Ushering in a Smarter, More Connected Philippines with Smart City Convention 2026

Smart City 2026 brought together government leaders, urban planners, and technological developers in an effort to usher in a smarter era for Philippine cities. By Zuriel Tan, Business Development Associate

Smart City Convention Philippines 2026, held last June 1-2, ushered in a new era of technological advancements within the Philippines. The event brought together government leaders, city planners, policymakers, and technology providers to discuss the future of smarter, more connected, and more sustainable Philippine cities. Notably, Kyle Delos Santos, Keepital Philippines’ Business Development Executive, delivered a talk detailing the importance of online visibility in the B2B industry within the constantly evolving technological landscape of the modern day.

Held at SMX SM Aura, Smart City Convention Philippines 2026 served as a platform to share fresh, innovative, and unique ideas to contribute to a more sustainable future within the country. As the world undergoes rapid advancements in technology, the Philippines faces both opportunities and challenges in keeping pace with global trends in urban development. The convention’s inaugural iteration was designed to create a space wherein important stakeholders could gather to discuss the country’s adaptation of smart city solutions through digital governance, data-driven urban planning, clean energy, and intelligent transportation.

Mr. Kyle Delos Santos delivered a keynote presentation going in-depth about the importance of a strong digital presence as our future becomes more data-driven and transitions to a predominantly digital landscape. Moreover, he showcased how GEO and SEO, based data-driven strategies are essential in cultivating a smart visibility that transform how businesses digitally grow in today’s connected cities.

The convention also featured other notable speakers such as Honorable Benjamin Banez Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City, and Arch. Felino Palafox Jr, Founder of Palafox Associates, discussing how urban planning and government policy go hand-in-hand when trying to build a smarter and more connected future for the country collectively.

Smart City 2026 showed that a smarter, more sustainable future for our country’s urban landscape is closer than we think. With the rise of innovative technological advancements and a combination of global insights with local priorities, the convention played a vital role in making sure that a brighter, smarter future for the Philippines is possible.

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About KEEP Pte Ltd.

Keepital was established in 2013 and has now grown into Southeast Asia’s Leading Industrial B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between suppliers and buyers worldwide through our online platform. They stand out with their highly competitive pricing and offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just product listings. Their advertising options are designed for affordability and simplicity, featuring a one-time payment and low renewal fees for product and service suppliers on our online portal.
IntouchCX Expands Philippine Operations with GH Tower Campus: Creating 4,000 new jobs by Q1 2027

IntouchCX Expands Philippine Operations with GH Tower Campus: Creating 4,000 new jobs by Q1 2027

IntouchCX is officially opening its new 5-floor GH Tower Campus in Greenhills, San Juan City, Philippines, marking its 10th anniversary in the country. The announcement, dated July 9, 2026, highlights an expansion that will accommodate roughly 2,500 seats and is expected to create nearly 4,000 new jobs by Q1 2027. This strategic investment reflects the company’s ongoing confidence in the Philippines as a premier destination for customer management, AI services, and back-office operations. The information is being prepared as an official Press Release (PR) to be distributed across the Philippines and various websites.

IntouchCX, a global leader in customer experience (CX) management, AI services, trust and safety, and back office operations, today announced the opening of its newest operational campus at the GH Tower in Greenhills, San Juan City, strengthening its presence in the Philippines as it celebrates 10 years of operations in the country. .

The 5-floor campus provides capacity for approximately  2,500 seats and supports IntouchCX’s continued growth in the Philippines. The expansion is expected to create nearly 4,000 new jobs in phases through the first quarter of 2027, with hiring across customer experience, digital operations, trust and safety, AI services, technology and corporate support functions.

The investment reflects IntouchCX’s continued confidence in the Philippines as one of the world’s leading destinations for customer experience, business process services, and AI-enabled operations. Over the past decade, the company has steadily expanded its local footprint while supporting global brands through technology-enabled customer experience solutions.

“The opening of our GH Tower campus marks the next chapter of IntouchCX’s growth in the Philippines,” said Ken Layug, Executive Vice President, Operations & Campus (Philippines & Malaysia). “As we celebrate 10 years in the country, we’re not just building for today’s customer experience industry; we’re future-proofing our campuses for what’s next. From AI-powered copilots and innovation hubs to collaborative workspaces and continuous learning, we’re creating an environment where technology empowers our people to deliver higher-value work and evolve alongside our clients’ needs. This investment reflects our long-term confidence in Filipino talent and reinforces our commitment to helping position the Philippines as a global leader in AI-enabled customer experience and digital services. ”

Since launching operations in the Philippines in 2016, IntouchCX has grown into a strategic delivery market, supporting clients across industries through digital customer experience management, trust and safety, back-office processing, and AI-powered solutions. The opening of the GH Tower campus marks the company’s latest investment to strengthen its long-term presence in the country.

