Mapúa University, one of the Philippines’ leading engineering and IT schools, has officially launched a BS AI Engineering degree program.

This milestone is part of a broader future-ready inter-campus Co-Intelligence strategy to integrate AI to the entire Mapúa Education Group.

The new bachelor’s degree program is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It aims to equip students with necessary skills to create and collaborate with AI systems.

In turn, graduates can help solve humanity’s greatest challenges and shape a future where AI and human intelligence work hand in hand.

Regular senior high school graduates may apply for the four-year program the same way they would do with other courses. In fact, Mapúa has already welcomed its first batch of enrollees.

The BS AI Engineering program focuses on foundations in the first year, core AI courses in the second year, specializations in the third year, and real-world applications in the final year.

Career opportunities at this day and age are plenty, including:

• AI Engineer
• Machine Learning Specialist
• AI Solutions Architect
• Robotics Engineer
• AI Ethics and Policy Advisor

Graduates may also pioneer emerging roles as the world continues to change and adopt AI.

Average incomes in several industries needing AI expertise are likewise projected to increase.

Mapúa Co-Intelligence strategy

Mapúa University is also integrating an educational institution-wide strategy. The goal is to infuse AI across the curricula of all program offerings. This is a collective response to global transformation, done through co-intelligence.

The strategy includes AI literacy training while still encouraging critical thinking. Practical applications include predictive analytics for teaching and non-teaching scenarios, as well as AI-powered tutors for personalized learning, helpdesk chatbots, and more.

This way, Mapúans will be able to work with AI across all programs offered by Mapúa for teaching, research, and other practical scenarios.

Harnessing AI and incorporating human thinking, judgement, creativity, and ethical reasoning is an integral aspect of the vision.

It will also allow Mapúa graduates to exlpore long-term opportunities for real world applications.

Mapúa University’s top officials reiterated throughout the launch that at the forefront of the strategy is still championing human intelligence and critical thinking, and encouraging responsible and ethical AI use.

This broad long-term strategy empowers Mapúans and Filipino citizens in general to thrive in the AI-augmented academic and professional world.

The realme 15 series is now in the Philippines. Available in the realme 15 5G and realme 15 Pro 5G variants, the latest smartphones from realme mark the start of more streamlined number series releases as the company has let go of the plus models.

The realme 15 5G (12GB+256GB) is priced starting at PhP 18,999 On TikTok.

Meanwhile, the Pro variant retails for PhP 20,999 for the 12GB+256GB configuration and PhP 23,999 for twice the storage on Shopee.

All models come with freebie wearables, while supplies last.

Moreover, preorders from partner retailers nationwide until September 26 are packaged with freebies worth PhP 3,897:

• TechLife Smart Band Fit
• TechLife Clip-On Earbuds 2
• 1-Year Screen Damage Protection Plan

Do note that after September 26, the prices will revert back to the standard rates:

• realme 15: PhP 23,999
• realme 15 Pro (256GB): PhP 27,999
• realme 15 Pro (512GB): PhP 30,999

The realme 15 Pro 5G features triple 50MP cameras with the capability to shoot 4K at 60fps.

Meanwhile, the standard model has a 50MP main, 50MP selfie, and 8MP ultra-wide with support for 4K at 30fps.

Both come with AI-powered tools like AI Party Mode, AI Smart Remover 2.0, and AI Nightscape. Both also support Dual Video capture.

For performance, the Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 while the standard model has a Dimensity 7300+ processor.

Both come with 7,000mAh batteries with support for 80W SUPERVOOC and Bypass Charging.

In front are 144Hz AMOLED displays with up to 6,500 nits of brightness (Pro). The company has also retained triple IP66, IP68, and IP69 water and dust resistance ratings.

Smart Communications has switched on the country’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network in Iloilo City, marking a big leap in mobile connectivity.

The launch came with a free concert at the K-Town Festive Walk Parade last August 30, drawing more than 5,200 Ilonggos. The night featured local bands Kreonz and First Edition, DJ Young, and rap star Flow G. Hosts Jackie Gonzaga and Jordan Toledo kept the energy up with games and prizes.

What True 5G brings

Also called True 5G, the SA network runs on a dedicated 5G core. That means lower latency, faster speeds, and higher capacity for everything from streaming to gaming. It also paves the way for future tech and advanced digital services.

Smart says the Iloilo rollout includes major upgrades to expand coverage and capacity across the city. To make the switch easier, the company offered exclusive deals on 5G-ready phones from brands like Honor, OPPO, Samsung, vivo, and ZTE.

Why it matters to users

For gamers like John Gallo, the upgrade is a game-changer: “I always play Mobile Legends, and it’s a huge advantage to have a faster and more reliable connection powered by Smart 5G.”

Anne, another Smart subscriber, was just as eager: “I spend most of my time watching YouTube and sharing Instagram updates. With Smart 5G SA, I look forward to streaming without buffering and posting instantly.”

First in the Philippines

This launch makes Iloilo the first city in the Philippines to experience Smart’s 5G SA network. It’s part of PLDT Group’s broader effort to upgrade the country’s digital backbone and make high-speed access more inclusive for Filipinos.