BY ALEX ALAGON
QUEZON CITY — Despite the existing Chemical Control Order (CCO) that outlaws lead in paints, harmful lead-laced paint products continue to be imported and distributed—an ongoing trend the EcoWaste Coalition has strongly deplored.
The group criticized the brazen breach of the lead paint ban as embodied in the CCO for Lead and Lead Compounds following its discovery of 11 more spray paints with lead content above the legal limit of 90 parts per million (ppm).
Issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 2013, the CCO established a strict 90 ppm maximum limit for lead in all paints, including spray paints. The CCO further set phase-out deadlines for lead-containing decorative and industrial paints, which ended on December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2019, respectively.
As confirmed by SGS laboratory tests commissioned by the EcoWaste Coalition, the 11 paints representing six brands contained violative levels of lead, with eight products containing more than 10,000 ppm. The group purchased the paints from online sellers for P81 to P164 each.
Based on laboratory test reports, a medium yellow Herios Spray Paint manufactured in China in February 2025 had the highest lead concentration at 95,600 ppm.
The Jialing red, fresh green, and lemon yellow Amazing High Gloss Spray Paints contained 33,400 ppm, 20,200 ppm, and 714 ppm of lead, respectively.
The green and yellow Driveone Off Ultra Bright Night Light Spray Paint tested with 73,900 ppm and 69,900 ppm of lead, while the grass green and silver red LLA Spray Paints had 33,700 ppm and 5,140 ppm.
The green and yellow Wei Yue Spray Paint contained 48,100 ppm and 670 ppm of lead, and the canary yellow Wel Tools Paint had 27,900 ppm.
In January this year, the EcoWaste Coalition also released the laboratory test results of orange, beige, and green Nasmc Spray Paints, which were analyzed to contain 30,500 ppm, 10,000 ppm, and 7,460 ppm of lead, respectively.
The 14 lead-containing products mentioned above will be added to the “Public Notice on Lead-Containing Paints,” which currently includes 228 laboratory-tested spray paints with lead content. The said notice is co-published by the EcoWaste Coalition, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), and the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) to alert consumers and vendors to non-compliant paints containing lead, which are mostly imported from China and Thailand.
Lead-containing paints are a major source of lead exposure among children globally. “There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has included lead among the ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.
Lead is a dangerous poison that can damage almost every part of the human body. It is especially harmful to babies and young children because their brains are still growing. When children are exposed to lead, it can cause lasting damage, including lower intelligence, trouble focusing, learning delays, and behavioral problems like aggression.
To stop leaded paints from illegally entering the Philippines, the EcoWaste Coalition is demanding tighter import restrictions. Key to this effort is adding lead chromates to the Rotterdam Convention’s list of hazardous chemicals to regulate the global trade of these toxic pigments.
MANILA, Philippines – Corruption has emerged as the single most important issue Filipinos want President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address, while concerns over household finances and the broader economy continue to shape public sentiment, according to the latest PAHAYAG national survey.
Nearly three in ten registered voters (29%) asserted that addressing corruption should be the administration’s top priority, far exceeding every other issue tested. Other concerns followed, including the Philippine economy at 7%, poverty, prices, and inflation at 6%. Education, wages, jobs, public healthcare, and peace and order each stood at 4%, while illegal drugs and rising petroleum prices trailed at 3%.
The same pattern is reflected at the household level. The leading concern heading into the next quarter is witnessing corrupt practices in local government offices and public agencies, cited by 18% of respondents.
This is followed by concerns over the slow recovery of the Philippine economy (10%) and the inability to purchase basic commodities because of rising prices, and not being able to afford basic needs at 9%. Other everyday financial anxieties also emerged: receiving insufficient pay, and the inability to access healthcare or hospitalization were at 7%, job loss and becoming a crime victim at 6%, and facing challenges in securing employment at 5%. Collectively, these interrelated worries indicate that household finances remain under sustained pressure, despite signs of improving economic expectations.
Economic outlook shows cautious optimism
While immediate concerns remain centered on corruption and household affordability, expectations for the months ahead have improved compared with the previous quarter. Twenty-nine percent of Filipinos believe the national economy will improve in the next quarter, while 46% expect their household financial condition to improve. Even so, a plurality of respondents remain cautious, with 41% expecting the national economy to worsen and 22% believing household finances will remain largely unchanged.
10 years ago: Economy lags, households fare better
Longer-term perceptions also reveal a contrast between national and personal assessments. Compared with ten years ago, two in three Filipinos believe the overall Philippine economy has deteriorated, with 63% saying it is somewhat or much worse today. In contrast, Filipinos are more optimistic about their own circumstances: 42% say their household’s financial condition is better today than it was in 2016, while 36% believe it has worsened.