“Our growth in the Philippines has always been driven by the strength, dedication, and expertise of our people,” added Layug. “This new campus positions us for the future while reinforcing our commitment to our employees, our clients, and the communities where we operate.”

IntouchCX continues to recruit across a range of customer experience, operations, AI, technology, trust and safety, and corporate roles to support its ongoing expansion. Professionals interested in career opportunities can learn more and apply at https://www.intouchcx.com/careers/.

About IntouchCX (24-7 Intouch)
IntouchCX is a global leader in digital customer experience management, back office processing, trust and safety, and AI services. Founded in Canada, IntouchCX operates in 12 countries and 25 campuses. We immerse ourselves in your world with curiosity, creativity, and innovation to deliver exceptional results. For over 25 years, we have scaled with soul to become a disruptive industry leader by building trusted long-term relationships with our brand partners and empowering our people to drive positive change. To learn more, visit intouchcx.com.

Casino Plus Weaves Culture and Digital Entertainment in ‘Bathala’ Drama Series

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JULY 9, 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), on July 9 launched a short drama series featuring “Bathala,” a supreme deity in Filipino mythology based on the platform’s popular game.

Inspired by the popularity of trending digital short movies, Casino Plus is putting an innovative spin on the format by bringing well-loved characters from its game roster to life on screen.

In Philippine mythology, Bathala (also known as Bathalang Maykapal) is the supreme god, creator of the universe, and ruler of the heavens. Revered by ancient Tagalogs as an all-powerful deity, he maintained cosmic balance, inspiring the common phrase “bahala na.” 

Widely believed to have originated from “Bathala na,” the expression reflects a deep-seated cultural trust in his ultimate guidance and protection. In this lore, Bathala used a legendary “Great Formation” to restore peace between gods and humanity. The series puts a modern twist on this mythology, following the reincarnation of the Moon Goddess Mayari as she awakens to her divine past and recreates this ancient formation into a digital game to share its legacy of luck and fortune. By weaving these iconic figures into a modern narrative, the series taps into a powerful symbol of Filipino heritage and fate.

Bathala features a three-week run, dropping new episodes every week this July and concluding at the end of the month. This rollout is anchored on the company’s core mission: to bring fun to people, which also seeks to create games and content that resonate with local players by blending online gaming with authentic storytelling.

“We are incredibly proud to launch this series as one of our latest innovations,” said Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus. “This project brings together Filipino culture, our unique games, and the power of storytelling through drama. We are committed to elevating digital entertainment by creating content that is relatable, engaging, and deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Every title we develop celebrates national identity—its mythology, heroes, and the stories that define the Filipino spirit.”

Aside from Bathala, the gaming platform has consistently built games centered around Filipino culture, including Color Game, Pacman Dropball, Malakas at Maganda, Mangkukulam, Maria Makiling, Tikbalang, Jeepney Rush, Jeepney Dash, Kapre, Kanto Feast, and Mayon Blessing.

Viewers can catch the weekly episodes on the official Casino Plus social media pages, with the first episode to be aired at 9 p.m. on July 9.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Turn Traffic into Wins: OnGo Launches EDSA Sticker Mural Wall Campaign

Turn Traffic into Wins: OnGo Launches EDSA Sticker Mural Wall Campaign

OnGo Smart Advertising has officially launched its Sticker Mural Wall along EDSA, bringing a creative twist to one of Metro Manila’s most familiar daily experiences—traffic.

Centered on the theme that traffic can be bad and time-consuming, but it can also become an opportunity to create wins and results, the installation reflects OnGo’s core belief in turning everyday exposure into meaningful impact. This message also ties into its core service, car wrap advertising, where brands gain greater visibility, mileage, and audience interest even while stuck in traffic.

Alongside the installation, OnGo launched its public campaign titled “On the Road to Win.” The campaign invites commuters, riders, drivers,  and the public to share their most memorable EDSA traffic experiences through photos or videos taken at the mural wall.

To join, participants must visit the installation at 525 EDSA, Ground Floor, Hotel Rosemarie Building, Barangay 119, Pasay City. They are encouraged to take a photo or video and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, answering the prompt: “Ano ang memorable experience mo sa traffic sa EDSA?” Entries must use the hashtag #OnTheRoadToWin and tag OnGo Smart Advertising’s official social media pages.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OnGoPH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ongo.ph

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@ongoph

Winners will be selected weekly, with participants having the chance to win ₱2,500 worth of gift certificates and be one of eight featured winners across the campaign.

✨ Follow these simple steps and you could be one of the 8 weekly winners!

#OnTheRoadToWin will run until July 31, giving commuters ample time to share their stories and join the contest.

For full details, visit: https://ontheroadtowin.my.canva.site

Sali na! Your EDSA traffic story might just turn into your winning moment!

About OnGo Smart Advertising Inc.
OnGo Smart Advertising combines the strength of traditional and digital out-of-home media to effectively engage audiences—delivering genuine impressions while remaining cost-efficient for clients. Since its official launch in March 2019, OnGo has expanded its network to over 1,000 rideshare vehicles across Metro Manila, nearby provinces and Cebu.

Carziqo Expands A-DS Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Service to Austin

Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has expanded its A-DS autonomous delivery vehicle service to Austin, following earlier service deployments in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The expansion marks the latest step in Carziqo’s effort to establish a broader urban delivery network supported by autonomous vehicles, centralized fleet management, and intelligent route coordination.

A-DS, which stands for Delivery Series Autonomous Asset, is designed for short-distance delivery operations in cities, residential communities, commercial districts, and other areas where businesses require frequent and efficiently coordinated transport services.

According to Carziqo, the platform combines autonomous vehicle technology with digital tools for task assignment, route planning, delivery status monitoring, and fleet performance management. The system is intended to help operators organize delivery capacity while reducing their dependence on manually coordinated transportation processes.

Austin was selected as the latest market because of its expanding technology sector, growing population, and increasing demand for flexible urban logistics services. The city’s combination of residential communities, business districts, retail centers, and technology-driven enterprises provides a relevant operating environment for autonomous delivery systems.

Carziqo co-founder Solena Valeon said the Austin launch represents more than the addition of another service location.

“Austin is recognized for innovation, entrepreneurship, and its openness to new technologies. Expanding the A-DS service into this market allows Carziqo to further explore how autonomous delivery vehicles can support practical, everyday logistics requirements in a growing American city,” Valeon said.

The company said the Austin service will focus on structured delivery routes and digitally managed fleet operations. Rather than positioning autonomous vehicles as a complete replacement for existing delivery systems, Carziqo is presenting the A-DS platform as an additional logistics option that can complement conventional transport networks.

Addressing the Growth of Last-Mile Delivery

Last-mile delivery remains one of the most operationally demanding stages of the logistics process. Businesses must coordinate vehicles, drivers, delivery schedules, route changes, and customer expectations while managing fuel, labor, and maintenance costs.

Autonomous delivery vehicles are being developed as one possible response to these challenges. When deployed under appropriate operational and regulatory conditions, they may help businesses handle repetitive routes, localized deliveries, and scheduled transportation tasks more consistently.

Carziqo said its A-DS vehicles are supported by remote monitoring and fleet coordination systems that allow operating teams to track vehicle activity, review assigned tasks, and manage routes through a centralized platform.

The company added that safety procedures, local requirements, operating conditions, and technical readiness will remain important considerations as the service develops in Austin.

Building a Multi-City Autonomous Delivery Network

The Austin launch follows Carziqo’s introduction of the A-DS service in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Each market presents a different logistics environment, allowing the company to evaluate how autonomous delivery technology may be applied across varying traffic patterns, community structures, and commercial requirements.

Los Angeles represents a large and highly distributed metropolitan market, while Atlanta serves as a major commercial and logistics center in the southeastern United States. Austin adds a rapidly developing technology hub to Carziqo’s growing service footprint.

By operating across these different urban environments, Carziqo aims to strengthen its understanding of fleet deployment, route efficiency, service scalability, and real-world delivery demand.

Valeon said the company’s long-term strategy is centered on building an interconnected autonomous mobility ecosystem rather than deploying vehicles as isolated products.

“The future of delivery will depend not only on the vehicle itself, but also on the intelligence behind the fleet,” Valeon said. “Route coordination, operational visibility, responsible deployment, and service reliability must work together if autonomous logistics is to become a practical part of modern cities.”

A Step Toward Smarter Urban Logistics

The arrival of Carziqo’s A-DS service in Austin reflects the wider movement toward automation in transportation and logistics. Companies across the mobility sector are examining how autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and connected fleet platforms can improve the movement of goods within increasingly complex urban environments.

However, the commercial adoption of autonomous delivery technology will continue to depend on regulatory compliance, public acceptance, infrastructure readiness, vehicle safety, and measurable operating performance.

Carziqo said it plans to develop the Austin operation progressively, using service data and operational feedback to refine its delivery processes and fleet management systems.

With A-DS services now announced for Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin, the company is positioning its Delivery Series as a growing component of its broader autonomous mobility strategy.

For Austin, the launch introduces another technology-driven logistics option into a city already closely associated with innovation. For Carziqo, it represents the next stage in its effort to transform autonomous delivery from an emerging concept into a structured, scalable, and commercially relevant urban service.

About Carziqo

About Carziqo Carziqo Technologies Ltd is a British automotive technology company based in London, United Kingdom. The company focuses on developing autonomous driving systems, fleet automation software, and mobility management infrastructure.
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