticated Ancient Technology

The ADMU study called Chronology and Ecology of Early Islanders in the Philippines: The Mindoro Archaeology Project, published on June 1 this year, outlined a variety of finds—including human remains, animal bones, shells, and tools made from stone, bone, and shell — show that Mindoro's early inhabitants had successfully harnessed land and marine resources.

Over 30,000 years ago, the island’s inhabitants already possessed seafaring capabilities and specific fishing skills, enabling them to catch predatory open-sea fish species like bonito and shark, and establish connections with distant islands and populations in the vast maritime region of Wallacea.

“Particularly noteworthy is the innovative use of shells as raw material for tools, culminating in the manufacture of adzes from giant clam shells (Tridacna species) 7,000 to 9,000 years ago. These tools bear a striking similarity to shell adzes found across Island Southeast Asia, as far as Manus Island in Papua New Guinea, more than 3,000 kilometers away,” the ADMU study indicated.

The researchers also found a human grave on Ilin Island dating to about 5,000 years ago. The body was laid to rest in a fetal position, bedded and covered with limestone slabs. The burial method was similar to other flexed burials found across Southeast Asia, suggesting shared ideological and social influences and emerging social complexity across a vast area from the mainland to distant islands.

These archaeological sites have yielded evidence of culturally sophisticated inhabitants who were behaviorally and technologically adapted to coastal and marine environments. Collectively, these discoveries suggest Mindoro and nearby Philippine islands were part of an extensive maritime network that existed during the Stone Age, facilitating cultural and technological exchange between early human populations across Island Southeast Asia for millennia.

The latest publication from the Mindoro Archeology Project was authored by Dr. Alfred F. Pawlik, Dr. Riczar B. Fuentes and Dr. Tanya Uldin of the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Sociology and Anthropology; Dr. Marie Grace Pamela G. Faylona of the University of the Philippines-Diliman Department of Anthropology, De La Salle University Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences and Philippine Normal University College of Advanced Studies; and Trishia Gayle R. Palconit, a PhD student at the University of Ferrara, Italy.

Mindoro's Unique Endemic Wildlife

Mindoro's unique geological history and isolation are also reflected in its extraordinary biodiversity. The island is home to a bounty of endemic mammalian wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, including the famous tamaraw, the Mindoro warty pig and the humble Mindoro shrew.

Recently, three more species were added to this list with the discovery of Philippine forest mice, all belonging to the Apomys genus.

Between 2013 and 2017, field biologists, led by renowned Filipino scientist Dr. Danilo Balete, surveyed Mindoro's relatively understudied forests. During their expeditions, they observed three distinctive forest mice that appeared noticeably different from the island's known endemic species, Apomys gracilirostris.

Dr. Balete collaborated with Dr. Mariano Roy Duya and Melizar Duya of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science, Institute of Biology (UPD-CSIB), along with U.S. biologists. They analyzed the genes, fur, and skull structures of the forest mice, confirming after nearly a decade of laboratory work that the three are indeed new species: the tiny Apomys minor, the hairy-eared A. crinitus and A. veluzi. The latter was named in honor of the late Maria Josefa "Sweepea" Veluz, a distinguished mammalogist of the National Museum of Natural History of the Philippines.

There are now 12 endemic mammals unique to the island of Mindoro from the previous count of nine. It also solidifies the island's status as a unique evolutionary hotspot, now recognized as the smallest known island globally where mammal speciation has occurred.

The study, titled "Three new species of Philippine forest mice (Apomys, Muridae, Mammalia), members of a clade endemic to Mindoro Island," is published in the journal Zootaxa.

UST students develop apps to detect colorectal cancer

AI To Detect Cancer? Filipino Students Develop AI-Powered App for Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment

Medical students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application that helps doctors assess a person’s risk for colorectal cancer through a simple blood test.

