Schneider Electric Cavite Smart Factory: First Luzon Government Ecozone Site on 100% Renewable Energy

CAVITE, PHILIPPINES – Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, recently switched its Smart Factory in Rosario, Cavite, to 100% renewable energy, setting a new benchmark for industrial sustainability in the Philippines.

The Cavite Smart Factory is the first manufacturing site within a government-operated economic zone in Luzon to fully transition to renewable energy, and the first Schneider Electric factory in East Asia to operate entirely on clean power. The switch, completed on December 26, 2025, capped Schneider Electric’s 30th year in the Philippines and was formally marked during the company’s 190th global foundation year on January 14, 2026.

The milestone was achieved through collaboration with partners including the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), Meralco Ecozone Power (MEP), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), and ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES), underscoring the role of cross-sector partnerships in accelerating the country’s energy transition.

“By moving our Cavite Smart Factory to 100% renewable energy, we are demonstrating that sustainability and industrial competitiveness can go hand in hand,” said Antonio Cheng, Jr., Cavite Cluster Plant Director. “This facility shows what can be achieved when innovation and collaboration come together, and we hope it serves as a model for more Philippine manufacturers to follow.”

The transition to 100% renewable energy was made possible through the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which allows eligible customers to choose renewable power suppliers. With the program relying on multiple stakeholders, ACEN, PEZA, CEZ, and MEP emphasized that partnerships between companies and institutions are critical to accelerating the country’s energy transition. “We commend Schneider Electric for collaborating with partners and embracing innovations that align with our shared vision of a more sustainable and inclusive energy future,” said Arjon Valencia, Corporate Planning and Communications Manager of IEMOP, the central registration body for the GEOP.

The move is also part of Schneider Electric’s broader effort to decarbonize its operations and value chain in line with its net-zero targets. Since 2018, the company has helped customers save and avoid 729 million tonnes of CO₂, reduced emissions across its top 1,000 suppliers by 53% since 2020, and expanded access to green electricity to more than 60 million people since 2009. Over the same period, Schneider Electric has trained more than 1 million people in energy management, underpinning the company’s long-running sustainability program and contribution to its repeated global recognitions–including from TIME Magazine and Statista, and from Corporate Knights, as the World’s Most Sustainable Company, in 2025.

With over 1,300 employees, the Cavite Smart Factory now serves as a strategic hub within Schneider Electric’s East Asia supply chain network. Established in 1996 and integrated into Schneider Electric in 2007 through the acquisition of American Power Conversion (APC), the site supports global markets across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa through the production of secure power and industrial automation solutions.

“We will continue to provide solutions that help industries reduce carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency and resilience in the way we operate,” shared Antonio Cheng, Jr., Cavite Cluster Plant Director of Schneider Electric Philippines

The Cavite Smart Factory’s switch positions Schneider Electric as a leader in clean energy adoption, showing how innovation turns sustainability commitments into real-world impact.

PLDT and Smart Support Mindanao Media’s Digital Transformation Through AI Tools

Technology like AI becomes most powerful when it serves the good of all, including the media and journalists who inform the public. Used responsibly, AI strengthens credible storytelling, enhances accuracy and efficiency, and allows journalists to focus on truth, context, and public service, reinforcing a more informed and accountable society. To this end, PLDT and Smart recently turned over AI-in-a-Box packages to media partners as part of their continuing support for media professionals in Mindanao. With this, newsrooms can strengthen their workflows and enhance productivity while ensuring ethical and responsible reporting.

“The AI-in-a-Box package supports our growth by giving our newsroom practical access to AI tools as we navigate digital transformation,” said Gladys Chu, CEO of Mindanao Gold Star Daily. “These resources will help our team strengthen research, storytelling, and content planning in a responsible, human-led way. It will also assist me in analyzing our data sets to better manage the organization. For a legacy media organization of our size, this support is both enabling and well-timed.”

Joel Escovilla, Editor-in-Chief of Mindanao Times, said, “Over the years, Smart has always been a valued partner for the community press, particularly in supporting media literacy and training. And this AI in a Box is another proof of that partnership.”

Each AI-in-a-Box includes Smart 5G WiFi connectivity, load cards, and access to a premium ChatGPT subscription. “We are extremely thankful for the WiFi router, which helps provide redundancy in case of signal disruptions on our LAN Internet, considering how critical an uninterrupted connection is to our work. The AI tool will also help our newsroom with content generation to scale our social media campaign faster,” Escovilla added.

Media professionals in Cagayan de Oro and Davao also previously participated in the workshop “AI in the Newsroom: Productivity, Ethics & Combating Misinformation,” led by journalist, technologist, and media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla. The session covered real-world newsroom applications of AI, including research support, fact-checking, writing and editing assistance, multimedia creation, and the responsible use of chatbots and AI writing tools.

This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By expanding access to AI-powered tools for local media organizations, PLDT and Smart are helping bridge the digital divide and strengthen the country’s information infrastructure.

Lock In to Every Moment with Smarter ANC, Unlimited Spatial Audio, and Crystal-Clear Calls from HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, All for Under PHP 5,000

Manila, Philippines — Designed to keep up with busy urban lifestyles, HUAWEI officially launches the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i in the Philippines, delivering powerful noise cancellation, crystal clear calls, and immersive audio—all wrapped in a lightweight, all-day comfortable design. From packed commutes to late-night work sessions, staying focused and heard has become easier than ever.

Built for users who want fewer distractions and better sound wherever they are, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i redefines everyday listening with intelligent technology that adapts seamlessly to real-life environments.

Powerful Noise Cancellation That Helps You Lock In

Your day doesn’t slow down, and neither should your audio. Designed for life in constant motion, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i helps you stay focused whether you’re working in the office, trying to rest during a bus ride, or carving out quiet time at home. Powered by Intelligent Dynamic ANC 4.0, the earbuds deliver an average noise reduction depth of 28 dB, with support for up to 55 dB of full-range noise cancellation, even in high-sound areas like train rails and dense urban spots. It adapts instantly to loud, crowded surroundings so distractions never take over in the middle of online meetings.

With a response time of less than 0.5 seconds, it reduces noise almost the moment it appears, so you don’t have to wait for silence to kick in. The ultra-large rear vent opening, measuring up to 8 mm², improves noise absorption while reducing ear pressure. This allows you to stay in your zone more comfortably, even in noisy environments like cafés or shared workspaces, so you can lock in and finish your time-sensitive work tasks.

Crystal Clear Calls, Even in the Noisiest Places

No matter where conversations happen, your voice stays front and center. Whether it’s an important work call or a quick catch-up with friends, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i ensures voices remain front and center.

Equipped with a six-microphone system combined with a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) sensor and AI bone-conduction technology, the earbuds intelligently isolate the user’s voice while reducing up to 90 dB of background noise, ensuring clear conversations in busy streets, crowded cafés, or bustling campuses.

Windy conditions won’t slow you down either. With wind noise resistance up to 9 m/s, your calls stay stable and clear while you’re walking outdoors or commuting. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i can smartly detect external noise using one inner and two outer microphones that collect surrounding sounds every 2.6 microseconds and send them to the audio processor to adjust noise in real time.

From bustling airports and busy streets to shared workspaces, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i delivers crystal clear calls, anywhere you go.

Immersive Sound That Follows You

When it’s time to press play, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i transforms how you experience sound. With Unlimited Spatial Audio, powered by six-axis sensors and head tracking, audio moves naturally with you. Creating a 360° soundstage that makes your hours-long gaming sessions more immersive and reactive in real-time.

Supporting high-definition audio transmission of up to 990 kbps, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i ensures detailed and dynamic playback, giving users a consistent, premium listening experience, regardless of the device or music platform.

At its core, the newly tuned 11-millimeter quad-magnet dynamic driver delivers punchy bass, balanced mids, and bright, delicate treble, creating a sound signature that feels clear and natural. For music lovers, this means every beat hits with intention—whether it’s the low thump of basslines, the warmth of vocals, or the crisp detail of high notes in your favorite tracks.

You can choose from various sound effects and fine-tune your listening with a 10-band EQ, shaping your soundtrack exactly the way you like it — whether you’re zoning in on lo-fi playlists while working or getting hyped to high-energy tracks during commutes. It uses in-ear microphones to detect how the earbuds fit and adjusts the sound based on your ear canal and the volume level, ensuring consistent high-quality audio. Whether watching your favorite movies and series on your phone, tablet, or computer, you get a full cinematic sound experience.

Lightweight Comfort Designed for Urban Living

Comfort keeps the immersion going. Each earbud weighs just 5.4 grams, lighter than a one-peso coin, and features an ergonomic design enhanced by the pressure-relieving vent structure. Hands-free head motion controls make managing calls effortless. Simply nod to answer or shake your head to reject, so you can stay focused on what you’re doing without reaching for your phone in the middle of a workout or sitting at the office.

Whether you’re in the middle of a business call, listening to a podcast during your commute, or winding down with a relaxing playlist, your audio experience feels weightless and comfortable. Together with four ear tip sizes, including the newly added extra small, you get a secure, comfortable fit that stays put through long listening sessions.

Available in black, white, and pink, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i blends effortlessly into both workday looks and off-duty outfits, making it as much a style essential as it is an audio companion.

