Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio has warned that rapidly evolving cyber threats are emerging as one of the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing security challenges, calling for stronger international cooperation to boost digital resilience.

Speaking at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security,” Giglio stressed that cybersecurity has become a core issue in national defense planning and economic stability, not just a technical concern.

The ambassador said that amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to detect, and now demand close coordination between governments, industry, and academia. He underscored that cybersecurity today is no longer a purely technical issue but a strategic pillar of national security and economic stability.

Giglio pointed to the “very positive momentum” in defense cooperation between Italy and the Philippines, highlighting the landmark defense agreement signed on February 14 on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The pact is designed to deepen collaboration across several areas, including cybersecurity, and signals Italy’s intent to play a larger role in Indo-Pacific security.

“Cyber security requires a holistic approach that combines technical and industrial capacity, strong governance, academic engagement, and the promotion of digital literacy,” the envoy said, framing cyber resilience as a whole-of-society effort.

He warned that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable, targeting not only governments but also businesses and essential services. In Italy, he said, the industrial and manufacturing sector accounted for more than one-third of cyber attacks in 2025, a trend that exposes the growing vulnerability of companies, including small and medium enterprises.

To confront these risks, Italy has strengthened its cyber defense architecture through institutions such as the National Cybersecurity Agency, established in 2021 to implement the country’s national cybersecurity strategy and coordinate efforts to anticipate and counter cyber threats.

Giglio also showcased Italy’s growing capabilities in electronic warfare and defense technology, anchored in its strong industrial base and specialized small and medium enterprises. He cited Italian defense companies such as Leonardo as key players in advanced military technologies and international defense programs.

Among these initiatives is the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet development project jointly pursued by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The program reflects Italy’s broader push to strengthen multi-domain defense capabilities, including in the cyber and electromagnetic spectrum.

The seminar also featured insights from Stefano Pelaggi of Sapienza University of Rome, who has extensively studied security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly tensions in the Taiwan Strait and their economic implications.

Giglio said the event aimed to foster deeper discussion and collaborative efforts among partners in addressing emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, with cyberspace increasingly at the heart of strategic competition.

“The cyber dimension will be an essential part of the broader platform of cooperation that Italy and the Philippines intend to build together,” he said.

The seminar gathered policymakers, scholars, and members of the defense and diplomatic community to examine how cyber capabilities are reshaping security in the Indo-Pacific region and how international cooperation can help address emerging threats.

Even as shifting geopolitics and high-level diplomacy continue to dominate headlines, children — not strategy or statecraft — took center stage in Twin Lakes Hotel Tagaytay at the exclusive screening of “Hope for the Dawn to Come” Wednesday.

Marking the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost to the day, diplomats and guests reacted not with policy analysis, but with emotion, to the first Philippine-produced documentary on Ukraine by THEPHILBIZNEWS.

They described the documentary as a timely and meaningful contribution to international dialogue on the ongoing war in Ukraine. They noted the film powerfully redirects attention to what world leaders should prioritize: the young lives shaped and scarred by conflict.

Ambassador Nicholas Brühl of Switzerland said he was deeply moved, calling the film “really, really touching” and highly relevant.

He expressed gratitude to the filmmakers and stressed that such films deserve wider international screening, including in the Philippines and Europe.

Highlighting the focus on children, he noted that war leaves lasting impact on young lives and praised the resilience, determination, and impressive communication skills of the students featured.

He described the documentary as “a wonderful lesson” and commended the production team for their courage in presenting the realities on the ground.

A historical document of resilience

Ambassador Davide Giglio of Italy underscored continued international solidarity with Ukraine, noting that the conflict has persisted for four years and continues to bring profound humanitarian consequences.

He described the film as an important historical document that reflects resilience, particularly among the younger generation.

Emphasizing the importance of unity and diplomacy, he said sustained dialogue and international cooperation remain essential in pursuing a peaceful resolution.

He also highlighted the value of raising awareness about the realities of war to encourage constructive engagement.

Safeguarding the future generation

For Oleksander Lysak, first secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines, the documentary captured what statistics and geopolitical debates often overlook: the lived realities of children who represent Ukraine’s future.

He stressed that the documentary powerfully captures the current realities in Ukraine, particularly the experiences of children. He expressed concern over the long-term impact of the war on young people and thanked the international community for its continued support.

He called for ongoing solidarity and awareness, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding education, identity, and the future generation amid continuing challenges.