Srishti Mukherjee
NewsX (India)
February 18, 2025 

Medical students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application that helps doctors assess a person’s risk for colorectal cancer through a simple blood test. This breakthrough provides a less invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy, which many patients often avoid due to discomfort and fear.

A Non-Invasive Approach to Cancer Detection

The initiative is led by UST medical students Aamer Sultan and Austin De Asa, who aim to make early detection of colorectal cancer more accessible and less intimidating.

“Many patients fear undergoing colonoscopy. Our app aims to predict the probability of colorectal cancer based on molecular results,” said Dr. Pia Albano, the project leader from the UST College of Science.

The innovative AI-based solution was highlighted on Game Changer, a segment aired on Manila-based GMA Network’s 24 Oras.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. In 2022, more than 1.9 million cases were diagnosed globally. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, resulting in over 900,000 deaths per year.

In the Philippines, colorectal cancer ranked fourth among cancer-related deaths in 2022, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic tools and early detection methods.

Using MicroRNA as Cancer Biomarkers

The study focuses on six specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that have been identified as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer in Filipino patients.

“When a person has cancer, certain miRNA levels increase while others decrease,” Sultan explained.

“Fortunately, previous research has already collected substantial clinical trial data. Our role was to integrate and train the AI model,” added De Asa.

Recognition and Future Plans

The project won the BPI Innovation Awards in 2022, recognizing its potential in revolutionizing cancer diagnostics. Moving forward, the research team plans to expand testing across multiple regions to further enhance the app’s accuracy and reliability.

UST has a history of innovation in cancer research. In 2016, UST researchers won the International Innovation Grant by the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for their mobile-based cancer monitoring app, iComPass (Internet-based Computerized Patient Assessment System), designed for iOS and Android devices.

How the AI-Based App Works

The AI-powered application utilizes a blood test that undergoes a qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) analysis to measure the levels of the six miRNAs associated with colorectal cancer.

Once the test results are processed, the AI model provides an instant risk assessment at the click of a button labeled “Predict.” The app also offers an option for users to request additional data analysis for a more in-depth evaluation.

A Step Toward More Accessible Cancer Screening

This AI-powered application represents a significant step forward in colorectal cancer detection, offering a non-invasive, accurate, and user-friendly alternative to traditional screening methods. As research and testing expand, this innovation could potentially save lives by encouraging early detection and timely medical intervention.

Filipino innovations to the world

What happens in Vegas: PH tech on global stage

Ian Raphael Lopez
Inquirer.net
16 February 2024

It can all happen in the so-called Sin City—a South Korean company suddenly wanting to order 120,000 units of adhesive and sealants, or the possibility of the water system in the city of Athens, Ohio, being enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI).

Just by being there in what has been billed as the “most powerful tech event in the world” can promising Filipino startups, along with technological innovations from government agencies and university researchers, be exposed to opportunities they never thought possible.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brought a contingent that aimed to show the best of Filipino innovations that could solve real-world problems.

“Our goal is to showcase homegrown technologies that address global challenges, demonstrating how Philippine innovations are not only viable but also capable of providing tested and scalable solutions to industries and markets worldwide,” says Marion Ivy Decena, director of the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

At the center stage of the trip to the CES last Jan. 7 to Jan. 10 are five startups, namely CHRG EV Technologies Inc., Hiraya Technology Solutions Inc., Usher Technologies Inc., Tekton Geometrix Inc. and Pili AdheSeal Inc.

CHRG showcased its Charging in Minutes or CharM, a technology for fast-charging electric vehicles; Usher brought its building structural health observation system, helpful for disaster risk reduction; and Tekton GeoMetrix presented monitoring technologies for seismology, geology and geophysics.

They were joined by delegates from Batangas State University and the DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute, Metals Industry Research and Development Center and Advanced Science and Technology Institute.

Sustainable sealant

One of the startup delegates was Mark Kennedy Bantugon, who in 2019 invented Pili Seal, a sealant made from the waste of the pili tree resin and geared for applications in the aviation industry. It was more sustainable than traditional sealants commercially available.