Built for real, everyday use, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i comes with an IP54 dust and water-resistance rating, protecting against sweat, splashes, and daily wear. Whether you're powered up for an 8-hour session on a single charge or leaning on the 35 hours of total playback with the case, these earbuds are built to last. When time is tight, fast charging ensures you’re never left waiting. Just 10 minutes of charging gives you up to four hours of listening. From workouts and long commutes to creative sessions and late-night study hours, your earbuds are ready to move with you.

Built for Everyday Life and Seamless Connectivity

When your schedule requires switching between devices, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i keeps up effortlessly. Dual-device connections let you stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time, so you can jump from a video meeting to an incoming call without disconnecting or missing a beat, perfect for fast-paced schedules and multitasking routines.

Whether you’re listening on Android or iOS, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i’s spatial audio works seamlessly without locking you into a single ecosystem, making it easy to switch between laptops, tablets, and smartphones. For students, professionals, and creatives, juggling multiple screens throughout the day is easy and seamless.

Discover Smart Audio That Adapts to Your Everyday Routine with the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i is now available in the Philippines for only PHP 3,999 along with exclusive first-sale offers worth up to PHP 1,198. Early buyers can receive a free umbrella or coffee cup worth PHP 999, along with one-year, one-time loss compensation worth PHP 199, giving you extra peace of mind as you take your audio anywhere.

To make your upgrade even more rewarding, new products are now PHP 500 off across all official sales channels, with an additional PHP 300 voucher available on the HUAWEI Online Store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Offers are on a first-come, first-served basis, and vouchers are valid while supplies last.

To learn more about the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, check out HUAWEI’s official website and social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Boy Abunda Hosts PDAX Conversation Series on Money, Investing, and Financial Goals for 2026

Manila, Philippines — As Filipinos set sharper financial goals for the year ahead, the Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX) introduced “Tara, Bonding Tayo!”, a conversation video series hosted by the “Philippines’ King of Talk” Boy Abunda that makes money discussions timely and grounded in real-world experiences.

The series brings honest, relatable discussions about money, wealth, and everyday financial realities into the open, which is timely for this new season of reassessing financial goals. It centers on how Filipinos from different walks of life think about money, responsibility, and long-term security.

Instead of focusing on numbers, jargon, or financial products, the series centers on real-life stories where money decisions affect relationships, self-worth, and family dynamics. These are conversations many Filipinos recognize but rarely have out loud.

“Wealth can mean many things. For some, it’s peace of mind. For others, it’s time, freedom, or legacy. But one thing is for sure—everyone deserves a shot at creating their own definition of wealth. You could do it alone, but you don’t have to. This is where real journeys meet real lessons,” Abunda shared in his opening for the series.

The episodes focus on a mix of familiar faces and practical perspectives. Sam YG, celebrity radio and TV host, shares how investing in government bonds became his go-to approach for steadier, more secure money moves that helped him sleep better at night. Randell Tiongson, Director and registered advisor of the Registered Financial Planner Institute (RFPI), breaks down simple steps Filipinos can start today and explains why small, consistent actions often matter more than chasing big returns. While Dianne Medina, a celebrity mom, opens up about the financial challenges she has faced and the habits that helped her rebuild stability for her family.

The conversations featured in the series are anchored on PDAX’s broader effort to make investing and wealth-building more accessible to Filipinos.

PDAX is a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas–licensed virtual asset service provider that pioneered the tokenization of Philippine government bonds through Project Bayani, a landmark white paper estimating that the Philippines' tokenized-asset market could reach US$60 billion by 2030 across government bonds, mutual funds, equities, and other investment assets.

This initiative also digitized the Bureau of the Treasury’s Retail Treasury Bonds, making government-backed investments more accessible through digital platforms. These bonds are distributed by PDAX in partnership with its licensed bonds broker-dealer, PDAX Securities Inc. (formerly bonds.ph Inc.).

Today, PDAX provides access to a range of products, including government bonds requiring low investment amounts, allowing Filipinos to have more access to more stable, long-term investment options.

The digital asset exchange also offers products such as PDAX Gold, where users can trade gold digitally for as low as P500 through the PDAX app. It is also priced in grams, a unit used by Filipinos in jewelry or gold trading.

“Tara, Bonding Tayo!” reflects PDAX’s belief that financial understanding begins with conversation. It speaks to a generation balancing care, ambition, and responsibility, and reminds viewers that talking about money can also be an act of connection.

Episodes of “Tara, Bonding Tayo!” can be watched on PDAX’s official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@PDAXPH).

DOST-PTRI Hosts TELACon 2026 to Stitch Together Innovation, Sustainability, and Culture for the Future of Telang Pinoy

Pasay City, Philippines – As part of its continuing, year-on-year efforts to strengthen the Philippine textile sector, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) hosts the National Textile Convention, also known as TELACon, from January 27-29, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, stitching together a more unified, innovative, and sustainable textile economy for the future of Telang Pinoy.