Educator Dr. Denise Brühl commended the documentary’s focus on children’s rights, particularly their right to education and to shape their own future. She said the film clearly demonstrates how young Ukrainians continue to pursue learning, career aspirations, and personal growth despite difficult circumstances.

Describing the documentary as inspiring and meaningful, she encouraged broader international screenings to deepen public understanding and appreciation of the resilience shown by students and communities.

Representing the private sector, Rowena Relucio, General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel, described the film as eye-opening and said it enhanced awareness of the ongoing crisis.

Expressing hope for peace and recovery, she emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation, responsible storytelling, and collective efforts to support humanitarian understanding.

For his part, Monsi Alfonso Serrano, founder of THEPHILBIZNEWS and film producer and director, said that this legacy project was painstakingly completed for more than three years to challenge the Filipino youth and learn from the courage, perseverance, and resilience of the Ukrainian school children who remain focused in pursuing their dreams while studying in the midst of the war.

In a news release dated Feb. 20, the DTI reported that purple yam — long a staple in Filipino desserts — has steadily evolved into a premium export ingredient in high-value markets such as the Middle East, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Preliminary data show sustained growth in processed ube products, including powder, puree, halaya, and flavor extracts. Industry monitoring also points to strong interest from foreign manufacturers incorporating ube into ice cream, baked goods, confectionery, specialty beverages, and ready-to-eat desserts.

Global product development trends reflect the crop’s expanding footprint. According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), 359 new products featuring ube were launched worldwide across various markets.

While the Philippines accounts for the largest share of these launches — mainly in cakes, pastries, sweet goods, and dairy-based products such as ice cream and frozen yogurt — innovation is gaining momentum abroad.

Japan, China, and the United States have emerged as key innovation hubs. In Japan, ube is featured in chilled and shelf-stable desserts; in China, in cakes, pastries, malt and hot beverages; and in the United States, in dairy-based ice cream, frozen yogurt, sweet biscuits, and cookies.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the growing international adoption of ube underscores the Philippines’ ability to elevate a traditional crop into a competitive, value-added export.

“Behind every ube product enjoyed overseas are Filipino farmers and MSMEs whose dedication sustains their families and rural communities. That is why we continue to strengthen support for the sector by improving quality standards and reinforcing supply chains, so Philippine ube can compete confidently and sustainably in international markets,” Roque said.

The DTI, through its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), provides trade promotion assistance, market intelligence, and capacity-building programs to help exporters access and expand in global markets.

Exporters seeking information on requirements and trade promotion programs may contact the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau at exports@dti.gov.ph.

Romeo Balderrama Jr., president of the Philippine Homestyle and Holiday Decor Association, Inc. (PHILHHDA) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation–Southern Tagalog Association, Inc. (PHILSTAI), said next year’s export performance will largely depend on orders booked from the October 2025 housewares and décor trade show in Hong Kong and Manila FAME.

Manila FAME is the Philippines’ premier trade exhibition for home, fashion, and lifestyle products, drawing buyers from key global markets.

“The samples and inquiries usually come in January and February of the following year,” Balderrama said in a mix of English and Filipino. “We had buyers before who seem to be coming back again after seeing us in Hong Kong, since many of them no longer travel here.”

The United States remains the industry’s biggest export destination, accounting for roughly 60 to 70 percent of total shipments. Other key markets include Italy, Brazil, and Japan.

Balderrama underscored the critical role of international trade fairs in sustaining market visibility, building buyer confidence, and generating repeat orders.

“Product development is the main key. Buyers always want something new, something indigenous, something sustainable—that’s our niche,” he said. “You really need a niche because you can’t compete on price with China.”

He added that strong unique selling propositions—such as craftsmanship, sustainability, and Filipino design identity—are essential to differentiating local products in the global market.

Despite the positive outlook for 2026, Balderrama said export earnings for 2025 are likely to fall by 30 to 40 percent compared with previous years, citing sluggish demand and currency pressures, including the strengthening of the peso against the US dollar.

“It’s not like before. Everything is sluggish, even the local market. Prices are high,” he said.

He also noted that converting trade fair participation into actual export sales typically takes time, often requiring two to three consecutive appearances.

“On your first participation, you can’t immediately gauge if sales will go up or if buyers will place orders,” Balderrama said. “Sometimes you have to wait another year or two before sales really pick up, after buyers see that you’re not a fly-by-night business—that you’re here to stay.”

