Globe brings widest 5G network in the Philippines

23 Feb, 2021, No comments

Globe leads the 5G supremacy race in the Philippines with 1,069 areas across the country now with this latest generation in wireless technology. At present, Globe has the widest 5G footprint in the country owing to the company's aggressive network builds and site upgrades.

As of January this year, Globe's 5G coverage is present in 848 locations in Metro Manila and Rizal; and in 221 areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We want our customers to unlock the many possibilities and potential that 5G technology brings. Getting the 5G service to more customers supports our vision of empowering Filipinos to create the quality of lives they want,” said Ernest Cu, Globe’s President and CEO.

5G is the latest in wireless technology that promises faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and more stable internet connection compared to 4G.

In Visayas, 5G is now accessible in several areas in Negros Occidental, Cebu, Iloilo and in Aklan. The technology is likewise available in some areas in Misamis Oriental and Davao del Sur. In South Luzon, 5G is already present in selected locations in Laguna and Bulacan.

The company champions the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), specifically UN SDG No. 9 which recognizes the importance of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe has vowed to uphold the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about 5G's possibilities in healthcare, entertainment and more, please listen to the Globe podcast on Spotify: glbe.co/PossibilitiesPodcast. To learn more about 5G please visit: globe.com.ph/5g

Mindanao's bus firm holds stockholders meeting, elected Ricardo Yanson Jr. as president

18 Jan, 2021, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

MAJOR stockholders of the Mindanao Star Bus Transport Inc. have convened at a hotel in Cagayan de Oro on Saturday, January 16, for the annual shareholders meeting and elected Ricardo Yanson Jr. as president.

The meeting was presided over by lawyer Carlo Joaquin Narvasa and attended by stockholders representing 99.99 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation.

The Mindanao Star Bus Transport Inc. is one of the bus companies under the Yanson Group of Bus Companies.

Four of the Yanson siblings who called themselves Y4 were elected by the shareholders as members of the board of directors for the year 2021-2022.

The stockholders were said to have ratified all acts and transactions of the Board of Directors and management of the corporation under the leadership of its president.

In the organization meeting that followed, the directors elected Ricardo Yanson Jr. as Chairman of the Board of Directors and President; Roy Yanson as Vice-President for Operations; Emily Yanson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; Ma. Lourdes Celina Lopez as Corporate Secretary; Anna Isabella Galvez as Assistant Corporate Secretary; and Carlo Joaquin Narvasa as Vice-President for Legal.

The new directors of the company vowed to continue court actions "to unravel minority shareholders' activities and their pretense to act on behalf of the company despite the absence of any legal basis for them to do so."

File Photo

Globe lets more Pinoys enjoy the promise of 5G

15 Jan, 2021, No comments

Globe’s relentless modernization of its network has made it possible for its 5G technology to be available to more customers in more areas in the country.

Recent upgrades made in the last two months of 2020 have made the latest technology available in at least 848 sites in Metro Manila and Rizal and 183 locations in Visayas and Mindanao. Several parts of Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan are also 5G-enabled. Overall, 5G is now available in 1,045 areas in the country.

“We are rolling out more 5G areas this year to make this new technology more inclusive. We want more Globe customers to experience the difference of 5G technology in terms of better and faster connectivity. This technology has vast potentials and soon we will start rolling out cases that are best experienced with 5G,” said Coco Domingo, Globe VP for Postpaid and International.

5G is the latest wireless internet connectivity that promises faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and more stable internet connections compared to 4G.

In Visayas, 5G is now available in four provinces: seven locations in Negros Occidental; 64 in Cebu; 12 in Iloilo; and three in Aklan.

Continued ramping of Globe facilities has also made the technology available in 25 sites in Misamis Oriental and 72 places in Davao del Sur in Mindanao.

In Cavite, 5G is present in three areas; five in Laguna and six in Bulacan.

“Along with expansion, the growing availability of 5G-enabled devices, especially those offered on Globe postpaid plans plus the compatibility of the LTE SIM to the 5G network, makes accessing the 5G technology much more seamless,” added Domingo.