The three-day convention—a centerpiece of the annual Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month—serves as a premier gathering for textile innovators, industry leaders, researchers, creatives, and policymakers. Under the theme “Stitching Futures,” TELACon 2026 aims to shape an inclusive and globally competitive future for the Philippine textile industry and its allied sectors.

“Stitching Futures highlights the art and science of connecting diverse elements into a unified whole and brings to life the DOST’s vision of making science tangible for Filipinos through the clothes they wear every day,” said DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr.

He added, “Like stitches joining separate pieces of fabric, our work in the textile sector brings together different ideas, disciplines, and perspectives to achieve stronger, more impactful results. Each stitch symbolizes the collaborations and partnerships that sustain and advance the industry, creating patterns that tell stories of innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and shared growth.”

Sustainability, Culture, and the Carbon Economy: From Labs to Livelihood

The opening day of TELACon focused on advancing sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive development. Key topics, including the “TextilePH in Cultural Diplomacy”, “Textile Academy”, “BARMM Textiles”, and “SusTELAbility”–highlighted the evolution of Philippine fabrics into powerful tools of diplomacy that open economic, academic, and political doors on the global stage.

The Importance of Turning Scientific Innovation Into Tangible Drivers of Economic Growth and Community Development

Anchored on the department’s Three-Horizon Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Economic Strategy, he explained how the framework supports the transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), accelerates the commercialization of textile research and development, and fosters sector-wide growth through emerging technologies. He further stressed that this approach strengthens the global competitiveness of the Philippine textile industry while ensuring that innovation drives inclusive economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

This vision was translated into action through the KatHABI Textile Innovation Exposition, which showcases new textile products and fabrics crafted from natural fibers using locally developed technologies. The exposition brings together weavers, uniform makers, textile and garment manufacturers, shoemakers, and embroiderers from across the country. Attendees can explore high-quality, locally made products while gaining professional insights from industry experts.

Following the opening, a press conference was held to discuss the roadmap for the industry’s modernization, during which DOST-PTRI reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) across the public and private sectors.

During the press briefing, key discussions highlighted how local textiles support national priorities such as sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic development, while also strengthening livelihoods for Filipino weavers, manufacturers, designers, and innovators.

Speakers further emphasized that PTF is playing a growing role in climate action through circular economy practices, responsible production, and upcycling, positioning local textiles as both cultural assets and practical solutions to modern environmental challenges.

They also underscored how continued investment in research, innovation, and multi-sector collaboration enables local textiles to contribute meaningfully to economic resilience and international market presence, reinforcing the sector’s relevance beyond traditional applications.

Furthermore, sessions centered on the urban economy and upcycling, positioning Telang Pinoy not just as a cultural product but as a solution to climate challenges. These discussions underscored how local fabrics serve as both economic drivers and political bridge-builders, strengthening the country’s role in the global circular economy.

Focus on People, Livelihoods, Culture, and Security

The second day of TELACon 2026 turns the spotlight on the people and communities behind the Telang Pinoy industry. The day opens with conversations on human capacity development, looking at how schools, universities, and technical-vocational institutions can work more closely together to better prepare the next generation of textile professionals. These discussions will also help shape the Philippine Skills Framework for Textiles and Wearables.

The conversation then moves to sustainable livelihood development, where textiles are explored as a pathway to entrepreneurship, regional growth, and more inclusive economic opportunities, especially for communities rooted in traditional production and craft.

In the afternoon, attention shifts to cultural property protection, with discussions on how indigenous weaves can be protected, respected, and fairly used as global interest continues to grow. This is followed by sessions on human security and defense, highlighting locally developed textile innovations used in protective gear, medical applications, and public safety.

The program concludes with a Regional Textile Innovation Stakeholders Meeting, uniting partners from across the country to exchange insights, align priorities, and foster ongoing collaboration.

Expanding Markets and Showcasing Innovation

The last day of the convention looks outward, focusing on how PTF can move beyond their traditional role in government uniforms and into everyday life. Industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, and policymakers will come together to explore how these locally sourced fibres can find a place in mainstream fashion, lifestyle products, and even technical applications.

The convention then builds toward its finale with the KatHABI Textile Innovation Fashion Show, where reimagined government and officewear sit alongside contemporary designs rooted in Filipino heritage and craftsmanship. The program also marks the launch of the DOST-PTRI Diamond Anniversary, celebrating decades of research, service, and innovation in support of the country’s textile industry.

As TELACon 2026 unfolds, the convention continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, stitching together policy, people, culture, and technology to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for Telang Pinoy.

Moreover, TELACon 2026 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the use of PTF while supporting Filipino weavers, manufacturers, designers, and innovators. The convention aims to highlight how local textiles contribute to vital national goals, including sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic development.

For more information about TELACon 2026, visit https://www.ptri.dost.gov.ph and https://www.facebook.com/ptri.dost.