“What makes people interested in the product is its performance, and also because the natural smell of pili resin is fragrant,” Bantugon says in Filipino. “One of the usual comments [about] the product (aside from it being sustainable) is this is better; the commercial sealants smell like rubber.”

The invention bagged the James Dyson National award in the Philippines in 2021 and a slew of awards in the past years. During his postgraduate studies, he was able to develop the product into a two-in-one sealant and adhesive.

Bantugon is one of the cofounders of Pili AdheSeal Inc. As the product is being opened to different industries, they made sure that it was sustainable and could contribute to the circular economy.

“Aside from upcycling agricultural waste from the pili tree resin as our raw ingredients, after it [had been] utilized by our product, its residuals could be used into safe fertilizers. From the beginning of the process until the end life of the product, nothing goes to waste,” Bantugon explains.

The opportunity to be at the CES was an unexpected one. “Our product is not related to CES; even if I scroll through, it’s more on AI (artificial intelligence), electronic gadgets. We are far from it,” Bantugon narrates.

But all the cards fell into place, as the invention is already patented in the United States and Bantugon also happened to have a US visa. The trade show, Bantugon says, has now become more inclusive toward technologies and innovations that are not necessarily consumer-oriented.

“There has been many changes at the [CES] that it is not only an electronic-related show, but it has become a wide spectrum. It’s more on the sustainability, diversity and inclusivity of all the technologies. There I felt that I became part of this because it’s the right platform for [our product] that can address real-world issues and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

‘Outside the box’ solutions

Similarly, Jan Russell Diolata, head of technical operations at Hiraya Technology Solutions Inc., did not imagine himself going abroad to showcase Filipino innovations. “I am so happy because, personally, I grew up from a poor family, and I did not expect that I would travel to different countries because of this, that I would have a chance to go to the United States,” he says in Filipino.

Hiraya, from an old Filipino word for “imagine,” helps its clients imagine solutions, Diolata says. Originally catering to water distribution companies, Hiraya Tech proved that its solutions and system can work anywhere regarding the supply of fluid and its distribution—may it be water, oil, gas, air, electricity or even traffic flow.

“We will go to our clients; they will tell us their problems; we will help them imagine a solution, and that solution will always be outside the box— outside the box in terms of what technologies could we bring, could we integrate to Hiraya’s systems,” Diolata narrates.

At their centerpiece is AI-powered Hiraya Intelligent Modular Optimization or HIMO, which was derived from the Cebuano word for “make.” It is a semiautonomous system that could help power and optimize fluid distribution. “So what Hiraya could imagine, it will be HIMO that would carry it out.”

Many water distribution systems in different cities and municipalities in the Philippines now use Hiraya’s technology. Diolata observes that losses from nonrevenue water, or water that is lost en route to the consumers due to leaks or other reasons, could be tackled through HIMO. It can also lessen energy consumption, push water supply to previously hard-to-reach areas and protect water companies from pilferage.

At the CES, Hiraya’s technology was unique from those on offer, and that says a lot about Filipino ingenuity in solving problems, Diolata notes. “We are at par with other countries. Most of the other applications of AI (at the trade show) are more descriptive; it would suggest possible solutions, but it will still rest on an individual on what they would adjust in their system.”

“But Hiraya is more on autonomous control. It would be the one to come up with [how a system should operate]. It will predict and it will operate itself, then it will study the output of the operation to see what it could still improve on. It is self-learning. I did not see anything like that except in cars,” he explains.

‘Tremendous opportunity’

These innovations may seem out of place at a consumer-oriented show such as CES, but the DOST sees it as a distinguishing point. “The DOST Philippines [delegation] distinguished itself through the presentation of unique technologies and innovations designed to address its own challenges and potentially offer solutions to other nations facing similar challenges,” says TAPI’s Decena.

