AI is the future: GMA Network debuts AI sportscasters

GMA Network recently launched the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) sportscasters during the opening of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99.

According to GMA, this digital initiative is part of their mission to bring the latest updates on local and international sports – which sparked a discussion on social media. Many were hyped with this development but a lot of people also expressed their concerns including me.

AI is certainly promising but what would happen to the future of Journalism and Broadcasting in the Philippines should this innovation prove to be efficient?

There are many talented, qualified, and PASSIONATE Communication graduates out there who can do the job but unlike their robotic counterparts, these Sportscasters powered by generative AI can produce MORE content around the clock and in multiple languages. On top of that, AI presenters are customizable. The management won’t need to spend more on their wardrobe and aesthetics. And ultimately, the management won’t have to provide them statutory benefits and could avoid the risk of labor disputes like what they have encountered in the past.

GMA officials said the creation of AI sportscasters were not meant to replace human reporters but only serves an innovative platform to present information to viewers. They could be true to their word or not but this move would certainly serve as a precedent and be emulated by different organizations because in a business perspective, utilizing AI would reduce operational costs and optimize productivity and profit in the long run.

The way I see it, AI technology is not sophisticated enough to completely replace humans in journalism and the broadcast industry anytime soon. It may create information at a superspeed but it lacks the in-depth creativity and human touch to connect with the audience. It is only there as a tool to complement their operations.

But who knows? Anything can happen in the future. AI has made remarkable progress over the years and it's possible more jobs will be taken over by bots.

I am for technology and progress but I'm also concerned for the creatives out there with this development.

With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, college courses must also scale up. I remember a college schoolmate who majored in Information Technology said, “Media courses like Mass Communication should be integrated with Information Technology.” That was the year 2012 or so, and I only brushed the idea thinking it was absurd. But here we are… being challenged by creators who are adept with using Artificial Intelligence and what we can only do is to welcome and adapt with the changes.

Should PH accept Afghan refugees?

The Philippine Government is currently evaluating the request sent by the United States to allow Afghan refugees in the Philippines. As we know, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees are trying to flee their country following the Fall of Kabul into the hands of extremist group, Taliban.

Photo Credit: Chris Herbert/U.S. Air Force via AP -- Afghan citizens pack inside a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, as they are transported from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan.

Reading the comments online, most Filipinos would want the Philippine government to reject the Afghan refugees. This was my initial reaction to the news as well, but after going through the details and watching the full interview of Senator Tolentino and PH envoy to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, I see nothing wrong with accommodating Afghan nationals who used to work in special missions for the US government.

They won’t be here for too long. PH was only requested to serve as temporary shelter while the U.S. is processing their special immigrant visas so they can settle elsewhere and start to rebuild their lives.

Similar requests were also sent to other ally nations. If we grant this, the Philippines, in the exercise of its sovereignty, can set the parameters as to the duration and how many persons we can take in -- but the US and PH gov't must guarantee a rigorous vetting process and ensure our national security is not compromised.

Photo Credit: JAVED TANVEER/AFP -- Children pose for photographs in front of their tents at a camp for internally displaced families in Panjwai District of Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

I have noticed in the comments that most Filipinos are enraged, pointing out that our government has to prioritize its people instead of giving aid to foreign nationals. While this is a reasonable concern, it should be noted that the Philippines is not bound to spend even a single peso in granting this humanitarian aid. The U.S. government has made it clear that they will shoulder all costs and will ensure none of the visa applicants will be left behind nor have the option to stay in the Philippines. What we only need to do is to allow them to take refuge in our country for a limited period of time.

I totally understand the outrage and hysteria in the comments, but we have to consider that the lives of these individuals are in danger. Other than fulfilling our commitments in International Law, extending help to displaced persons is a matter of moral obligation.

We have been receiving a lot of international help for many years. Wouldn't it be nice to give back even in the smallest way we can?

Just my two cents.

Snippets Inside the Malacañang Museum

I have always aspired to work in Malacañang, not as President, but a stern Presidential Spokesperson like Abigail Valte. That is just one of my exceptional ambitions in life despite being timid and reclusive. Even so, there is nothing wrong with dreaming big. Anyone can always dream no matter how ridiculous it is.

That's why when I got the chance to visit Manila, I immediately booked a tour in Malacañang to personally see its glory. Little did I know, the tour is only limited to the Presidential Museum & Library. The sprawling complex includes office buildings, numerous mansions, and the Presidential Palace which are generally forbidden to the public. I got quite dismayed that I won't get the chance to see and walk through the historic staircase where Philippine Presidents ascend following their inauguration.

Anyhow, I truly enjoyed this experience. I did not get to take a lot of photos because I took more time appreciating everything inside. The tour guide was also engaging, you won't get bored despite the bunch of information and trivia he had to share. On top of that, it was a group tour so it was quite difficult to take good quality photos without nuisance and obstruction. Video recording and flash photography are also prohibited.

One particular item that really caught my eye and left me astonished is this 18th century painting gifted to President Elpidio Quirino. It is said that if there should be an impending danger in Malacañang Palace, the painting behind this statue would be the first item to be secured and carried out. And if the Palace were to be destroyed, its market value would be enough to cover Malacañang's restoration. I like art, I just can't fathom how some paintings are given hefty price tags.

There is so much about Malacañang than the ghost stories and being the official seat and residence of the Chief Executive. The historic rooms inside the Kalayaan Hall are windows to our past while the intricate and resplendent woodwork, and the iconic Czechoslovak crystal chandeliers boast of imperial grandeur.

I have yet to see the main Presidential Palace, only God knows when. As of now, my heart still marvels to the fact I got to enter this timeless fortress.

If you wish to book a tour, you must submit a letter at least a week prior to the date of tour.

The request should be addressed to the Director of the Presidential Museum and Library and must indicate the following information:

• Preferred date and time of the tour

• Complete list of names and birthdate of all persons in the group tour.

• Name, contact details, complete address, and birthdate of the group representative.

Address your letter to:

THE DIRECTOR

Presidential Museum and Library

2/F Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang

J.P. Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila

Email: malacanangmuseum@gmail.com | pml@malacanang.gov.ph

The tour is FREE of charge but visitors must wear appropriate attire and observe punctuality.