Under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 4-2026, AEOs with Level 1 benefits are no longer required to use electronic customs seals (ECS) for shipments to and from free zones. The policy is designed to make AEO accreditation more attractive to compliant and trusted traders.

The E-TRACC system uses GPS-enabled electronic seals to monitor the real-time inland movement of containerized cargo, helping prevent diversion and tampering. While the system remains in place, the exemption reflects the BOC’s trust in AEO-certified firms with strong compliance records.

CMO 4-2026 amends Section 17 of CMO 9-2020, introducing a new provision that removes the ECS requirement for shipments handled by AEOs that are also registered as Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) with Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) or other government bodies promoting investments.

The exemption applies to both air and sea cargo.

A corresponding amendment to Section 4.3 of CMO 4-2020, which established the E-TRACC system, reinforces that ECS is no longer required for eligible AEO shipments involving free zones.

Despite the exemption, the BOC clarified that the posting of a General Transportation Surety Bond through the Automated Bonds Management System remains mandatory for transit of containerized goods.

ECS requirements will continue to apply to other cargo movements, including transfers to container yards and freight stations, transit to inland customs facilities and bonded warehouses, exports from free zones to ports, and shipments subject to further verification.

The AEO Program grants accredited traders streamlined procedures, faster clearance, and reduced logistics costs, while enabling mutual recognition with other customs administrations.

To encourage wider participation, the BOC earlier released its “AEO Operational Guidelines,” outlining accreditation processes, categories, and benefits.

AEO accreditation is structured into three levels. Level 1 operators enjoy privileges such as exemption from accreditation renewal, self-assessment, supplementary goods declarations, and access to a dedicated help desk. Level 2 members benefit from dedicated lanes, advance clearance, and expedited export processing, while Level 3 members receive additional incentives as determined by the Customs Commissioner.

CMO 4-2026 takes effect 15 days after its issuance on April 7, 2026.

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) unveiled “A Guide for Digital Proof of Origin Implementation,” which outlines practical models for electronic proof of origin—from simple PDF certificates to advanced blockchain-based systems—and provides a roadmap for national initiatives and regional cooperation in digital trade.

The Guide supports the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA), a UN treaty that entered into force in 2021. As of February, 15 countries, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, have acceded to the framework.

Certificates of origin certify a product’s “economic nationality,” helping customs authorities determine duties, apply trade agreements, and enforce regulations. The Guide covers traditional certificates issued by government authorities, self-issued certificates by producers or exporters, and declarations of origin included on invoices or other commercial documents.

It addresses both preferential certificates, which enable tariff benefits under free trade agreements, and non-preferential certificates, used for quota administration, anti-dumping, or trade statistics. Paperless models include web-based certificates, bilateral or multilateral data exchanges like the ASEAN Single Window, and exporter- or importer-based self-declarations. Countries can adopt multiple models simultaneously, depending on their trade agreements.

The Guide also recommends prioritizing liberal solutions in line with World Customs Organization (WCO) guidelines, which encourage self-certification by producers and exporters to reduce compliance costs and increase usage rates while respecting domestic business environments.

The two entities formalized the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating the development of high-capacity digital infrastructure within the ecozone.

Signed in Makati City, the agreement was led by APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and InfiniVAN President Shigeki Nakahara, with Naobumi Yokota of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines in attendance.

At the core of the partnership is the planned establishment of a terrestrial fiber backbone within APECO in Casiguran, Aurora, linking the ecozone to existing and upcoming international submarine cable landing points in Baler, Claveria, and other Northern Luzon corridors. This connectivity is seen as critical in attracting hyperscale data center investments and supporting the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) computing demand.

InfiniVAN, the Philippine subsidiary of Tokyo-listed IPS, Inc., currently operates one of the country’s most robust internet backbones, with over 20 Tbps of capacity across 10 international submarine cable systems—placing it among the top connectivity providers in the Philippines.

APECO said the initiative is expected to trigger a multiplier effect across industries, particularly in energy, as data centers require significant and reliable power supply. The ecozone is simultaneously advancing its clean energy portfolio to support these future requirements.

Taway emphasized that beyond infrastructure, the collaboration is expected to generate inclusive growth for Aurora.

“The convergence of digital and energy infrastructure will open up employment opportunities for local communities. While data centers operate with lean teams, they create strong demand across allied industries—driving jobs, skills development, and broader economic growth,” he said.