More importantly, Decena adds, it was a tremendous opportunity for these startups to expand. “By leveraging the exposure, networking opportunities and feedback, they can accelerate their growth and achieve international recognition and success.”

And expand they did, based on high-value leads gained from the CES experience. Pili Adheseal’s Bantugon got that bulk order from a South Korean battery innovation company of 100,000 units for 2025 and additional 120,000 in 2026. Bantugon will return to New York soon to meet with another client.

“Even as an ‘unexpected’ delegate, I did not expect because my mindset was, ‘This is an electronic technology show, people would not flock to my booth.’ But surprisingly … our product had many inquiries. That’s when I realized that people today, business and companies, they’re all into sustainability.”

For Hiraya, there’s the potential of its solution being used by the water system in Athens, Ohio. Its leaders just finished follow-up meetings on this project and are in talks for potential partnerships with other local executives under the US National League of Cities.

“The Philippines is an archipelago. We are surrounded by bodies of water but not everyone has access to water. If we were able to solve problems here in our country using our AI software, what more in other countries that may only have small things to improve (in their water management systems) but there would still be a large impact if they use our system?” Diolata asks.

The trade show opened the doors for collaboration with global companies.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, for instance, met with Karan Bhatia, head of government affairs and public policy at Google. Aside from capacity-building initiatives involving AI, Google discussed applicable technologies, such as pothole detection that could work with infrastructure projects, or hazard finder and disaster recovery tools that are handy in times of natural disasters.

“Both parties recognized opportunities for joint ventures to address real-world challenges through innovative solutions,” Decena comments.

PH poised to become the next SEA tech center

Emerging startup trends in the Philippines

Paulo Campos, Raya Buensuceso
Inquirer.net
30 January 2025

The Philippines has emerged as Southeast Asia’s most exciting startup ecosystem in recent years, poised to become the next regional tech center after Singapore and Indonesia. At Kaya Founders, our investment strategy particularly centers on three key trends that encapsulate why the Philippines is an exciting market today: frictionless business enabled by artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platforms, the rise of tech-enabled consumer ventures, and the transformative power of embedded credit.

Frictionless business: AI-powered platforms reshaping industries. The adoption of AI-driven solutions is rapidly transforming the country’s largest industries. A generational shift in business leadership has ushered in digitally native leaders who are embracing AI to streamline processes in areas such as customer service, content creation, and supply chain management.

This trend positions the Philippines as fertile ground for AI-powered business-to-business platforms. Startups that leverage AI to drive efficiency and productivity, particularly in sectors like health care, commerce, and financial services, are poised to enhance traditional operations and unlock growth.

Two of Kaya Founders’ best-known portfolio companies are Etaily and Local, which both enable businesses, retailers, and merchants to more efficiently and effectively sell their products online across the different channels and marketplaces in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.

Tech-enabled consumer ventures: Harnessing an emerging middle class. With household consumption representing 71.6 percent of GDP—significantly higher than the regional average of 55 to 60 percent—the Philippines is undeniably a consumer-driven economy. Yet, unlocking this potential requires a nuanced understanding of a diverse and evolving consumer base.

Two segments dominate this rising middle class: “power users” who prioritize convenience and are willing to spend on experiences and “value-focused users” who are driven by discounts. These dynamics have fueled the rise of digital shopping models like live and social commerce, where startups are reshaping how consumers discover, engage with, and purchase products.

Despite challenges in payment infrastructure and logistics, the opportunity to deliver affordable yet aspirational products through seamless digital platforms is immense, particularly for younger, digital-savvy consumers.

Embedded credit: Closing the financing gap. Within the realm of fintech, perhaps the most compelling opportunity lies in embedded credit. According to the recently published Google, Bain, and Temasek’s e-Conomy report, lending drove 22 percent of the revenue of digital financial services across Southeast Asia last year, growing annually at a rate of 35 percent. Yet the credit gap in the Philippines remains vast—estimated at $221 billion for micro, small, and medium enterprises, the largest in the world as a share of GDP by some measures and affecting three-fourths of Filipino adults without formal credit access.