In summary, corruption has become the nation’s primary public concern, surpassing all other challenges, even as daily life remains heavily influenced by different economic issues. While there is growing optimism among Filipinos on short-term national economic prospects and individual household finances, priorities remain affected by concerns on governance, financial security, and affordability.
PQ2-2026 is an independent, non-commissioned nationwide purposive sampling survey conducted from June 28-30, 2026, comprising 1,509 respondents who are registered Filipino voters, randomly selected from the market research panel of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with global operations and a regional office in Singapore. The national margin of error is +/- 3%.
PAHAYAG is a CSR of PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., which has tracked key metrics since 2017, while Vox Opinion Research is its commissioned research arm since 2013.
For more information on the survey methodology and detailed results, please visit www.publicusasia.com/pahayag.
NEW YORK, NY — Korean alternative pop-rock band Catch The Young will embark on their first-ever Latin America tour, CATCH THE YOUNG LIVE EVOLVE : LATAM TOUR 2026, this September.
The band will be kicking off the tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina (The Roxy) on September 9th, then visit Santiago, Chile (Theatre Cousiño) on September 10th, Puerto Rico (venue to be announced later) on September 13th, and Mexico City, Mexico (Foro 1896) on September 15th. They also hinted that more stops could be added through their tour announcement poster.
“I believe music has the power to connect people’s hearts beyond language. Through this Latin America tour, I hope we can share Catch The Young’s music and our sincerity with even more people,” said Jungmo, member of Catch The Young.
The tour’s title, CATCH THE YOUNG LIVE EVOLVE, is an extension of their first full-length album, EVOLVE, released earlier this year, as well as the band’s solo concert, LIVE EVOLVE, held in Seoul on March 29th. Ahead of this tour, Catch The Young will participate in the Toronto Korean Festival, the annual event held at Mel Lastman Square in North Toronto, from August 21st to August 23rd.
Catch The Young’s festival performance in Toronto will mark their first time performing in a Western country since their debut, and now with a Latin America tour scheduled for this fall, the band hopes to visit and connect with more international fans around the world.
“From the moment I first heard about our Latin America tour, I was incredibly excited and honored. I sincerely want to thank all of our fans in Latin America for inviting us and waiting for us despite the distance. Just thinking about making eye contact with you on stage and sharing those moments together through music already fills me with excitement. We’re working hard to prepare performances that live up to all your love and support, so we hope you’ll look forward to it and continue cheering us on. We’ll see you in Latin America soon. Thank you, and we love you!” said Junyong, member of Catch The Young.
32nd SKC Sports Foundations awardees for athletics included the UM Athletics team, the University of Mindanao and the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network. (DSA photo)
Davao City – The University of Mindanao Athletics team along with the University of Mindanao and the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network (UMBN) received special citations during the 32nd So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation Awards held 18 July at the Eskina, Lanang Business Park.
Receiving the special citations for their unwavering support and valuable contribution to the field of athletics were UM Sports Director David Penano and UMBN representative Raniel Laure handed over by SKC Sports Foundation Inc. President So Peng Kee, Davao City Sports Council Inc. President Denver So and City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre. Special citations were also given to Kinetic Sports, Maa Central Elementary School and Nature Spring Mineral Water.
Awardees for athletics saw Outstanding Athletes – Andrei Roniel Lopez and Jenny Lerio Dalagan. Outstanding performance awardees saw Sonny Wagdos and Vince Potenciando.
By Jon Develos
MAKATI CITY, Philippines –– Japan and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1956, laying the foundation for decades of friendship, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. Seventy years later, 2026 marks the Philippines–Japan Friendship Year, celebrating a partnership that continues to create meaningful opportunities for both nations.
Against the backdrop of this enduring relationship, JCB—the only international payment brand based in Japan—entered the Philippine market in 1996 with a vision to bring Japanese excellence in payments closer to Filipino consumers. Over the past three decades, JCB has grown alongside Filipino cardholders by delivering seamless payment experiences and creating more opportunities for them to experience Japan through travel benefits, merchant partnerships, and collaborations with Japanese brands in both countries.
As JCB celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Philippines, the company is proud to join the commemoration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, reaffirming its role as a bridge between the two nations. Through trusted partnerships and carefully curated experiences inspired by Japanese culture, JCB continues to bring Japan closer to Filipino consumers while strengthening the enduring connection between the two countries.