For its part, InfiniVAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting APECO’s long-term vision of building a future-ready economic zone powered by high-capacity and resilient connectivity.

“Our support reflects the IPS Group’s mission of opening doors of opportunity that benefit society at large,” said InfiniVAN Chairman Koji Miyashita.

The MOU also lays the groundwork for future commercial agreements, including the rollout of fiber optic backhaul infrastructure that will complement APECO’s expanding ecosystem of seaports, airports, and digital assets.

Strategically located along the Pacific seaboard, APECO is positioning itself as an emerging gateway for global digital traffic, aligned with the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in advancing national priorities on digital transformation, energy security, and economic decentralization.

The signing ceremony was attended by Aurora’s local government leaders, who also pledged full support for the initiative—underscoring a unified push to transform the province into a competitive investment destination in the digital economy.

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, the rise of AI represents more than just a technology shift—it is an opportunity to transform how they engage with customers, build relationships, and create lasting brand loyalty. By harnessing AI, MSMEs can turn everyday data into actionable insights, unlocking new ways to personalize interactions and strengthen their competitive edge.

A new report from NielsenIQ (NIQ) highlights how businesses that effectively use AI are able to transform routine customer interactions into meaningful, revenue-generating engagements. The study underscores how personalization—when powered by data and intelligent tools—can significantly enhance both customer experience and business performance.

With every step of the customer journey generating valuable data—from browsing habits and online searches to purchase history and feedback—MSMEs now have unprecedented access to insights about consumer behavior, preferences, and price sensitivity. When leveraged properly, these insights empower businesses to deliver the right message, through the most appropriate channel, at precisely the right time.

AI is increasingly becoming a cornerstone not only in marketing, but also in customer service, competitive intelligence, and even sustainability initiatives. By analyzing patterns across life stages, lifestyles, and digital behavior, AI enables businesses to understand the “DNA” of their customers—providing a foundation for deeper, more meaningful, and more personalized connections.

The report emphasizes that personalization is evolving from broad, one-size-fits-all campaigns into highly targeted strategies tailored to individual needs. For Filipino MSMEs, this shift is particularly significant. It levels the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete with larger corporations by delivering smarter, more relevant, and more responsive customer experiences.

In practical terms, AI enables businesses to design communications that resonate with specific audiences. Busy professionals may receive timely promotions for ready-to-eat meals or convenient services, while budget-conscious families can be targeted with value-driven offers that match their needs. Seniors, meanwhile, benefit from more accessible formats, such as larger fonts and clearer visualizations, especially when making important purchasing decisions.

For online sellers and digital entrepreneurs, AI can be a powerful tool for growth. It can enhance product listings, generate compelling and targeted advertisements, and surface the most relevant customer reviews—helping reduce friction in the buying process, accelerate decision-making, and ultimately boost conversion rates.

NIQ’s analysis of retail personalization programs demonstrates the tangible impact of these strategies. Retailers that implemented effective personalization recorded a 37% increase in revenue. Moreover, for every dollar invested in personalization, consumers spent an additional $3, while store visit frequency rose by 19%—clear evidence that tailored experiences drive both engagement and profitability.

Meanwhile, NICE Ltd., a provider of AI-driven customer service solutions, noted that technologies such as predictive analytics, behavioral segmentation, and sentiment analysis are enabling businesses to anticipate customer needs with greater accuracy. These tools allow MSMEs not only to respond to customer demands, but to stay one step ahead—delivering proactive, relevant, and timely experiences that foster long-term loyalty.

As digital adoption continues to accelerate across the Philippines, the message is clear: MSMEs that invest early in AI-driven personalization will be better positioned to scale, innovate, and thrive. In a marketplace where customer expectations are constantly evolving, the ability to turn data into meaningful, personalized experiences may well define the next generation of successful Filipino enterprises.

The paper, “Governance and Value: A Disaggregated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Analysis of Corporate Financial Performance (CFP) in Philippine Publicly Listed Firms,” highlights the urgent need to broaden ESG adoption—particularly among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—to deepen capital market participation and attract both local and foreign investors.

Covering publicly listed firms from 2015 to 2024, the study finds that governance performance is the most significant driver of firm growth and market-based outcomes, delivering immediate gains in asset expansion and market capitalization.

In contrast, social performance contributes to profitability over a longer horizon, while environmental metrics show weaker and less consistent links to financial performance.

Authored by Michael Angelo Cortez and John Paolo Rivera, the study outlines a phased roadmap to strengthen ESG integration through coordinated action by regulators, corporates, and investors.

Short-term reforms: transparency and disclosure

The study calls for improved ESG disclosure standards to boost investor confidence. It recommends that the Department of Trade and Industry develop sector-specific ESG reporting templates, particularly for mid-sized firms.

It also urges the Securities and Exchange Commission to mandate disaggregated ESG reporting, requiring firms to separately disclose environmental, social, and governance metrics instead of aggregated scores.

“Disaggregated reporting enhances investor insight and enables more accurate benchmarking,” the authors said.

To further improve transparency, the Philippine Stock Exchange is encouraged to incentivize firms that go beyond minimum disclosure requirements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 12, particularly on foreign ownership.

Medium-term priorities: linking ESG to capital

The study emphasizes aligning ESG with financing frameworks by integrating ESG considerations into cost of capital and credit ratings, while updating corporate governance codes.

It also proposes the creation of ESG-focused index funds, particularly in key industries such as manufacturing.

State institutions like the Government Service Insurance System and Social Security System, along with private asset managers, are urged to develop sector-specific ESG indices to channel capital toward firms with verified sustainability performance.

Long-term strategy: institutionalizing ESG

Over the long term, the study calls for embedding ESG-finance linkages into the Philippine Development Plan and broader industrial strategies.

Key recommendations include establishing ESG-integrated performance dashboards for listed firms and expanding ESG education and capacity-building initiatives.

“Long-term competitiveness hinges on human capital,” the authors said. “Universities, business schools, and industry associations must integrate ESG-finance education into curricula and executive programs to develop a new generation of ESG-driven leaders.”

The award, which also celebrated PLDT’s best practices in home broadband networks, was received by Alvin S. Ilano, Vice President for Network Facilities and Field Operations at PLDT and Smart. Ilano also delivered a keynote titled “GRIT: Green. Resilient. Intelligent Technology,” outlining PLDT’s vision for transforming from a traditional telco into a fully digital, AI-ready company.

“To operate in an archipelagic country like the Philippines, which is among the world’s most disaster-prone regions, it is imperative for us to build a resilient network that can withstand extreme challenges such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and landslides,” Ilano said.

PLDT’s approach leverages advanced automation and self-healing optical networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even when multiple fiber routes are disrupted. Technologies like Sub-Network Connection Protection (SNCP) and Wavelength Switched Optical Network (WSON) dynamic routing, enabled by technology partner Huawei, allow the network to determine the best available route in real time.

Building an AI-Ready, Sustainable Network

PLDT is also future-proofing its network for the AI era. Using Huawei’s Blade Optical Cross Connect (OXC) technology, the company consolidates multiple racks into a single intelligent optical layer—reducing power consumption, saving space, lowering site visits, and creating ultra-low latency, AI-ready metro Optical Transport Networks (OTN). These networks support future AI-driven applications while significantly reducing the network’s carbon footprint.

“GRIT is our compass. Green reduces our energy intensity and operating expenses. Resilience protects continuity, lives, and livelihoods. Intelligent Technology accelerates our transformation to autonomous operations. With this approach, PLDT is not just keeping up with the future, but powering it,” Ilano said.

PLDT’s investments align with its broader goal to enhance nationwide services, bridge the digital divide, expand digital access, and support the delivery of essential services. The initiatives also contribute to the Philippines’ progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Held under BCCP’s Trade & Connect initiative, the event will convene government and private sector stakeholders to address cybersecurity challenges and strengthen the resilience of the Philippines’ critical infrastructure.

Keynote presentations will feature the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), the country’s first comprehensive infrastructure roadmap for digital connectivity, aimed at improving governance, boosting infrastructure resilience, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Industry leaders will also share insights on institutional readiness and cyber capacity-building, with a focus on workforce development and strengthening cybersecurity skills.

The Philippines continues to attract investments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and fintech, with partners such as the United Kingdom playing a key role in infrastructure and digital innovation. British firms such as CyberQ Group and NCC Group are among those expanding in the local market.

BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, noting its growing relevance both in the Philippines and globally.

The Chamber also reiterated its support for key legislative measures such as the Cybersecurity Act and Digital Payments Act, underscoring the need for a stronger and more institutionalized national cybersecurity framework.

At The Great Indoors Podcast, hosted by Matthew Roberts, Customer Marketing Head of Amdocs, Globe’s President and CEO shared how AI is driving the company’s evolution and strengthening its mission to make connectivity a powerful enabler of progress across the Philippines.

Now in its 12th season, The Great Indoors explores how storytelling helps bridge the gap between complex technologies like AI and the human experience. Globe’s participation underscored its shift from a traditional telecommunications provider to a trusted lifestyle partner—supporting education, livelihood, healthcare, and digital inclusion nationwide.

Reflecting on leadership and transformation, Globe emphasized its continued focus on customer-centricity, sustainability, and strategic partnerships that expand access to connectivity. Initiatives such as AI-driven personalization, disaster response solutions, and collaborations with global partners like Starlink and Amdocs are helping shape a more inclusive digital future for Filipinos.

With the Philippines comprising more than 7,600 islands and serving over 65 million customers, connectivity remains both a challenge and an opportunity. The company highlighted its partnership with Starlink on direct-to-device satellite technology as a key milestone. By complementing mobile and fiber networks with satellite connectivity, Globe aims to reach the remaining underserved 4% of the population in remote and mountainous areas—bringing coverage closer to 100% and enabling broader participation in the digital economy.

Globe is also redefining customer experience in the digital-first era through investments in AI-powered customer care, self-service platforms, and proactive network monitoring. Central to this is the GlobeOne app, which allows users to manage accounts, monitor usage, pay bills, and access personalized offers seamlessly.

In parallel, the company continues to strengthen its efforts in digital safety. It was among the first telecom operators globally to stop sending SMS messages containing links—a move introduced five years ago to help protect users from scams and malicious content. Since 2021, Globe has blocked more than 12 billion spam and scam messages, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding customers online.

Beyond technology, Globe also highlighted its strong focus on diversity and inclusion, positioning it not just as a human resources initiative but as a core business philosophy. By reflecting the diversity of the Filipino population within its workforce, the company enhances its ability to serve a wide range of customer needs.

Globe reaffirmed its mission to build meaningful connections, deliver exceptional care for customers and employees, and contribute to national progress through innovation, inclusivity, and a safer digital environment.

For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Satellite data, he explained, can support critical sectors in the Philippines including agriculture, fisheries, urban planning, logistics, and disaster risk reduction — areas where timely and accurate information can translate into economic gains and improved public services.

Swedish innovation model in space and data

Fuglesang also pointed to Sweden’s innovation-driven approach to space technology as an example of how smaller economies can leverage scientific expertise and collaboration to create globally competitive industries.

He cited the use of satellite data by Swedish companies to optimize shipping routes, improve environmental monitoring, and develop advanced analytics platforms — innovations that have helped enhance operational efficiency while promoting sustainability.

A key enabler of such innovation is access to open satellite data, including information generated through Europe’s Copernicus Programme, which uses Sentinel satellites to monitor the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans.
“A lot of this data is actually available for free,” Fuglesang said. “That creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies to build new services using satellite information.”

Satellite systems are also expected to reshape the future of communications, particularly as next-generation mobile technologies evolve.

Fuglesang noted that emerging developments could allow mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, enabling seamless communication even in remote areas or maritime zones — a capability that could significantly benefit an archipelagic country like the Philippines.

“In the future you may be able to use your mobile phone anywhere through satellite connections,” he said.

Growing role in climate and disaster resilience

For the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, satellite technology plays an increasingly vital role in monitoring weather patterns, tracking environmental changes, and strengthening early warning systems.

Fuglesang emphasized that integrating satellite data into national development strategies can enhance climate resilience while also opening new opportunities for technology-driven enterprises.

With thousands of satellites already in orbit and many more planned in the coming years, Fuglesang said the global space economy is entering a period of rapid expansion.

“A lot of innovation can come from how people use this data,” he said.
For Philippine businesses, startups, and research institutions, he added, satellite-based information represents a new frontier for innovation — one that could drive economic growth, technological capability, and global competitiveness.

As part of the upgrade, the power distributor installed a new 83-megavolt ampere (MVA) power transformer bank, a 34.5-kilovolt (kV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), four 115 kV power circuit breakers, and eight 115 kV disconnect switches.

The enhancement supports the growing power demand in key areas across North Caloocan and portions of San Jose del Monte. Among those benefiting from the improved infrastructure are major facilities such as Maynilad Water Services – La Mesa Water, SM Deparo, SM San Jose del Monte, Regan Industrial Sales Inc., and Converge J3 Caloocan Data Center.

In line with its commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable service, Meralco continues to invest in the modernization and expansion of its electricity distribution system.