BY ALEX ALAGON
DOWN with high fever and bedridden for a week in high school, I got to check out our tiny home library where my parents’ collection was, and once there, I became an avid follower of science fiction.
So, upon returning to school, I befriended our tiny librarian Miss Abrina, who helped me by recommending and reserving some titles for me.
From then on, I would consume my quota of borrowed pocket books and just pigged out on the likes of Asimov and Bradbury (not the chocolate) and other writers.
Truth is, though, unlike other classmates, I wasn’t really particular on who the authors were. I didn’t even know Isaac and Ray were the trailblazers in that field. I only based my choices on how attractive the covers were done.
It was also around this time when sci-fi writers toyed with the idea that in the future, machine parts would eventually be implanted in man and vice versa.
And why not? The first heart implant had just been performed in South Africa in ’67 and everyone was talking about it.
Then, in Popular Mechanics magazine, which my father once had a ton of, renditions of superhero-like figures hailed the rise of man-machines, often showing a muscular figure like The Vision (pre Marvel).
We all know what happened next, a gigantic leap in technology. The world celebrated the invention of the transistor radio, and before long, everyone realized every new thing invented was getting smaller and smaller.
Before we knew it, science fiction was literally jumping out of books and into everyone’s lives.
Who would imagine the devices used by Dick Tracy, an old comic strip cartoon detective (1931-80), would actually exist and be widely used today?
One such was his wristwatch phone. That might have been science fiction then, but now, there’s even a particular model that monitors our health, heart and the number of steps we have taken daily.
Back on the topic of combining man with machines, it should be remembered that nobody took notice when pacemakers first entered the scene or when titanium began to replace human limbs. The world merely took these as something that was bound to happen.
In an article where Elon Musk, billionaire and SpaceX owner was interviewed, he said we already do computer implants inside us, citing Sweden’s experimental ID system.
Aside from the pacemaker, he had mentioned some artificial limbs and fingers connected and wired to the brain thereby receiving impulses, function like real parts of the body.
I thought then, by definition alone, the dream of science fiction, the creation of the cyborgs, had already begun.
His parting words were chilling, on the related issue of artificial intelligence, he cautioned we are adapting to these developments like sheep (to the slaughter) if we are not careful.
It could be true. We’ve become slaves to our own devices (as the Eagles like to sing). And we are conditioned at a young age to blend with digital reality.
In the shopping malls, I’ve seen children with eyes glued to phones and tablets. It’s not hard to imagine them using these as comforters at home.
Just recently while I rode a bus to attend a reunion, I spotted a child across the aisle who, throughout the ride, was glued to her game. When the mom tried to take the phone away, she let out a howl as though a milk bottle had been snatched from her.
Musk might just as well be right, I thought. We may be taking baby steps and basking in modernity of our brave new world, unaware the age of the cyborgs has indeed begun.
After more than a year since the release of his last single, Ikigai featuring Loonie in May 2025, acclaimed singer-songwriter Dionela makes his long-awaited return with Monday Afternoon, arriving on Aug. 24. The deeply personal track marks a new chapter in his artistic journey, showcasing the vulnerability and sincerity that have become hallmarks of his music.
Fans can expect a moving ballad that reflects the depth of his emotions and growth as both an artist and a husband. The official audio and cover art for the single are now available ahead of its release.
Unlike any of his previous songs, Monday Afternoon holds a special place in Dionela’s heart as it was originally written and performed as his marriage vow to his wife. The song debuted during the couple’s intimate garden wedding ceremony held in March, making it one of the most personal pieces he has ever shared. What began as a private declaration of love has now been transformed into a recording that listeners around the world can experience. Through its honest lyrics and heartfelt melody, the song captures the beauty of lifelong commitment and unconditional love.
With Monday Afternoon, Dionela invites audiences into one of the most meaningful moments of his life while maintaining the poetic storytelling that has earned him a loyal following. The single blends tender lyricism with an intimate musical arrangement, allowing every word and emotion to resonate naturally. Its authenticity reflects the genuine love story that inspired its creation. More than just a love song, it stands as a timeless promise set to music.
