MANILA – The speed and scale of advancement in digital technologies are driving demand for semiconductor products, an opportunity which Philippine manufacturers can tap into. During the general membership meeting of Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) Thursday, Gaas Labs co-founder and president John Ocampo said current global trends include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and 5G. Ocampo said total demand for semiconductor products is expected to increase by 25 percent in 2025 driven by growth in automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, video surveillance, and healthcare. He said

MANILA – A House of Representatives panel on Thursday approved a measure creating a national commission for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The House Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities, chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, approved House Bill 6317, which seeks the creation of the National Commission for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The panel also approved HB 6962 and HB 9413 proposing the reorganization of the National Council on Disability Affairs into the National Commission on Disability Affairs. All three bills had been referred to a technical working group for the crafting of a consolidated version.

MANILA – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the public offering by D&L Industries Inc. of fixed-rate bonds worth up to PHP5 billion, proceeds of which will be used to finance the expansion of its plant in Batangas and the partial repayment of bridge loans. The food and plastic manufacturer is ramping up exports of coconut-based products amid strong demand due to its perceived natural antiviral and antibacterial properties amid the pandemic. In its meeting on August 26, the commission en banc resolved to render effective the registration statement of D&L covering up to PHP3 billion of