The opening ceremony will feature a symbolic moment led by the European Union Ambassador and representatives of EU Member States, who will jointly form an image that reflects the theme Pathways to Excellence. The act is designed to demonstrate the shared commitment of the EU and the Philippines to advancing education and research collaboration.

We are pleased to open the EHEF 2025 here in Manila. EHEF offers Filipino students and researchers a unique opportunity to explore new pathways to excellence while deepening the enduring partnership between the European Union and the Philippines said European Union Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro.

Now recognized as one of the flagship initiatives of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, the fair continues to highlight the EU as a center of academic distinction. This year introduces additional programme sessions, including Copernicus and EURAXESS, expanding opportunities in scientific cooperation, mobility, and research innovation.

The EHEF 2025 is supported by the Commission on Higher Education and regional hubs that include the University of Santo Tomas for Metro Manila, University of the Cordilleras for Luzon, Eastern Visayas State University for the Visayas, and Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan for Mindanao. University partners include Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines Manila, Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Manila, and Visayas State University.

Professional organization partners include the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines, Philippine Architecture School Association, Philippine Computer Society, Philippine Economic Society, and the United Architects of the Philippines. Media partners such as Backend News, Baguio Herald Express, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, Gadgets Magazine, GMA Pinoy TV, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, News Watch Plus, SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine, SEA Wave Pilipinas, Tempo, and WhenInManila dot com support the fair’s nationwide reach. COMCO Southeast Asia Pilipinas serves as the PR and communications partner.

The onsite Fair will be held on 21 and 22 November at Robinsons Manila. The online sessions will take place on 24 November via Zoom. This year’s edition brings together 99 onsite and online exhibitors from 15 EU Member States including the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden.

For more information, visit ehefphilippines.com and check our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, and X (@EHEFPhilippines).

National Artist for Literature N.V.M. Gonzalez said: “There is no mystique to the actual act of writing. The mystique lies in the thinking out of what to write.’

I asked him to explain what he meant. He said that in 1968, along with a group of Filipino artists, he was invited to travel to India. They were taken to Ajanta, which was an hour away from Bombay. It was a beautiful valley sitting on a mountain shaped like the shoe of a horse. A quiet stream flowed peacefully down the valley.

In the mountain, the monks had carved 30 unique prayer halls and temples. The work began in 200 B.C. and must have continued for a long time. The monks carved in that mountain with their hands.

Our National Artist recounted the tale to me as if it only happened yesterday. “I went into a cave, walking through a waterfall, to get there, and there was the Buddha at the end of this cave. The sun piercing through an aperture gave the Buddha a particular kind of smile. Our guide explained that the Buddha’s smile would differ, depending on the light and time of the day. Can you imagine 30 of these temples, all different, and the monks patiently carving away at that mountain?”

The cave was discovered when a hunter, so the story went, was going after a tiger, when it suddenly disappeared into the mountain. It had gone into one of the temples. The hunter went to take a look. And that was how he discovered the caves, each different, each painstakingly carved and painted by the monks over many years.

N.V.M. said: “That is what writers do. Reality is the mountain that writers dig and dig to create a celebration of life.”

Indeed, he dug deeply and well because his fiction, poetry, and criticism were published widely not only in the Philippines but also overseas. His novels were translated into German. Malay, and Russian.

I asked him what made a writer like him happy—someone who has lived long and has won an auditorium of awards.

“That once in a while, I run into people who remember what they have read of my works. Two events strike me as worth remembering. Once, I was going to the toilet at the San Francisco airport when I noticed a man following me. When I stepped outside and saw him, I knew that he didn’t mean any harm so I paused. He asked, ‘Sir, are you N.V.M. Gonzalez?” I said, ‘Yes, I am. Can I do anything for you?’ He answered, ‘I remember the poem that you wrote. I think it was called ‘My Islands.’

He also recalled the day that his wife, Narita, came home from a teachers’ workshop. She told him that one young teacher had a slip of paper that contained the poem of N.V.M. called “Song.” The teacher thought that it would be good if her students could memorize the short poem. So she pulled out the slip of paper and began reading the poem. She said: ‘Please listen to this beautiful poem.’ But somebody among the school children began laughing and said, ‘But, Ma’am, we already know that poem.’ That is the kind of thing, I think, that makes you feel good as a writer. One little thing like that is enough.’

N.V.M. Gonzalez was proud of his distinguished career as a writer and professor. But he was, perhaps, even more proud of his marriage to Narita Manuel.