To mark these shared milestones, JCB is launching a year-long celebration showcasing the connections it has fostered over the past three decades—from immersive cultural experiences and merchant collaborations to anniversary events and exclusive promotions inspired by the best of Japan.
JCB will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special event at the SM Mega Fashion Hall from September 25 to 27, 2026. More than a celebration of a company milestone, the event will also honor 70 years of friendship between Japan and the Philippines, showcasing how JCB has contributed to strengthening ties between the two nations through cultural exchange, trusted partnerships, and shared experiences. The event will bring together JCB cardholders, banking partners, merchants, and guests for a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture and meaningful collaborations, underscoring JCB’s commitment to creating experiences that go beyond payments.
To further commemorate these milestones, JCB is introducing a series of anniversary-themed promotions inspired by Japan and its longstanding friendship with the Philippines. These limited-time offers invite JCB cardholders to experience Japanese culture and lifestyles through exclusive collaborations with participating partners.
- Japan visa application for PHP 30 (July 1 to 31, 2026)
- USD 30 off Japan Airlines (JAL) flights (Booking period: July 15 to 31, 2026; travel period: July 15, 2026, to May 31, 2027)
- Ramen for PHP 30 at Ramen Kuroda (Every Tuesday from July 14 to September 29, 2026)
- 30% off at Mitsukoshi Fresh and Beauty (July 16 to August 16, 2026)
For JCB Philippines Country Manager Wataru Tamura, JCB’s 30th anniversary represents far more than a corporate milestone.
“For us, this milestone is a celebration of the lasting relationships, shared experiences, and cultural connections JCB has built with Filipino cardholders over the past three decades,” said Tamura. “JCB remains committed to serving as a bridge between the two nations by creating meaningful partnerships and introducing more Filipino people to Japanese culture. Through these exclusive promotions and collaborations, we hope to bring people closer to the richness of Japanese culture and the warmth of Filipino hospitality, while creating memorable experiences that inspire future journeys together.”
Thirty years after establishing its presence in the Philippines, JCB continues to evolve in step with the changing lifestyles of Filipino consumers while staying true to the Japanese values of innovation, trust, and hospitality.
For more information on JCB’s 30th anniversary promotions, offers from participating merchants, and the full promotional mechanics, visit the JCB Philippines website or follow JCB Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. To enjoy these exclusive benefits, apply for a JCB Card today. Terms and conditions apply. Promotional periods, eligibility requirements, and redemption mechanics may vary per offer.
BY: ARIEL JAMES P. MERO & LINDON L. ABAPO | DSSC INTERN
MUSEO Dabawenyo is introducing the “Dayaw Arts, Culture, and Film Showcase” as a fresh addition to the highly anticipated Kadayawan Festival this August 2026.
Donna Richel Sarong, researcher and administrative officer at Museo Dabawenyo, revealed that the initiative is organized in close partnership with the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts and the Davao City Tourism Operations Office.
The concept builds upon the positive reception of the “Sine + Sining” film showcase and previous Art Walk held along Magallanes during the Duaw Davao festival.
While prior walks explored different routes, this year’s installment focuses on a brand-new area to spotlight the city’s dense cluster of culture, arts, and heritage sites.
The development of the route was spearheaded by La Herencia, which originally designed the walk before partnering with the Culture and Arts Office to bring it to Kadayawan.
Participants can look forward to a comprehensive path featuring established art hubs, starting from the Poblacion Market and moving down Claveria.
The curated walk will guide visitors through iconic local spots, including Freedom Park and the Emila Mindanao Souvenir Center. The itinerary also features newly opened attractions along Claveria, such as the Upside Down Museum, alongside culinary and hospitality landmarks like Cafe Gervacios. The Royal Mandaya Hotel is also integrated into the tour, inviting walkers to view the dedicated art galleries and creative works displayed directly inside its lobby.
The journey will conclude at Cinematheque Centre Davao, which serves as the main hub for the Dayaw Arts, Culture, and Film Showcase. To complement the tour, Cinematheque Centre Davao will host a specially curated art bazaar and a food bazaar for visitors to enjoy.
By weaving through prominent streets like C.M. Recto and Claveria, the Art Walk explicitly incorporates the rich, interesting history and heritage of Davao City.
The diverse mix of souvenir shops, food stops, and galleries is intentional, as the route aims to celebrate the seven disciplines of art, which include gastronomy and artisanal crafts. Beyond standard festival anchors like Indak-Indak and Pamulak, the City Government is pushing to continuously innovate and diversify what it offers to the public.
The Dayaw Art Walk serves an important advocacy role by providing a dedicated, long-awaited platform for local creative sectors.
According to Sarong, local artists previously felt overlooked but shared highly positive feedback following recent pilots. “Finally, naa najud space, naa na’y avenue for artists,” she said.
The local government aims to sustain this momentum across future festivals to permanently give the Davao arts sector the visibility it deserves.
“Daghan jud good na pwede i-expect ang atong mga Dabawenyos, atong mga bisita, ug turista, kay gi paningkamotan jud ni ug gi pag-handaan jud ni sa city government,” Sarong concluded.
MANILA, Philippines — As more travelers return home with extra pasalubong, souvenirs, and shopping finds, AirAsia Philippines is reminding guests that they can check in as many bags as they need, with no limit on the number of checked bags, as long as the total weight remains within their purchased or complimentary baggage allowance.
Guests may buy checked baggage allowances ranging from 20kg to 60kg, providing flexibility for both short getaways and extended trips. For safety reasons, however, each individual checked bag must not exceed 32kg, even if a higher baggage allowance has been purchased.
However, if you have purchased more than 30 kg of baggage allowance, please note that each bag you will be checking-in must follow the following requirements:
Several essential mobility items may be checked in free of charge, including:
- Baby strollers, buggies, and prams
- Wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Crutches and walking frames
Pre-booked to avoid other fees
Guests who purchase checked baggage before departure can save up to Php 919 compared to airport rates. Checked baggage can be purchased conveniently via the AirAsia MOVE app, the AirAsia website, or Ask Bo.
Buying additional baggage after booking
Guests who wish to add or upgrade their checked baggage allowance after completing their booking may conveniently do so through the Manage My Booking feature or by chatting with Ask Bo up to two hours before their scheduled departure. Checked baggage may also be added at the airport check-in counter, subject to applicable airport baggage rates.
To purchase or upgrade checked baggage through Ask Bo:
- Chat with Ask Bo on the AirAsia MOVE app or website.
- Type “Purchase Add-ons (Seats, Baggage, Meals)”.
- Select “Baggage” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
Cabin baggage
For cabin baggage, guests are entitled to two carry-on items—one cabin bag and one personal item like a laptop bag or a hand bag—with a combined weight of up to 7kg. Those who need additional cabin space may opt for Xtra Carry-On, which increases the cabin baggage allowance to 14kg when pre-booked.
As travelers continue to embrace spontaneous shopping, longer vacations, and meaningful trips home, AirAsia Philippines’ flexible baggage policy ensures guests can bring home more of what matters—without worrying about the number of bags they check in.
AS DIGITAL threats grow alongside rapid technological advancement, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is strengthening its push to equip Filipinos with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.
At its recent Customer Day at the Smart Store in SM North EDSA Cyberzone, the spotlight went beyond connectivity — focusing instead on education and responsible digital behavior, and empowering customers to make the most of today’s digital world.
Smart Customer Day is a celebration of the customers who continue to place their trust in Smart. Customers enjoyed exclusive event-only promos on devices and connectivity, while taking part in interactive activities and practical learning sessions designed to help them stay informed, connected, and confident in an increasingly digital world.
Through its SCAMpaign, Smart continues to raise awareness on evolving online threats, helping subscribers recognize, avoid, and report scams in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Customers also learned practical digital payment habits, including the benefits of cashless transactions, protecting financial information online, and adopting safe payment practices that make everyday transactions more convenient and secure
“This initiative reflects Smart’s broader commitment to ensuring that customers are not only connected but also protected and empowered. We hope that through the Smart Customer Day, they can have fun and learn skills that can help them maximize the use of their mobile devices and safely navigate the online world,” said Brenda M. Dichoso, FVP for Customer Experience at Smart.
Event host, content creator, and Smart brand ambassador Sam YG underscored the importance of responsible technology use, particularly in an era shaped by information overload and rapidly evolving online risks.
“Ang daming scams, fake news, so it’s also good to have these events so that we could properly discuss how to use this privilege, this power properly,” he shared. “Inasmuch as we are blessed with technology, it’s very important to be vigilant, to check if what we’ve digested is actually true, or baka fake news or scam. While tech is improving, scams are also improving.”
Guests also got to experience emerging technologies firsthand through a demonstration of Rokid augmented reality glasses, showcasing how innovation can enhance productivity, collaboration, and everyday digital experiences.
For long-time Smart subscribers, this focus on education and protection resonates deeply in everyday life — where reliable connectivity powers work, family responsibilities, and digital interactions.
“We won’t be staying with Smart for 30 years if we’re not getting the right services. We feel valued as customers,” shared Jackie Rose Caez, emphasizing how dependable service supports her family’s work-from-home and online learning needs.