Embedded finance models are addressing these gaps by integrating lending into everyday platforms, making access to credit more convenient and contextually relevant. Startups like OneLot and Netbank are at the forefront of this transformation. OneLot has enhanced dealer onboarding and introduced flexible loan products, while Netbank’s Banking-as-a-Service solutions integrate digital banking into supply chains and salary payments.

A maturing ecosystem. Venture capital funding in Southeast Asia has surged, with $72 billion deployed in the past five years—three times the volume of the preceding half decade. Yet, what makes this moment particularly exciting is the shift toward capital efficiency and profitability.

The Philippines, in particular, has emerged as a beacon of opportunity, bucking global trends of declining late-stage funding. Institutional investors and development finance institutions such as Asian Development Bank, International Finance Corp., Texas Pacific Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and a range of others have made late-stage investments in the country. Meanwhile, a growing pool of credible, experienced founders is fueling momentum in the early-stage segment.

The fundamentals of the Philippine market resemble the early growth trajectory of Indonesia’s and Singapore’s tech ecosystems. As digital adoption expands from early adopters to widespread use, the impact on the broader economy will only deepen.

Unlocking the Philippines’ potential. The Philippines’ tech ecosystem is at an unprecedented inflection point, but unlocking its full potential will require a concerted effort across stakeholders. Entrepreneurs, investors, and other business leaders must work together to address infrastructure challenges, build talent pipelines, and scale solutions that meet the needs of businesses and consumers alike.

At Kaya, we remain committed to identifying and supporting the next wave of Philippine startups poised to transform industries and revolutionize the economy and country in the future.

PH economy on verge of growth in 2025 - Labor Secretary

Philippine economy on cusp of growth amid tech advancements, sustainability focus — Laguesma

BusinessWorld Online
January 1, 2025

THE PHILIPPINES is on the cusp of a significant economic growth in 2025, which will be driven mainly by technological advancements, as well as the heightened focus on sustainability and wellness, according to its labor chief.

PAIRS OF HIGH-QUALITY SHOES made in Marikina City are shown to members of the media during a tour of C Point Manufacturing’s shoe factory in Barangay Concepcion Uno on Aug. 7, 2019. — PHILIPPINE STAR / BOY SANTOS

“The Philippines is on the transition of a substantial economic expansion, fueled by technological breakthroughs, heightened environmental consciousness and a growing emphasis on healthcare and wellbeing,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

On this note, he said emerging sectors, such as the digital economy, green economy, blue economy, and care economy, are “projected to experience significant growth.”

Federation of Free Workers President Jose Sonny G. Matula likewise expects growth in tech-driven industries as the Philippines is rapidly becoming a global player in technology due to its skilled workforce and supportive business ecosystem.

“In-demand roles include software developers proficient in programming languages like Python, Java, and C#, and data scientists who extract actionable insights to guide business decisions,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber chat.

As a way to cope with this emerging sector, workers must be equipped with advanced technology skills, he added.

“Proficiency in digital fluency, business and data storytelling, data visualization, cybersecurity, robotics, and telemedicine will be crucial,” he said.

He also said it is critical for workers to have the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies to catch up on the rapidly evolving job market.

The union leader added demand for healthcare workers would further rise this year as global health challenges underscored the need for more robust healthcare systems, increasing the need for professionals. 

“However, the sector faces hurdles such as brain drain, as skilled workers seek opportunities abroad,” he noted.

Moreover, Mr. Laguesma noted the transition to a more technology-driven economy poses challenges for certain industries.

Roles in administration, traditional security, manufacturing, and commerce are projected to decline due to automation and digitalization, he said.

Jobs requiring technical support, sales, and clerical work are particularly vulnerable, as they face the highest risk of displacement by automation.

“In fine, jobs that provide technical support, sales and clerical works stand the highest exposure to automation,” he said.