Mrs. Gonzalez was a woman with a face always wreathed in smiles. She first met N.V.M. in a literary soiree. “After the party, he asked: Can I bring you home?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ so along with two other friends, he brought me home. That was the beginning. From then on, he began lending me books. We were friends for three years. When the Second World War came, my family evacuated to Binangonan, Rizal. N.V.M. used to come and visit me every Saturday. He had to take eight carretela rides to reach me, but he never failed to visit me every Saturday.”

But one day, Narita’s father said that were running out of funds and they had to return to their hometown in Zambales. When N.V.M. learned about it, he proposed marriage. The first thing that Narita’s mother asked was: ‘How will both of you manage?’ N.V.M. was only a clerk then and he was the only one in his family who was working. But he said, ‘We will manage.’

They got married on August 22, 1942. Narita made her own wedding dress, somebody baked a turkey, and that was it. The Gonzalez family have four children, two boys and two girls. In 1964, their youngest daughter was having a bad case of asthma so the family had to relocate.

“N.V.M. had a Rockefeller grant to go to Italy,” Narita said, “so we were going to be a house divided. I was supposed to bring my daughter to Baguio, which has a better climate, so she could recuperate. But then, we decided to go for broke. We all wanted to be together, so my children and I joined N.V.M. in Italy on a ‘fly now, pay later plan.’ Only my son, Nim, who was then studying at Ateneo, was left behind. My youngest daughter was going to be 12 years old so we said, ‘Aha, we better hurry and go abroad now before she pays the full fare, since 12 is the age limit for the half fare.”

In Italy, the children learnt to play the guitar, and our National Artist learnt to play it as well. When N.V.M. later taught at Ateneo, I organized an early dinner party at the end of the semester. The party was held at the house of the Olaguer family in La Vista. We prevailed upon N.V.M. Gonzalez to play the guitar and so he did. The smile on his lips reached his eyes as the lovely notes floated on that bright summer.

Danton Remoto’s books include Boys’ Love, Riverrun, and The Heart of Summer. He also published the English translations of three Tagalog novels as part of the Southeast Asian Literary Classics series. They were published by Penguin Random House SEA and available at Fully Booked Online and www.acrephils.com

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with the Embassies of EU Member States, EHEF 2025 highlights new academic pathways, collaborations, and opportunities for Filipinos seeking to pursue higher learning in Europe.

For the first time, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia will join EHEF’s expanding network of participating EU Member States—offering Filipino students an even broader range of programs and academic disciplines to explore.

This year’s fair will also feature institutions from the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Sweden, showcasing Europe’s diverse and globally recognized educational landscape.

More than 97 European higher education institutions, embassies, and cultural organizations will take part in this year’s fair—providing direct engagement with students, educators, and researchers from across the Philippines.

New Programmes and Deepened Collaboration

EHEF 2025 introduces several new programme sessions, including presentations from the Copernicus Programme—the EU’s flagship Earth Observation initiative—and EURAXESS, which supports researcher mobility and career development.

A special session on Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) will highlight the EU’s ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building within the Philippine higher education system.

Focused information sessions will further connect academic and institutional groups, ensuring greater alignment and impact for participants and partner schools.

EU’s Continued Commitment to Education and Cultural Exchange

“Each year, EHEF grows not just in size but also in depth. With new EU Member States joining and new programme sessions expanding our offerings, we are opening more pathways for Filipino students and researchers to connect, learn, and thrive in the EU,” said H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines.

“This reflects the EU’s continuous dedication to making education a bridge between nations and cultures,” he added.

Throughout the fair, participating universities and EU representatives will present a wide array of degree programs, scholarships, and research opportunities designed to support Filipino students in pursuing their academic goals in Europe.

Why Study in the EU?

Studying in the European Union means more than just earning a degree—it’s about discovering the world through knowledge and culture. Students can learn new languages, immerse themselves in diverse communities, and engage with programs rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and real-world application.

EU universities empower students to explore their passions beyond traditional disciplines, nurturing future leaders with global perspectives.

Strong Support from Philippine Institutions

EHEF 2025 is supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and regional hub universities including:

• University of Santo Tomas (Metro Manila)
• University of the Cordilleras (Luzon)
• Eastern Visayas State University (Visayas)
• Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao)

University partners include: Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines–Manila, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Manila, and Visayas State University.

