BY ALEX ALAGON
Globe has successfully demonstrated how 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) technology can deliver fiber-like internet performance, without the need for physical cables, using Nokia’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution combined with Wi-Fi 7.
This breakthrough marks a major step forward in next-generation connectivity, with speeds reaching up to 4.3 Gbps, fast enough to power critical operations, boost enterprise productivity, and elevate broadband experiences for Filipinos.
In partnership with Nokia, Globe is pioneering the commercial rollout of 5G mmWave in the Philippines. Field tests in Zamboanga City showed the technology’s strong performance even across difficult terrains. At the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 headquarters in Naval Station Rio Hondo, Globe achieved 4.3 Gbps at a 2.1-kilometer distance, while another test nearly 9 kilometers away still hit speeds close to 1 Gbps.
The Philippine Marines are the first to use the technology, relying on Globe’s 5G mmWave to strengthen communications for national security and public service.
“We are grateful to Globe, our long-time partner, for continuously supporting the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 with reliable communications solutions. Through Globe’s commitment to innovation, we have strengthened our connectivity even in the most challenging environments,” said Lt. Col. Nepthalie C. Papa, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team-1, Philippine Marines.
“At Globe, we’re always looking ahead, pushing the limits of what’s possible in connectivity,” said Gerhard Tan, Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations. “The success of our 5G mmWave and Wi-Fi 7 deployment with the Philippine Marines proves that advanced connectivity can transform mission-critical operations. Beyond defense, this technology lays the groundwork for a truly digital and connected Philippines.”
Globe’s 5G mmWave sites are now live in Zamboanga City, Quezon City, and Rizal province, with plans for wider rollout as compatible devices become more available. The technology opens new opportunities for enterprises, government, and communities—from high-speed broadband for urban and rural areas to private 5G networks that can support industrial automation and secure business operations.
The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro has launched today, November 17 the Davao de Oro Integrated Referral Information System (DDO-IRIS), a systematic referral process faster and fully digital—from Barangay Health Stations to Rural Health Units and provincial hospitals.
In the past months, the province already started digitalizing the referral system through the DDO E-Referral System, developed by the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Office and the Provincial Health Office.
This was done to speed up patient navigation, improve accuracy in recording patient information, and help hospitals prepare earlier through faster information sharing and organized assessment.
The DDO-IRIS is strongly supported by Governor Raul G. Mabanglo as part of the province’s effort to support Universal Health Care through digital transformation of health services.
MANILA, Philippines — The 2025 HUAWEI XMAGE Awards Ceremony, alongside the “The World, You and Me” Annual Imaging Exhibition, opened on November 12 at the Grand Palais in Paris. This year, Filipino photographers Rhon Velarde and Mark Padecio captured global attention, earning acclaim for their outstanding works that showcase the Philippines’ vibrant creative spirit.
Hosted jointly alongside Paris Photo, one of the world’s most prestigious photography showcases founded in 1997, the event attracted a distinguished mix of accomplished creators, influential media representatives, industry leaders, and passionate photography enthusiasts.
2025 HUAWEI XMAGE Awards Ceremony and Annual Exhibition: Exploring ‘The World, You and Me’
Kevin Ho, CEO of HUAWEI Consumer Business Group, emphasized, “Through XMAGE, we harness the power of technology and imagery to better understand the world, and, more importantly, to see one another with greater empathy.”
The annual event regularly attracts over 100,000 attendees. This year’s exhibition represents the third time, after 2018 and 2019, that Paris Photo and HUAWEI have joined forces to introduce mobile photography to the global art scene. It is also the first since the company unveiled its barrier-breaking XMAGE brand that made a critical shift from mere technology to cultural storytelling.
This year’s exhibition is based on the theme “The World, You and Me,” and showcases the works of talented creators perceiving, recreating, and interpreting the world around them. The three exhibition areas are titled “I Capture, Therefore I Am”, “The Constructed, The Perceived”, and “In Their Own Words”, reflecting the competition’s emphasis on visual immersion.
All of the works on display grapple with the idea of reimaging the relationship between individuals, their wholly unique perspectives, and the visual worlds they inhabit. In addition to its role as an exhibition, the event gathered many of the leaders in global photography, inspiring new exchanges and connections, underscoring HUAWEI XMAGE’s aspiration to serve as a global platform promoting artistic exchange for all.