Mr. Matula said urged the government to strategically plan, invest in human capital, and commit to continuous learning and adaptability to capture opportunities in emerging industries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Filipino ChatGPT in the making

The Philippines is creating a ChatGPT rival that speaks Filipino and Taglish

ITanong will be a local version of ChatGPT, its developers say, built with considerably fewer resources.

By Angel Martinez

Rest of the World
23 December 2024 

Manila - ChatGPT impressed millions of internet users when it was first launched in December 2022. To Filipino Elmer Peramo, though, it felt familiar. After typing in some prompts and seeing the artificial intelligence chatbot’s responses, he noticed the technology was similar to a project he’d been working on with his team at the Advanced Science and Technology Institute, a government agency. 

The project, iTanong, is like a local version of ChatGPT, Peramo told Rest of World. Through a web page, users can ask questions in English or Filipino, and receive AI-generated responses. It was conceived in 2017 — but at the time, Peramo and his 12-person team lacked the infrastructure and resources to build it. They plan to launch it next year.

Unlike search engines or chatbots, iTanong draws from both publicly available information and government databases holding private information. On top of doing everything a Google search or ChatGPT prompt can, Filipinos can use the program to apply to welfare programs, track benefit payments, or locate evacuation sites during a natural disaster, said Peramo. 

“Through iTanong, we aim to level the playing field and democratize access to information,” he said.

Before being released to the public, iTanong will be deployed in government agencies, where it will serve as a replacement for the Citizen’s Charter, a document in the lobby of every government office in the Philippines that details the office’s policies. While the Citizen’s Charter is only updated once a year, iTanong can be updated as needed, Peramo said.

That would be handy for Bianca Aguilar, a product designer who’s looking for a new job. ITanong would be a “godsend” in helping with the laborious and often complicated pre-employment requirements like applying for a tax identification number, a health insurance ID, and police clearance, she told Rest of World. 

“Navigating admin stuff like government services is still very confusing, so that’s one way I can see iTanong being helpful,” she said. It also helps that she can ask questions and receive information in Filipino, she added.

Only 55% of Filipinos say they can speak English fluently. ChatGPT is able to make grammatically correct sentences in the language, but its responses are not always conversational or natural enough for a Filipino speaker to understand easily. 

“It still struggles with correct pronunciation and I’m not sure it works well with our language,” Aguilar said. 

Popular large language models, such as OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s Llama, are largely trained in English, excluding billions of people who speak languages that are not commonly found online.

“Minority languages and dialects, particularly those with smaller speaker populations, are often left out,” Nuurrianti Jalli, an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University’s media school, told Rest of World. “This exclusion stems from the lack of digital representation and resources dedicated to these languages.” 

Filipino is considered a low-resource language in the world of natural language processing, meaning there is only a small amount of Filipino data available to train AI systems. To train iTanong, Peramo’s team draws from open-source data sets from the Common Crawl and Project Gutenberg. This material isn’t enough, though, so they are also manually training the model. 

“We’ve resorted to using synthetically generated data, meaning we think of the common questions that the user would ask the system,” Peramo said. 

The Philippines ranks first globally in terms of AI interest, measured by monthly search volumes per 100,000 people. But implementation is uneven due to a glaring lack in infrastructure like data centers, high-speed internet connectivity, and cybersecurity measures. Only 22% of organizations in the country consider themselves fully prepared to use the emerging technology.

This is on top of the 20 million Filipinos who remain internet-poor: “Those in rural areas face barriers such as limited internet connectivity, lack of access to education, and even lower awareness of AI benefits,” Dominic Ligot, a data analyst and AI researcher, told Rest of World. “This will make it difficult for them to engage with AI technologies compared to urban centers like Metro Manila.” 