Professional organization partners include the National Academy of Science and Technology–Philippines, Philippine Architecture School Association, Philippine Computer Society, Philippine Economic Society, and United Architects of the Philippines.

The EHEF 2025 will be held November 21-22 at the Midtown Atrium, Robinsons Manila, with online sessions on November 24, for those unable to attend in person.

For more information about EHEF 2025, visit www.ehefphilippines.com or follow @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

On September 24 in New York, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya chaired the first ministerial meeting of the “Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)”, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Embassy of Japan from Manila said.

The session lasted about 45 minutes and gathered countries from different regions that support nuclear disarmament.

In his remarks, Iwaya pointed to today’s tense global security climate, citing North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile development and the opaque nuclear build-ups of other states.

He stressed that an FMCT—banning the production of fissile materials like enriched uranium and plutonium—would place real limits on nuclear arsenals.

He called on the international community to turn dialogue into action and finally begin negotiations on the treaty, which has been stalled since first proposed in 1993 by then US President Bill Clinton.

Officials from Australia, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom also delivered statements.

United Nations disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu underscored the urgency of advancing the treaty, while the United States participated as an observer.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint ministerial statement reaffirming support for the treaty’s negotiation.

The FMCT Friends group—made up of countries including Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, the UK, and the US—aims to keep international focus on the treaty and broaden political support for its adoption.

Japan emphasized that starting negotiations on the FMCT without delay is vital to strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation framework. V. Uy

The ban also covers the import of embryos and semen.

The import ban does not include hides that are salt-treated or have undergone ante- and post-mortem; meal and flour from blood, meat other than skeletal muscle or bone; casings, gelatine, and collagen, tallow, hooves and horns; milk and milk products that have undergone pasteurization.

These import bans are specified in Memorandum Orders 43 and 44 issued on August 1, 2025.

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., this step is a precautionary measure to protect the country’s livestock industry against LSD, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cattle and buffalo.

LSD causes fever and characteristic skin lesions in affected animals. It is usually transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Although rarely fatal, it can cause significant declines in milk production, weight loss, and disruption to trade.

In Italy, the outbreak was reported on July 18 in Orani, Nuoro, and Sardegna and confirmed by the National Reference Centre for Exotic Animal Diseases.

In France, a similar case was reported in Chambéry on June 23, which was confirmed by the French veterinary office.

According to the DA, the temporary ban is in accordance with international animal health standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and supported by existing regulations in the Philippines.

The ban will remain in place until further notice, while monitoring the prevention and eradication measures in the affected countries.

According to a news release from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), these coconut-based products, such as coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, beverages, and specialty food items, accounted for $2.25 million of total projected sales, highlighting sustained international demand for premium Philippine coconut offerings.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that this outcome affirms the country’s strategic push into the European market.

“Our first successful participation at TuttoFood Milano clearly demonstrates how Filipino exporters can seize global opportunities,” Roque said.

“By providing the right platform, we empower them to connect with international buyers, gain critical market insights, and secure immediate and long-term export deals, thereby elevating the Philippines’ reputation as a reliable source of high-quality, sustainable food products,” she added. 

The mission also opened potential investment and technical partnerships, with the Philippine delegation engaging with 102 new potential business partners. Three exhibitors are now in advanced discussions with potential partners across Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia.

Ahead of the event, nine companies received pre-event coaching and on-site support to enhance their export strategies. They also joined trendspotting forums and networking sessions, where they gained insights into European consumer preferences, sustainability practices, and regulatory requirements.

For the participating entrepreneurs, the experience provided crucial market intelligence.

“It has provided valuable insights that will shape our future strategy—from refining our product offering and enhancing our packaging to adopting more sustainable and efficient ways of working,” said Maureen Pasciolco, an executive of Pasciolco Agri Ventures.

Meanwhile, Allison Jean Bautista of Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corp. added that the fair expanded their business outlook. 

“The experience has not only enhanced our knowledge and expertise but also opened up new avenues for growth and collaboration.”

The Philippine participation was led by the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Paris, the International Trade Centre’s ARISE Plus Philippines Project, and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Other participating companies included Bahaghari Global Good Inc., Cattleya & Rose Gourmet Foods Trading, Fruits of Life, Inc., Good Sense Food and Juices Corp., Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corp., Soyuz Foods International Inc., and Wellnesscare International Corp.

To learn more about Philippine exports, email exports@dti.gov.ph or visit www.tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph.