Good morning.

The Philippines is staring at a rare EV and AI manufacturing opening, but the window is not waiting politely. This issue tracks rising rice price risks, OFWs joining local industry, robots entering fashion and war, and the small policy moves that could decide who wins next.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Philippines may still have a shot in the ASEAN EV race, but the clock is not exactly chilling. Manufacturers face high energy costs, supply chain shocks, and a shortage of workers trained for automated, AI-powered factories.

Why now: EV demand is rising. The International Energy Agency projects electric cars could reach 45% of Philippine vehicle sales by 2035 if stronger policies are implemented. EV share already rose to 10% in 2025 from a negligible level a year earlier.

The catch: Thailand and Vietnam are moving fast. For PH to compete, incentives under CREATE MORE, local EV production support, energy-cost solutions, and worker upskilling need to move from policy talk to factory-floor reality.

A House of Representatives think tank warned that fertilizer supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions could push Philippine rice prices up by 9.1% to 19.4%, or as much as ₱10.6 per kilo. The report says poorer households may face higher food costs as fertilizer shortages, rising oil prices, and weather risks pressure local agriculture.

Philippines Eyes EV and AI Manufacturing Growth

Philippine manufacturers are racing to stay competitive as ASEAN neighbors invest in electric vehicles, AI, and factory automation. Industry leaders cite rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and skills shortages as key challenges, while EV production, smart manufacturing, and government incentives create opportunities to attract investments and strengthen supply chains.

SteelAsia Gives Returning OFWs a New Mission

SteelAsia has hired 106 repatriated OFWs across its plants, turning overseas construction veterans into key workers for the country’s growing steel industry. The company’s new Batangas steel mill aims to reduce import dependence, while its ₱75 billion expansion plan is expected to create up to 30,000 jobs by 2028.

Ayala Brings Japan’s Pharmacy Model to PH

AC Health has launched the first St. Joseph Drug Powered by SUGI branch, introducing a Japanese-style wellness pharmacy that blends medicines, beauty products, supplements, and preventive healthcare. Backed by Japan’s Sugi Holdings, the concept aims to challenge established players by turning pharmacies into everyday wellness destinations for Filipino consumers.

Matty Juniosa capped his breakthrough “Britain’s Got Talent” run with a 4th-place finish, gaining international recognition and bringing Filipino talent into the spotlight on the global stage. (Read more)

Philippines’ Gazini Cracks MGI All Stars Top 5

Former Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados placed among the Top 5 finalists in Miss Grand International All Stars, delivering a strong performance on the international pageant stage. (Read More)

CALABARZON Ends Davao’s Title Reign

CALABARZON stunned defending champion Davao, 79-62, in the Palarong Pambansa secondary boys basketball finals, capturing its first title in a decade behind Dairick Duterte’s standout performance. (Read more)

Humans and humanoid robots walked the runway together at a fashion show in Seoul, wearing matching outfits. Organizers said the event explored how people and robots could coexist in the future. (Read more)

Meta Reportedly Developing AI Pendant

Meta is reportedly developing an AI-powered pendant that can record conversations and be worn as a necklace or clip. The device is expected to enter testing next year as Meta expands its AI wearables. (Read more)

Trump-Linked Startup Eyes Military Humanoid Robots

Foundation Future Industries is developing humanoid robots for military and industrial tasks. The startup has tested robots in Ukraine and plans to work with the U.S. military within 18 months. (Read more)

Scientists Develop 20-Legged Robot Inspired by Sea Urchins

Scientists created a 20-legged robot inspired by sea urchins to improve movement across different terrains. Researchers said the design can climb walls, move through trees, and navigate challenging environments. (Read more)

June 21 Brings Longest Day, Meteor Shower Follows

PAGASA said June 21 will be the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere as summer begins. The June Bootid meteor shower starts June 22 and is expected to peak on June 27.

Meteor Explodes Over Northeastern U.S., Shaking Buildings

A meteor exploded over the northeastern United States on May 31, producing a powerful blast that shook buildings across several states. NASA said the fireball released energy equal to about 300 tons of TNT before breaking apart in the atmosphere.

Triassic Crocodile Cousin Looked Like an Ostrich Dinosaur, Scientists Say 

Scientists discovered Labrujasuchus expectatus, a Triassic crocodile relative that walked on two legs, had tiny arms, and a toothless beak, resembling an ostrich-like dinosaur rather than modern crocodiles species fossil.

Daily Pill Doubles Survival in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Trial

Trial results show daraxonrasib, a daily pill, doubled survival in advanced pancreatic cancer patients compared with chemotherapy, extending life to 13.2 months with fewer side effects in a 500-patient study.

🤝 Vietnam President To Lam arrived in Manila for a state visit to strengthen Philippines-Vietnam ties on trade, defense, and food security cooperation. (Read more)

🎓 Senate bill proposes free board, bar, and civil service exams for qualified indigents to help Filipinos become licensed professionals and reduce financial barriers. (Read more)

📊 Vice President Sara Duterte leads Leni Robredo in a May 2026 presidential preference survey, with stronger support in Mindanao and Visayas. (Read more)

🏅 Pangasinan State University awarded ₱2.2 million incentives to 26 board exam topnotchers, recognizing strong performance in teacher and engineering licensure exams. (Read more)

📚 Edcom 2 findings link overcrowded classrooms and bullying to student absenteeism, highlighting safer, smaller classes as key to better learning engagement. (Read more)

French police detained 780 people after violent clashes broke out in Paris and other cities following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win. Officials said 57 officers were injured as some celebrations turned into vandalism and unrest.

Australian Farmers Battle Massive Mouse Plague Across Crops

Farmers in Western Australia are struggling with a severe mouse plague that is destroying grain crops and invading homes. Experts say the rodents are multiplying rapidly and causing major financial and psychological strain on farming communities.

O’Sullivan Clan Gathering in Ireland Breaks World Record

Nearly 2,000 people named O’Sullivan and Sullivan gathered in County Cork, Ireland, setting a Guinness World Record. Officials confirmed 1,848 participants, surpassing the previous record for a surname-based gathering.

📝 Blue Moon seen in Capiz, photographers capture rare glowing night sky moment. (Watch here)

📝 Brigada Eskwela reignites debate on DepEd funding, classroom shortages, and teacher burden. (Read more)

📝 ‘Pork barbecue’ clip of robin padilla eating meat in the hague resurfaces online. (Watch here)

📝 Man balances running chainsaw on chin for over four minutes. (Watch here)