Elsewhere in the region, AI is being more rapidly deployed. Singapore ranks third in the world — behind only the U.S. and China — in terms of AI investment, innovation, and implementation. Several firms in Indonesia are working on LLMs to preserve their local languages, while in Malaysia, the government is backing a new LLM in Bahasa Malaysia.

ITanong’s team is working alongside other research and development institutes within the Department of Science and Technology to advance the country’s AI implementation. For instance, Project Reiinn hopes to provide local internet connectivity and tablets to underresourced and underserved areas. Another project will deploy regional “virtual hubs,” or help centers for people with little AI knowledge.

ITanong is known primarily within academic and research circles. To achieve widespread adoption, collaboration between the government, industry, and educational institutions is needed, Ligot said.

“There must be a focus on enhancing digital literacy programs, improving internet access nationwide, and also ensuring ethical standards are upheld,” he said. Users also have a responsibility to “deepen their understanding and literacy of what AI is and what it can do for them.”

On iTanong, the plan is to add other local languages like Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon by 2026, Peramo said. The platform will be available on mobile phones, and users will also be able record themselves asking questions rather than typing them out. But progress is slower than they hoped for, he said. 

2 Philippine startups recognized as Asia’s best innovators

2 Philippine startups recognized as Asia’s best innovators

Tyrone Jasper C. Piad
Inquirer.net
14 December 2024

Philippine startups continue to show what they can do to bring innovation to people’s lives—and their hard work is not left unnoticed.

At the latest Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference’s (ATEC) Startup Competition in Hong Kong this month, two Filipino enterprises were recognized as the region’s best innovators in their respective categories.

InvestEd, a financing platform that lends to students who need aid in paying tuition, won in the artificial intelligence and digital solutions category. The company employing a proprietary credit scoring algorithm extends loans to unbanked students, making financing accessible. It gets the students who are part of the socio-economic classes C, D, and E.

E-commerce enabler Packworks, meanwhile, emerged as the winner in the smart commerce and logistics category.

Packworks provides digital solutions to over 300,000 sari-sari stores so they can make their operations more efficient. Its suite of products include tools for pricing, inventory management, and sales tracking.

ATEC is the biggest alumni-led technology conference in Asia. The annual startup competition celebrates the excellence of enterprises that develop new and cutting-edge products.

In this year’s competition, the 40-member selection committee screened 106 applications, through which 32 semi-finalists were shortlisted.

A startup can join the competition after getting nomination from an alumni organization that is part of ATEC.

In this case, both InvestEd and Packworks were backed by the Harvard Club of the Philippines Global.

Last year, homegrown Mayani won the Emerging Market Solutions Impact Award. A social enterprise linking over 139,000 smallholder farmers to retail and commercial consumers, this startup has helped a lot of indigenous farmers in Zambales.

According to a study by local market research firm Uniquecorn Strategies, majority or 75 percent of the Philippine startups were keen on achieving profitability over growth to reduce dependency on investor funding.

More than half or 55 percent of the founders surveyed expect to become profitable within the next one to two years.

Next on the list of their priorities are customer experience and product development at 55 percent each.

Nueva Ecija home to world's largest solar battery storage facility

BBM breaks ground for world's largest solar, battery storage facility

Catherine S. Valente

Manila Times

21 November 2024

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the groundbreaking of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project, considered as the largest integrated solar and battery storage facility in the world.

In his speech in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, Marcos said the landmark project would "put our country on the map as a leader in renewable energy."

"With an investment of over P200 billion, this demonstrates confidence in the stakeholders in our nation's potential and our commitment to securing a stable, steady, reliable, and sustainable power supply," Marcos said.

The President highlighted the importance of the solar project expected to power over two million households and reduce carbon emissions significantly once fully operationalized in three years.

He said it would also address the growing demand for electricity and the Philippines' urgent need to transition to sustainable energy.

"Once fully operational by 2027, this facility will deliver 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to the Luzon grid, with 4,500 megawatt-hour battery energy storage," Marcos said.

