A growing rift within the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) over the controversial World.org iris-scanning program has drawn sharp criticism from data privacy advocates — including former National Privacy Commission (NPC) chair Raymund Liboro — who warned that the technology risks “turning human eyes into economic assets” and exploiting the poor under the guise of digital inclusion.
The offer includes access to Google’s latest AI models such as Gemini 2.5 Pro and DeepResearch, which can help students summarize readings, analyze complex topics, and generate study materials.
A policy rift has emerged within the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) after secretary Henry Aguda publicly endorsed cooperation with World.org’s iris-scanning technology — a move that directly contradicts a cease-and-desist order (CDO) issued by the National Privacy Commission (NPC), an attached agency of the DICT, against the project’s operators over alleged violations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA).
The first 40 customers in line at Greenbelt 3 and the first 30 at SM Mall of Asia will each receive either a free iPhone 16e (128GB) worth ₱39,990 or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth ₱54,990.
The rift began when DOLE Region VII director Roy Buenafe publicly named several BPO companies supposedly issued work stoppage orders following last week’s Cebu earthquake — before completing formal investigations.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has inaugurated the Adaptive Robotics Technology and Intelligent Computing (ARTIC) Center at St. Mary’s University in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, marking a major milestone in advancing robotics research and Industry 4.0 initiatives in the Cagayan Valley region.
While the Philippines currently ranks 56th in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the country is “well-positioned to accelerate progress” through the foundation laid by years of groundwork.
There's no doubt that cryptocurrency has a strong role to play in the future of secure transactions in the Philippines. Its speed, transparency, and flexibility are already transforming the way people send and receive money.