Subscriber Jose B. Montalbo, Jr., who frequently works in the field, echoed the importance of both connectivity and awareness. “That’s exactly the reason why I stick with Smart. Mas maganda ang signal sa probinsya; you have promos na swak na swak.”
By bringing together education, real-life experiences, and expert insights, Smart continues to reinforce its role as a partner in customers’ digital journeys — one that goes beyond service to enable safer, more informed online participation.
“At Smart, we go beyond connectivity by listening to our customers and equipping them with the knowledge to stay safe, informed, and confident in the digital space,” said FVP and co-OIC at Smart Lloyd R. Manaloto.
From scam awareness to social media tips, Smart Customer Day showcased how mobile connectivity empowers everyday life, whether for work, creativity, or staying safe online. With more events lined up nationwide, Smart Customer Day will continue to highlight Smart’s commitment to delivering fast, reliable mobile experiences while bringing joy, learning, and meaningful connection to customers across the country.
AT THE World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026, Alibaba Cloud introduced a suite of agent-native technologies aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of AI agents across industries.
Key announcements include the Agent-Native Cloud suite, designed to govern, optimize, and orchestrate multi-agent workflows while improving large-model inference efficiency. The company also expanded its open-source efforts with the release of the T-Head SAIL software stack, alongside new products such as the team version of its AI development tool Meoo and its first Qwen-powered earbuds, Qwen Clip.
These updates reflect Alibaba Cloud’s continued focus on building a full-stack AI ecosystem spanning silicon, infrastructure, platforms, and applications.
Alibaba unveiled the Qwen 3.8-Max-Preview on its Token Plan, Qoder, and QoderWork platforms. Boasting 2.4 trillion parameters, the model delivers impressive performance comparable to leading frontier AI models, with initial tests ranking it second only to Fable 5. The company has also announced that Qwen 3.8-Max will be open-weight soon.
Cloud Infrastructure: From AI-native to agent-native
Alibaba Cloud is advancing toward an agent-native architecture, providing a managed environment for building, deploying, and operating autonomous AI agents.
At WAIC, the company introduced two new products—AgentLoop and AgentTeams—expanding its existing AgentRun platform. Together, these offerings support the full lifecycle of enterprise AI agents, with built-in governance and control.
AgentLoop enables real-time tracing, evaluation, and optimization of agent performance. AgentTeams supports coordination and governance across multiple agents, allowing organizations to manage complex workflows. AgentRun provides lifecycle management, covering development, deployment, and operations.
Alibaba Cloud also introduced TokenWorks within its Platform for AI (PAI), available through PAI-EAS. The new service integrates request routing, inference execution, compute reuse, and scheduling into a single system, helping improve performance, reduce costs, and increase reliability for large-model inferences.
Open-source AI infrastructure
Alibaba’s chip unit, T-Head, announced the open-source release of its AI software stack, T-Head SAIL, providing developers with access to its computing framework.
SAIL is compatible with mainstream AI ecosystems and spans multiple layers, including operating systems, SDKs, and interfaces. It is designed to help developers better utilize underlying hardware while supporting a range of applications.
T-Head also launched a developer community platform offering documentation, SDKs, drivers, performance tools, and debugging resources.
The software stack is optimized for T-Head’s Zhenwu AI chips. As of April 2026, cumulative shipments of Zhenwu chips reached 560,000 units, supporting over 400 customers across more than 20 industries.
Team-based AI development with Meoo
Alibaba introduced a team version of its AI development tool, Meoo, adding features for organizational use.
Meoo enables users to build digital products using natural language, without requiring technical skills. The team version includes centralized billing, credit allocation, team management, and shared assets.
Integrated with Alibaba Cloud services, Meoo supports the creation and deployment of websites, applications, and WeChat mini-programs, automatically handling frontend, backend, and database components.
The platform also offers off-peak pricing, reducing token costs to as low as 20% of standard rates during designated hours.
Wearable AI devices
Alibaba Cloud also expanded into wearable AI with the launch of Qwen Clip, its first Qwen-powered earbuds, and updates to its AI glasses.
Alibaba Launched Qwen Clip Its First Qwen Powered Earbuds
Qwen Clip features a clip-on, open-ear design and integrates the Qwen AI assistant. It supports real-time translation, meeting transcription, and health tracking. The device was co-engineered with Bose for improved audio performance.
Alibaba also introduced “agent glasses,” an evolution of its AI glasses platform. The upgrade enables access to third-party skills and AI agents. Upcoming features include full-duplex voice interaction, eye tracking, and biometric sensing.