"This project will energize over 2 million households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 4.3 million metric tons annually. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to removing 3 million gasoline-powered cars from our roads—decisive action towards helping address global warming and climate change," he added.

The project spans 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Initially, it will be connected to the existing 500-kiloVolt (kV) Nagsaag-San Jose Transmission Line and later linked to the upcoming 500-kV Nagsaag-Marilao Transmission Line.

Philippines emerging as one of the world’s fastest growing startup hubs

Philippines among world’s fastest growing startup hubs – report

Story by Rainier Allan Ronda 

Philstar.com

14 July 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is emerging as one of the world’s fastest growing startup hubs with the valuation of the country’s technology-based startup companies doubling to $6.4 billion this year from only $3.5 billion a year ago, according to a recently published 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report.

“The growth we are seeing in the Philippine startup ecosystem is encouraging for both startups and venture capitalists. There are immense opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship here. Our startups are becoming more competitive in the region,” tech startup incubator Brainsparks co-founder Artie Lopez said.

According to startup ecosystem platform e27 co-founder Thaddeus Koh, the Philippines is becoming the prime market for startups, emphasizing the country’s potential and funding opportunities.

“The Philippines is a thriving hub for tech companies. Its strategic location in Southeast Asia, coupled with a highly skilled and affordable workforce, grants access to a massive regional market and acts as a gateway to neighboring economies,” he said.

Koh explained that with a rapidly growing population and a government that actively promotes foreign investments through sound policies, the Philippines has a “vast potential consumer base for business.”

“The Philippine startup ecosystem is now the fastest emerging startup hub in the world,” he said. “We need to showcase the Philippines in the region.”

“This growth is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our startups through the support of the local startup community, and we are committed to supporting this journey,” Department of Trade and Industry chief of innovation and collaboration division Karl Pacolor said.

He also highlighted the support from the government in nurturing the startup ecosystem, citing the Innovative Startup Act (ISA), which mandates the government to support startup companies and businesses in the Philippines.

“With the recent growth that we’ve seen in the startup scene in Manila, the government is cognizant of the importance of its role in sustaining this growth. We are employing a whole-of-government approach to ensure we will continue to tread on an upward trajectory. Part of that goal is to ensure that the momentum of the Philippine startup ecosystem is not just sustained but also expanded to other parts of the country,” Pacolor said.

The Philippines has been making significant strides in innovation, recording steady rises in the Global Innovation Index.

In 2023, it ranked 56th, a jump from 100th in 2014.

According to the Philippine Development Plan, the country should break into the top 50 by 2028.

“We have plans to bring startup growth beyond Manila, creating a more inclusive and widespread startup culture throughout the Philippines,” Pacolor said.

As the Philippines establishes itself as the fastest emerging startup hub in Southeast Asia, Brainsparks and e27 partnered to introduce the first ever Philippine edition of Echelon, a tech and startup business conference.

Scheduled for Sept. 26 to 27 at Level 2, SMX Convention Center Manila, Echelon Philippines 2024 will unite the collective expertise of the Philippines and Southeast Asia’s startup leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking investors to drive the next phase of growth in the country’s startup ecosystem.

Echelon Philippines 2024 will feature showcases and business matchings that foster regional partnerships, facilitating funding and investments crucial for startup growth. 

The conference will share insights from thriving and emerging sectors, revealing new opportunities and inspiring participants to explore untapped markets.

Echelon Philippines 2024 will also focus on nurturing new talent entering existing markets, ensuring a steady influx of fresh ideas and perspectives to fuel sustained growth.

e27 started Echelon a decade ago to foster tech ecosystem resilience by promoting deeper collaboration, sharing new knowledge, and driving collective innovation. Echelon X, the 10th edition of the tech business conference, featured 65 exhibitors and was joined by over 7,000 attendees.

“The Philippines is an ideal location for the tech community to flourish. We want to put the spotlight on the Philippines and create more opportunities for everyone through Echelon Philippines 2024,” Koh said.