A Global Celebration of Vision Bringing Creativity Around the World
2025 HUAWEI XMAGE Awards Ceremony
This year’s competition drew over 743,000 submissions from talented creators across 78 countries and regions, highlighting the global appeal and reach of HUAWEI XMAGE. The “XMAGE 100” award-winning works were the most outstanding images, not grouped into traditional categories, and among them three Grand Prize Winners of the Year were recognized. Filipino photographers Rhon Velarde and Mark Padecio were celebrated among the XMAGE 100 for their powerful storytelling and technical mastery.
“Let’s continue to capture, share, and inspire the world through XMAGE,” encouraged Alex Huang, CMO of HUAWEI Consumer Business Group.
Alex Huang, CMO of HUAWEI Consumer Business Group
Ethereal Lines by Gheorghe Popa – Romania with HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra
The judges highlighted the way Popa explores uncharted territories of photography with high-end smartphones, observing how mobile technology transforms perception. The image demonstrates a seamless interplay of optics and algorithmic computation, moving viewers from surface observation to profound insight. Through this work, the photographer seamlessly moves between the macro and micro worlds, guiding viewers from “seeing” to “insight” and uncovering fascinating unknowns in the most unexpected moments.
New Life by Mehmet Emin Corus – Turkiye with HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro
The judges noted the photo’s extraordinary depth in its simplicity. It captures the full cycle of life: the mother, the newborn calf, and the farmer, who probably gave no thought to the uniqueness of this scene. It is the ordinary nature of this image that makes it so extraordinary. The photographer employs no special tricks, simply capturing an image of extraordinary depth and meaning as it occurs.
Origin of Skiing by Chen Guanhong – China with HUAWEI Mate 70 Pro+
This work portrays the quiet connection between a child and their environment, set against a snowy plain under the sun. The judges commended the photographer’s remarkable restraint, not projecting their own feelings onto the image, but rather letting the child’s personality shine through.
Filipino Talent Shines on the Global Stage, Bringing the Philippines’ Stories to the World
Filipino 2025 XMAGE 100 Awardees: Rhon Velarde & Mark Padecio
Among the featured artists, Filipino photographers Rhon Velarde and Mark Padecio present compelling narratives that highlight everyday life and culture in the Philippines.
Muddy But Happy by Mark Padecio – Philippines with HUAWEI nova 10
This work captured a fleeting yet powerful moment of joy as children played along a muddy riverside after the first rainfall following a drought. Shot spontaneously with the HUAWEI nova 10, the image showcased the phone’s clarity, color accuracy, and dynamic range, bringing life and authenticity to the scene.
Padecio explained, “Winning the XMAGE Award was an incredible honor. The photo is more than an image; it is a visual story that captures who we are as a nation: resilient, hopeful, and deeply rooted in our sense of community.” He added, “Through photography, I aim to show how Filipinos find beauty in simplicity and strength in togetherness. Every frame tells a story of courage and hope driven by heart.”
Glimmer of Hope by Rhon Velarde – Philippines with HUAWEI P40 Pro
This photo captured a striking moment of light, color, and emotion, showcasing the HUAWEI P40 Pro’s dynamic range and color accuracy, bringing depth and mood to the scene. Velarde reflected, “Winning the XMAGE Award is deeply meaningful to me, it’s more than recognition; it’s a statement that Filipino creativity can stand proudly on the world stage. As a photographer from the Philippines, it feels like carrying the stories, colors, and emotions of our culture to a global audience. Valerde added, “Photography allows me to share our stories and emotions with the world, showing that connection and empathy transcend borders.”
Through these images and countless others, HUAWEI XMAGE is inspiring a paradigm shift in photography from “seeing” to “perceiving” our world, forging connections in unexpected places. Now that pictures are no longer images to be passively viewed, but rather, windows to what surrounds us, each touch of the shutter opens up a world of possibility.
THE PUBLIC Safety and Security Office (PSSO) extended support to the proposed ordinance on AI-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for improved safety.
“This is one of the tools to strengthen the security of Davao City. We are very supportive of this measure,” PSSO Head Angel Sumaysay said in an interview with Disaster Radio on Monday.
He stressed that it is crucial that policy comes first before the procurement of units for smooth implementation.
“This is a welcome development for the security of Davao City,” Sumagaysay added.
In terms of data privacy, Sumagaysay said the proposed ordinance has no negative implications for ordinary individuals.
“This is data-driven; henceforth, only the data of those who have criminal records will be included,” he said, noting that only “persons of interest” will be recognized.
The 21st city council of Davao passed on second reading the proposed ordinance to strengthen the public safety and border security system of the city through the integration of AI facial technology in critical entry and exit points.
Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, chairperson of the committee on information technology, proposed the ordinance last July 15 in his privilege speech.
The critical entry and exit points include land borders, airports, seaports, shorelines, and other key locations.
“This advanced AI facial recognition technology will not only strengthen public security but will also play a crucial role in law enforcement,” he said
The AI system, he said, will enable tracing individuals on the wanted lists of the law enforcement agencies, alerting authorities in real-time, and preventing external dangers and criminal elements.
THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I has selected the medical panel to assess the fitness of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to stand trial.
The Chamber announced its decision on Nov. 14, 2025, confirming that the medical team must submit its joint or individual reports on Duterte’s cognitive and physical status by Dec. 5, 2025.
The assessment is a crucial step required to move forward with the case, which was indefinitely postponed after the defense claimed Duterte was no longer fit to participate in proceedings related to the alleged crimes against humanity during his anti-drug campaign.
The selection process was marked by two significant challenges raised by Duterte’s defense team, prompting the ICC’s Prosecution Office to call for a comprehensive overhaul of the court’s expert vetting procedures.
An initially appointed neuropsychologist was quickly challenged after the defense raised that the expert had allegedly failed to disclose her suspension from professional practice for serious issues, including claims of sharing private patient information.
The replacement specialist, a brain expert, was also disqualified by the Chamber after the defense presented evidence of “very offensive remarks” the doctor had posted on social media.
The defense successfully argued that the nature of these public posts rendered the expert unfit to provide an impartial assessment.
The prosecution office subsequently demanded that the court use a “stricter checking process” when selecting experts in the future, citing the need for parties and participants to trust the impartiality of the Court’s accredited list.
Tight deadline set
Despite the delays caused by the challenges, the ICC maintained a rigorous timeline for the next steps:
Report Deadline: The medical experts must submit their full reports by December 5, 2025.
Response Deadline: Duterte’s lawyers, the prosecution, and the victims’ counsel must then file their comments on the medical report by December 12, 2025.
The court stressed that the deadline was unchanged, “Noting inter alia the availability of the experts composing the Panel.”
The findings of this report will be instrumental for the Pre-Trial Chamber in determining if the proceedings against the former President can resume.
MINDANAO is an investment-ready and globally competitive tourism destination, an official from the country’s investment arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), assured.
Atty. Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, Tourism Enterprise Zone sector assistant COO, said Mindanao is a vital gateway for trade and trade and tourism.
“Mindanao is a safe, secure, and investment-ready destination,” Sarinas-Baydo said before participants from member countries during the BIMP-EAGA Investment Conference (BIMP ICON) on Thursday.
She noted the 2024 Mindanao Safety Rating, which increased to 89.69% from 88% in 2023.
“The Philippines, especially Mindanao, is open and ready for investments,” she added.
Baydo said vast opportunities await in Mindanao, positioning it as a premier destination for large-scale events and conventions.
“Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions are a priority and exhibitions as a premier destination for large-scale events and conventions, accommodation establishments, ecotourism developments to showcase Mindanao’s natural assets, mountains, forests, marine resources, while ensuring sustainable visitor management,” she said.
MICE is the priority area for Mindanao in the Philippine Tourism Investment Roadmap 2026-2040.
Also, port development is seen to improve accessibility and inter-regional connectivity from Mindanao to the neighboring countries, not only the EAGA.
“These opportunities reflect a diverse investment landscape, one that supports the government’s vision of positioning Mindanao as a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism destination,” she added.
Baydo also emphasized the Halal investment and ecosystem in Mindanao, recognizing the surging demand for Halal-certified goods and services.
“The Philippines is actively strengthening its Halal ecosystem, and recognizing the surging global demand for Halal-certified goods and services, not only for our Muslim consumers, but also from a growing market that values ethical, high-quality, and safe products,” she said.
Among the key areas for investment are Halal-friendly tourism, Islamic finance, Halal food and agro processing, and modest fashion.
Baydo emphasized that the country is Muslim-friendly, being the 8th in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index and rising in the 2025 Muslim-friendly destination by Crescent rating, with over 3,000 mosques and Masjids.
THE PASSENGER terminal expansion of Davao International Airport (DIA) is now in the structural phase, an official from the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI said on Friday.
Arturo Milan, chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of RDC XI, said the project is now in the structural phase.
“The expansion is ongoing and expected to be completed by December next year,” Milan said during the Business Matters forum at Hukad, Abreeza.
Milan said the terminal expansion is expected to positively impact tourism in the region and in Mindanao, with Davao airport to open more direct routes.
At present, DIA has a capacity of around three million passengers annually.
The P650 million terminal expansion project will expand the floor area from 17,500 sqm to 25,910 sqm, representing a 48% increase by the time of its expected completion in December 2026.
Through the expansion, it will accommodate an additional 700 passengers, bringing its seating capacity to 1,500.
“With the additional 1,000 square meters of international terminal, this will handle additional passenger room, which for me is good,” he said.
The expansion involves a new wing with a separate cargo-handling system and carousel. Presently, international inbound passengers claim their baggage in the domestic area.
Milan said the expansion will serve as a stopgap to address heavy traffic while the Davao International Airport modernization is still in the pipeline.
BY JAMES RAZEL B. TANGUAN
ONE SCHOOL of thought is always in conflict with another; a tenet is always contested with the ones expressed by a serious critic or any individual committed to expressing oneself.
Questioning policies, examining ways of living, and unlearning unhealthy paradigms are the marks of a rich, intelligent, and solid democracy. Deplorably, we are living in communities guilty of carrying out otherwise. This begs the question, in a world peppered with ideas (brilliant or trashy), where shall balance be found?
It is simple nowadays to dismiss someone on account of his/her religious position or political stance. It is convenient to appear to agree to steer clear of potential conflicts. But what is wrong here? It is not the mere opinion, nor is it the keeping at bay of disagreements. It is the culture of jeopardizing nuances.
When an adult is talking with a child, there is a preconceived notion that the adult is credible; when a teacher is in a heated debate with a student, there is an assumption that the former is correct and the latter wrong; when a resident questions a policy, it is construed as a personal attack on the policymaker.
This way of thinking disrupts not only the flow of our free discourse but also the nuances that surround the idea in question. Did it not occur to us that the experience of a child is also credible, that the student could be presenting an interesting angle of the discussion, or that the resident’s critique is aimed at society’s progress?
It is incumbent upon us to recognize that the human condition is bursting with contradictions, that the beauty of a discussion does not lie in the curse words uttered, and that a question is not necessarily an attack.
Ideas make or break a civilization; our job is to sharpen them, to free them from the themes of violence and corruption, to challenge them in variously distinct ways, and to finally separate the gold from that which is not.
The world is loaded with the shades of black, white, and in-betweens. Let us strike a balance, and the balance is in the nuance.
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The author is an educator who graduated from the University of Mindanao. He has been teaching English for 5 years now, and he is a steadfast advocate of the transformative role of literature to humankind.
Cebu Pacific today launched its A330neo flights to Bohol-Panglao International Airport, further enhancing connectivity to the island province while giving more opportunities for Boholanos to explore the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Starting today, the 459-seater aircraft will operate between Manila and Bohol daily, allowing more Filipinos and international travelers to experience the island province’s natural attractions and wildlife encounters.
To celebrate this milestone, the maiden A330neo flight was greeted with a water canon salute upon landing at Bohol-Panglao International Airport, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for CEB’s operations in the province.
Bohol Governor Erico “Aris” Aumentado, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Deputy Director General for Operations Retired Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs Atty. Maria Cecilia Natividad, Aboitiz Airports Chief Operations Officer Terence Delomoney, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office Officer in Charge Joanne Pinat, and Bureau of Fire Protection Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal Bohol Province F/Insp. Eulalio Gementiza celebrated the arrival of the A330neo in a ceremony held at the airport.
“The first A330neo flight marks a new chapter for Bohol Panglao International Airport,” said Aumentado. “This achievement strengthens our tourism, boosts our economy, and showcases what collaboration can accomplish.”
“As we bring the A330neo to more domestic routes like Bohol, we reinforce our mission to make travel accessible for every Juan and to support tourism and economic growth across the Philippines,” Natividad added.
CEB is the largest operator of A330neo aircraft in Asia-Pacific, currently with a total of 13 aircraft of this kind in its fleet. Currently, CEB operates A330neo flights to Cebu, Davao, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa as well as several international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
This initiative supports the airline’s commitment to offering greater comfort, higher capacity, and more sustainable travel. The A330neo’s efficiency and range allow the airline to serve key domestic and regional destinations with flexibility and cost effectiveness. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn up to 25 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. The decrease in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.
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