The release also signals Dionela’s highly anticipated comeback following the success of Ikigai, his collaboration with acclaimed rapper Loonie. While his previous release explored themes of purpose and self-discovery, Monday Afternoon shifts the focus toward love, devotion, and the quiet strength found in lasting relationships. The contrast highlights Dionela’s versatility as a songwriter capable of expressing both introspective and deeply personal narratives. This latest offering further cements his reputation as one of today’s most compelling storytellers in Original Pilipino Music.
Monday Afternoon will be available on all major digital streaming platforms beginning August 24. Listeners can also look forward to official content accompanying the release, including the song’s audio and its newly unveiled cover artwork. As Dionela opens this new chapter through music born from one of life’s most cherished milestones, he invites fans to celebrate a story that began with a wedding vow and now lives on through song. For more updates, follow Dionela across his official social media platforms and streaming channels.
SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has acquired Virtue AI, an innovator in AI runtime protection, automated AI validation, and security for autonomous AI systems. The acquisition advances the company’s broader Security for AI strategy and vision for securing the agentic enterprise, building on Fortinet’s existing AI security solution portfolio, including its FortiGate Hyperscale Firewall.
As organizations rapidly deploy AI applications and autonomous agents, their attack surface expands beyond traditional networks, users, endpoints, applications, and cloud workloads. It now includes prompts, models, agents, Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools, application programming interface (API) calls, and AI infrastructure. Organizations need to adopt AI with confidence, keep it secure in production, and trust it behaves as intended.
Fortinet met that need earlier this year with FortiAIGate, which safeguards large language models (LLMs) from prompt injections, data leakage, model poisoning, excessive resource consumption, and other emerging AI-specific risks. Virtue AI extends that security to AI models, applications, and agentic systems, from development through runtime, leveraging Virtue AI’s Guardian Agent abilities and key product capabilities, including:
- Agentic system red-teaming: Tests autonomous agents for exploitable weaknesses across more than 50 sandboxed environments and 14 high-stakes domains, including simulated prompt-injection and MCP-based attacks against leading agent frameworks.
- Agent protection, governance, and visibility: Provides full visibility into agents and AI tools running in their environment, discovers unsanctioned AI applications and agents, scans MCP tools and source code for hidden risks, monitors agent behavior, and blocks malicious tool calls before they act.
- Continuous AI validation: Identifies new risks across every model update and fine-tuning of policies, while generating audit-ready evidence to support security and compliance reviews. The automated red-teaming runs across hundreds of attack vectors and more than 1,000 risk categories, with multimodal testing and on-demand reporting for security, risk, and compliance teams.
- Real-time guardrails: Enforces customizable policies across text, images, video, audio, and AI-generated code to prevent harmful content, sensitive data, jailbreaks, and vulnerable code from reaching users or downstream systems.
“AI is fundamentally changing enterprise computing, and security must evolve just as quickly,” said Ken Xie, Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer at Fortinet. “Virtue AI’s technology will advance our vision for continuous AI assurance, helping customers govern and protect AI systems throughout their lifecycle while operating them confidently at enterprise scale.”
According to Gartner®, “the market for securing AI ecosystems and AI agents is rapidly expanding; products and tools are expected to expand from $2.8 billion in 2026 to $16.4 billion by 2030.”[1] Fortinet believes that anticipated market expansion reflects evolving industry demand to secure the AI era.
Customers already rely on the Fortinet AI-native Security Fabric for integrated protection across networks, endpoints, clouds, applications, and AI deployments. This acquisition complements FortiAIGate and further strengthens Fortinet’s AI runtime security capabilities with Virtue AI’s automated validation and real-time protection. Combined with coordinated enforcement and FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence, it will give organizations the confidence to secure AI systems throughout their lifecycle.
Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed, and the amount paid by Fortinet as consideration is immaterial to Fortinet’s business.
SEINA College of Taytay (SCT) in Rizal Province is making the school more inclusive for all students, especially those with disabilities. With SCT being a valued partner in the PLDT Group’s education initiatives, PLDT and Smart, together with ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired), hosted a disability sensitivity workshop for its teachers and support personnel.
“Inclusivity is part of our agenda,” said Sr. Rosalea Busilac, O.P., president of SCT. “The training is especially helpful for our teachers because it gives them the opportunity to really deepen their understanding of learners with disabilities.” She added that the college also sees the session as an opportunity to identify further improvements to its facilities to better serve students with disabilities.
The training is part of a broader push by PLDT and Smart to expand access to education for underrepresented groups.
“We believe that no learner should be left behind,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Our #KonektedforInclusion program aims to create opportunities for underrepresented sectors of society, such as persons with disabilities, through capacity building and digital skills training. These initiatives empower target beneficiaries to gain access to inclusive quality education or sustainable livelihood.”
Facilitators from ATRIEV, who are persons with disabilities themselves, led the discussion on understanding different types of disabilities and the reasonable support or accommodation needed for an inclusive classroom.
“The seminar made us realize that we have to be more understanding and considerate of everyone’s situation,” said Ann Dolores, secretary to the college dean of the Service Education Department. “Instead of expecting students with disabilities to adjust to us, we also need to learn how to adjust and provide the support they need.”
The workshop also addressed unconscious bias, misconceptions, and language that can unintentionally discriminate against or offend a person with disability. Teachers took part in role-playing activities to simulate and demonstrate how best to assist persons with disabilities and understand challenges from their perspective.
“Walking in their shoes, the workshop taught us how to help students with different disabilities,” said Marilu L. Sablayan, who works at the Registrar’s Office and serves as the president of the Auxiliary Support Personnel Association. “I also learned how to communicate and relate with neurodivergent learners, what to do when they’re under stress.”
“Training like this opens our minds to the reality of learners with disabilities,” said Jerome Mauricio of the Office of the Prefect of Student Formation and Activities and a lecturer at the College of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Management. “The experiences shared by people with disabilities show us what is possible and help us rethink how we teach. We are now looking at how we can redesign our curriculum to make our classes more inclusive.”
The continued partnership between PLDT, Smart and SCT underscores their shared commitment to advancing inclusive education and expanding opportunities for Filipino learners of all abilities. The school is a longtime member of the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), having renewed its participation in the initiative in 2025.
The disability sensitivity workshop under the PLDT Group’s #KonektedforInclusion program highlights its commitment to helping the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.
- CTTMO to replace all traffic lights for upcoming modern bus system
DAVAO City’s existing traffic signaling network is set for a modern overhaul to integrate with the upcoming Davao Bus Project, a transport official revealed on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Leonardo Pamplona, Traffic Enforcement and Street Management Division head, said current traffic light repairs are frozen to prepare for the transition.
The division is under the City Transport and Traffic Management Office.
“The plan for the Davao Bus System is that our traffic signaling will be linked directly to the bus system,” Pamplona told reporters. “That’s why CTTMO cannot procure or plan for isolated repairs right now—there is a broader plan that all traffic lights will be replaced with more modern units.”
Pamplona noted that while there are currently around 70 traffic light locations, the upcoming system will introduce advanced, real-time traffic management technology aligned with high-priority public transport routes.
150-enforcer shortage
Alongside the upgrades, CTTMO is also grappling with significant field manpower constraints.
Pamplona said the agency urgently needs at least 150 additional traffic enforcers to cover critical intersections and unmanaged thoroughfares.
However, funding constraints have limited hiring to replacing outgoing personnel rather than expanding the plantilla force.
“In terms of personnel, we have been requesting additional workforce, but it needs to be deliberated by the higher-ups to justify the need,” Pamplona explained. “We have already submitted our justification, but budgetary requirements are likely holding it back for now.”
To maintain baseline enforcement, the CTTMO opens its recruitment pool every six months to replace personnel who have retired, resigned, or left their positions. However, these intakes only cover vacancies rather than expanding the total workforce.
The CTTMO continues to maximize its current personnel deployment across primary bottlenecks while awaiting final budgetary releases for additional enforcers and the rollout of the smart traffic signaling network.
Andrew B. Pangilinan, president and chief executive officer of Metro Pacific Water and Father Rocky Evangelista, the founder and president of Tuloy Foundation, present Batch 2 of MPW Scholars
METRO Pacific Water (MPW) celebrated its 15th anniversary on Aug. 19 by reaffirming its commitment to empowering communities beyond water service, announcing a second batch of scholars for Tuloy Foundation and donating food supplies to support the foundation’s students and residents.
“Today is not just about celebrating another year for Metro Pacific Water. It is about celebrating 15 years of serving communities, creating opportunities, and making a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Andrew B. Pangilinan, president and chief executive officer of Metro Pacific Water.
As part of the celebration, MPW announced the sponsorship of 10 new scholars under Tuloy Foundation’s Technical-Vocational Education Program. This marks the second batch of scholars supported by the company, following the first group of 10 Automotive and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Technician scholars sponsored in 2025, who are now undergoing on-the-job training as they prepare to begin their professional careers.
Beyond education, MPW also donated food supplies to Tuloy Foundation, underscoring the company’s commitment to sharing its milestones with the communities it serves.
“We believe that investing in people is one of the most meaningful investments we can make. Through education and skills development, we hope to help young Filipinos build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities,” Pangilinan said.
For the past 15 years, Metro Pacific Water has steadily grown into a trusted developer and operator of water infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia. Today, MPW operates through its subsidiaries in the Philippines, including Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW), and Metro Pacific Bulacan Water (MPBW).
The company continues to invest in critical water infrastructure, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovations to address growing water demand, improve service reliability, and contribute to the country’s long-term water security. Across its operating companies, MPW remains focused on delivering sustainable water solutions while creating shared value for customers, local governments, and partner communities.
While water remains at the heart of its business, MPW believes that building resilient communities also means investing in people.
“This partnership is more than a sponsorship. It is a shared commitment to building brighter futures, empowering young people, and creating lasting opportunities,” Pangilinan added.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Z. Duterte lashed out on Wednesday at prosecutors and lawmakers pushing two impeachment complaints against her, challenging critics to present concrete evidence rather than resorting to personal attacks and political posturing.
In an official statement released on Aug. 26, Duterte dismissed the impeachment complaints as baseless, accusing lawmakers and legal panels of attempt-based “fishing expeditions” aimed at manufacturing narratives of wrongdoing.
“Prove the impeachable offense. Prove it with evidence—not insults, speculation, or political theatrics,” Duterte stated.
“Prosecutors and members of Congress who want to legitimize the two impeachment complaints—filed without a shred of evidence—should be confident in the strength of the case. They should not be fishing for evidence during the trial or desperately try to turn something they wish to be true into a wild story.”
Addressing recent televised congressional hearings, the Vice President pointed to name-calling and ad hominem remarks by lawmakers and resource persons as proof of a weak legal presentation.
” A strong case does not need the adornment of theatrics. A senator calling a witness “stupid,” a lawyer calling me the “mastermind of a scam,” or another witness referring to me as a “brat” does not prove a case, nor does it produce evidence. Insults reveal the need to feign confidence in the face of a weak presentation.
Duterte further turned her criticism toward the administration and its allies, claiming that national focus is being misdirected toward political self-preservation while citizens grapple with economic hardship and widespread flooding.
Duterte argued that while the country struggles with severe flooding and poverty, accountability takes a back seat to political maneuvers, budget allocations for 2027, and efforts to alter constitutional term limits.
A LAWMAKER is pushing to establish safe and accessible breastfeeding measures across Davao City.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on first reading Tuesday a proposed ordinance seeking to establish safe and accessible breastfeeding measures across Davao City, following a privilege speech delivered by
Proponent Councilor Luna Maria Dominique Acosta introduced the measure in her privilege speech at the regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Acosta, as a nursing mother, highlighted the need for stronger local policy support to protect and empower women who breastfeed.
“Dili jud lalim mahimo usab ka breastfeeding mama, pero para sa bata, himoon nato ang tanan. Mao na ang kinahanglan jud og suporta gikan sa tanang sektor,” Acosta said, emphasizing that multi-sectoral support is essential to relieve the burdens of nursing mothers.
She noted that breastfeeding saves families up to ₱100,000 annually compared to formula milk.
While breastfeeding is free, mothers continue to face hidden costs such as pumps, bags, covers, supplements, and other physical and societal challenges.
The proposed measure aligns with World Breastfeeding Month every August.
Acosta also announced the upcoming “Buntis and Breastfeeding Congress” set for Aug. 28 in Gaisano Mall of Davao.
The annual event, organized by Team Acosta under the theme “Smart Mama, Strong Baby: Kahibalo ug pag-atiman para sa mas himsog nga kaugmaon,” will offer free ultrasounds, HIV testing, medical and lactation consultations, and support group sessions.
“With this event, we hope that we can provide the support needed for our pregnant and breastfeeding mothers,” she said.
Acosta stressed the annual event is not enough, but the city needs to do more in terms of policy to support women who are breastfeeding.
To note, the Davao City Health Office is calling for more breastfeeding mothers with extra milk supply to donate to the Southern Philippines Medical Center Human Milk Bank.
The CHO reported that while the number of donations is steady, demand continues to rise.
The agency is also calling for more establishments in the city to provide more lactation stations, considering that there are only 53 recorded lactation stations across the city.
THE NORTH Cotabato provincial government officially opened its week-long festivities of culture and abundance for its 112th founding anniversary on Wednesday morning, Aug. 26,
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza led the opening of the Kalivungan Festival 2026 at The Basket, Capitol compound, Amas, Kidapawan City.
“The festival will showcase commodities and the agricultural strength of 17 towns and 1 city [of the province],” Taliño-Mendoza said in her speech.
Mendoza emphasized the provincial government continues to protect and strengthen local agricultural products, especially high-value crops.
The governor cited the establishment of 10 agricultural quarantine facilities to secure crops and livestock across the province.
Mendoza noted that the agriculture industry is facing challenges, particularly the manufacturing of fake fertilizer, which affects every farmer.
“Continue to make us effective by being our eyes and ears in our locality, kasi pag hindi umabot sa opisina ng governor mahirap magbigay ng intervention,” she urged local chief executives.
Alongside the opening ceremony, the Yaman ng Cotabato Travel and Trade Expo was also officially opened to the public.
The expo, which will run from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, features farm produce, homegrown products from local entrepreneurs, and local tourism destinations.
Vice Governor Rochella Marie Taliño Taray said in her message that the Yaman ng Cotabato provides farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders the opportunity to present the very best of the province.
“Through events such as this, we strengthen not only our local enterprises, but open new markets, create livelihood opportunities, and encourage greater support for Cotabato-made products and destinations,” Taray said.
Meanwhile, the Kavurunan Festival was conducted simultaneously on Aug. 26 at the Capitol covered court, which features cultural dances and music ensemble, and the Palarong Tribu.
The Kavurunan is participated in by indigenous peoples: Erumanen Ne Menuvu, Manobo, Tagabawa, Blaan, Obo Manobo, Teduray, and Ilianen from different parts of the province.
Other programs for this year’s edition include Kumbira sa Kapitolyo, Heraldic Ceremony, Kapagana Festival, and the Museyo Kutawato Fest.
The Drum and Lyre Competition, which normally headlines the annual festival during its opening, will be held on September 1 at the Capitol grounds.
To note, the provincial government dropped the beauty pageant contests and the street dancing competition in this year’s edition of Kalivungan Festival as part of its preparation as the province braces for El Niño.
“Benteng Bigas Meron Na” launched
The provincial government’s Benteng Bigas program under Kadiwa ng Pangulo was also launched during the opening ceremony.
Asec. Genevieve V. Guevarra, for the Department of Agriculture Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service; Atty. Oliver Dicdican, Corporate Affairs of Food Terminal Incorporated, together with the governor and vice governor, led the ceremonial distribution of Benteng Bigas Meron Na.
In her keynote speech, Guevarra said that the P20 rice reflects the commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the Food Security Agenda, which is to provide affordable food for Filipinos.
“Ang bigas po na yan hindi po yan imported, yan po ay locally produced ng ating mga magsasaka through the National Food Authority, nabebenta natin sa subsidized na presyo na benteng bigas lamang,” Guevarra stressed.
She emphasized that every purchase of the P20 rice helps farmers sell their produce at the right price.
Kalivungan Festival is coined from the Manuvu word “kalivungan” which means “gathering” or “Festival.” In Kidapawan City, the capital of North Cotabato, the first Kalivungan Festival was held on May 8, 1974.
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