Business

MANILA, Philippines — Producer costs rose at a slower tempo in April from the earlier month, pushed primarily by the decline in costs of laptop, digital and optical merchandise, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Preliminary knowledge from the PSA confirmed that the Producer Value Index (PPI) for manufacturing posted a slower annual enhance of 0.1 % in April from the 0.6 % progress in March.

The April PPI progress, nonetheless, improved in contrast with the 0.7 % decline in the identical month final yr.

PPI tracks the common change in manufacturing facility gate costs within the native market relative to a base interval.

“The slower annual enhance of PPI for the manufacturing sector in April 2025 was primarily as a result of decline within the annual progress fee of the PPI for manufacture of laptop, digital and optical merchandise trade division at 1.3 % in April 2025 from 0.9 % annual enhance in March 2025,” the PSA mentioned.

The pc, digital and optical merchandise trade division contributed 59.3 % to the slower PPI progress in April.

Additionally contributing to the slower PPI enhance in April 2025 was the slowdown within the progress in manufacture of transport tools at 0.3 % in April from the earlier month’s 1.5 % increment.

One other main contributor is the quicker lower of manufacture of fundamental metals at 0.9 % in April from the 0.1 % decline in March.

Of the remaining 19 trade divisions, 12 registered will increase, whereas seven posted decreases in April from March.

These with constructive progress charges are coke and refined petroleum merchandise; meals merchandise; drinks; chemical and chemical merchandise; equipment and tools besides electrical;  different manufacturing and restore and set up of equipment and tools; rubber and plastic merchandise; furnishings; leather-based and associated merchandise, together with footwear; textiles; printing and copy of recorded media and paper and paper merchandise.

In advertising and marketing, I look as much as three exceptional minds whose affect shapes how I believe, converse and serve: Philip Kotler, Seth Godin and Mark Schaefer.

In fact, Kotler stands in a league of his personal – an icon revered as the daddy of recent advertising and marketing. I typically say that if Peter Drucker is the administration guru, then Kotler is the sage of selling. I had the consideration of talking at his World Advertising and marketing Summit a couple of years again, and it felt like a grasp being form sufficient to open the gates for a humble pupil.

Subsequent is Seth Godin – a person who doesn’t simply write books; he writes modern-day advertising and marketing scripture. I’ve devoured each single guide he’s revealed. No exaggeration. Interviewing him in New York pre-pandemic was like getting front-row entry to a rock live performance of the thoughts. His concepts problem, provoke and at all times uplift.

After which there’s Mark Schaefer, one of many brightest voices in as we speak’s advertising and marketing panorama. Mark doesn’t simply observe tendencies; he interprets them via a deeply human lens. I’ve learn not less than 5 of his books and are available away every time feeling like I’ve added mental muscle to my mind and soul. His pondering is razor-sharp, related and refreshingly trustworthy.

That is why I’m thrilled to announce that Mark Schaefer will come to Manila subsequent 12 months for a serious advertising and marketing occasion we’re placing collectively.

Sure, you learn that proper. He’s coming, and also you received’t wish to miss what he has to say.

To provide you a style of his insights, right here’s a robust excerpt from his newest writings: “300 consultants agree: AI will change your clients.” It’s a sobering have a look at the longer term however one that each forward-thinking skilled must learn.

6 methods AI will reshape humanity (and your clients)

1. AI will erode crucial pondering

Let’s face it: we people like shortcuts. And AI provides us a buffet of solutions with out the labor of pondering. However right here’s the rub: skipping the laborious work robs us of “phronesis” – that profound, hard-earned knowledge that solely comes from wrestling with robust concepts. Mark says that if AI writes your guide, you’ve realized nothing. You’ve outsourced the content material and the expansion that comes with it.

2. AI might trump human relationships

Think about a good friend who by no means argues, at all times listens and presents spot-on recommendation. Tempting, proper? That’s why many are turning to AI not only for help however for companionship. Bots have gotten finest pals and even romantic companions. However as we cozy as much as the comfort of digital empathy, we threat dropping the refined artwork of studying actual human cues. Compassion is being coded, and that’s each fascinating and scary.

3. AI will problem human function

What occurs when machines outperform us at practically the whole lot? The consultants predict a disaster of confidence and autonomy. If AI at all times has the higher reply, will we cease trusting our judgment? This shift will redefine how we see ourselves on this planet and relate to manufacturers that assist (or hinder) that sense of function.

4. AI will blur the reality

The rise of artificial content material means info can change into non-obligatory. Actuality turns into curated. Fact turns into private. As entrepreneurs and communicators, it is a problem and a name to guide with integrity. Authenticity turns into your most respected asset in a world the place “reality” is algorithmically served.

5. AI will redefine how we be taught

The convenience of outsourcing cognitive duties to machines might make us much less assured in our reasoning. We’ll more and more belief suggestions from AI, generally with out query. The hazard? We might commerce our judgment for comfort. The chance? Serving to folks change into wiser stewards of know-how, not simply shoppers of it.

6. AI will polarize but in addition encourage

Mark ends on a hopeful word: whilst many embrace AI with open arms, others will intentionally step again, looking for extra analog, human-centric experiences. Each teams want steering, help and merchandise that mirror their evolving values. In different phrases, companies that assist folks be extra human within the age of machines will thrive.

The massive thought is that this: AI received’t simply change advertising and marketing.

It can change the client.

And the savvy marketer received’t simply undertake the tech; they’ll anticipate the emotional shifts that include it. The necessity for empathy, connection and function received’t go away. They’ll develop. And if we’re sensible, we’ll develop with them.

So sure, get enthusiastic about what AI can do. However always remember what solely a human can do.

As Mark Schaefer reminds us:

“The companies that assist folks navigate this shift with their humanity intact? They’re those that may matter.”

See you on the convention.

Convey your thoughts. However extra importantly, convey your coronary heart.

(Francis Kong has formally launched his brand-new YouTube and podcast channel “Kongversations” the place sharp minds meet sensible speak – one significant dialog at a time.)