Globe has laid out a 3-pronged strategy for its network upgrades and expansion, which includes aggressive cell site builds; upgrading its cell sites to 4G/LTE using many different frequencies; and fast tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.

The company likewise champions the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UNSDG No. 9 which recognizes the importance of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe has vowed to uphold the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about 5G possibilities in healthcare, entertainment and more, please listen to Globe podcast on Spotify: glbe.co/PossibilitiesPodcast. To learn more about 5G please visit: www.globe.com.ph/5g

Brands can now create unique and personalized experiences on GCash via AdSpark

15 Jan, 2021, No comments

The Filipino daily life continues to evolve, especially today when both consumers and businesses try to navigate the new normal. The pandemic has also sped up digitalization in the Philippines as many people turned to digital platforms for e-commerce, fund transfers and other forms of cashless transactions. This is evident by the 26M active customers on GCash, the country’s leading finance app.

To allow businesses to become part of the Filipino’s everyday transactions while at the same time, inform and update customers about their favorite brands, AdSpark leads digital transformation of marketing services by extending ad inventory on GCash. This will give businesses the opportunity to reach potential customers through highly-visible formats in the GCash app.

Through AdSpark’s media expertise, GCash will be able to assist not only merchants but also non-government organizations and other partners in connecting with its growing audience.

“We are committed to assisting digital transformation of clients and partners especially at this time when enterprises are exploring more meaningful ways to interact with their consumers. GCash has empowered merchants through seamless transactions, and now we want to help brands create holistic experiences for their consumers”, said Onat Roldan, AdSpark CEO.

AdSpark offers diversified ad opportunities ranging from targeted media channels in-app, to direct broadcast campaigns and blasts for a more targeted approach.

The purpose is to bring enterprises to the forefront of digital marketing through innovative adtech solutions, unique telco capabilities and intelligence, and passion for humanizing consumer data, AdSpark is equipped to manage marketing communication requirements from insight to ideation to activation, leading business transformations through future-proof consumer experiences with human behavior at its core.

“Through strong brand partnerships as a payment channel, and a tool for sustainability and impactful advocacy on the app, GCash has established a way of life, driving the market closer towards financial inclusion. We believe that by making our platform accessible to brands, we will be able to bring businesses and customers together and help in the recovery of our economy,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

AdSpark cited Codashop App, a gaming merchant, which was able to increase its monthly game item purchases to 181% by partnering with GCash. Coda communicated several monthly promo and game launches including Mobile Legends, MU Origins and their latest product One Punch Man: The Strongest game. This is to encourage redemption of game credits and in-game items through GCash usage.

GCash and AdSpark, Inc. are part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

MMFF 2020 stars invite OFWs to watch this year’s films online

3 Jan, 2021, No comments

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) festival organizers held a “MMFF Zoom Roadshow” with Pinoy celebrities to invite Filipinos from all over the world to watch this year’s line-up of top calibre films.

Celebrities Zanjoe Marudo, Charlie Dizon, Keann Johnson, Andrew E, Ritz Azul, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Julia Estrada, Fumiya and Yamyam kicked off the online roadshow together with PCOO (Presidential Communications Operations Office) Director Pebbles Duque who hosted the online event. OFWs from Hawaii, the UK, Australia, UAE, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Italy, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hong Kong showed their support and were pleased to meet and greet the celebrity guests. The participants were also given a short demo on how to watch the MMFF films via UPSTREAM, the newest transactional video-on-demand (VOD) platform, and GMovies.

“A lot of Filipinos, OFWs most specially, will be postponing their homecoming due to the pandemic. While they will miss out on much of the traditional festivities back home, we want to bring them cheer by allowing them to enjoy this year’s MMFF anywhere in the world. Wherever they may be, Filipino Christmas continues to be felt with the MMFF,” said Director Duque.

“We are grateful to MMFF for allowing us to recreate this well loved Christmas tradition of enjoying the MMFF films, especially for the OFWs who will be missing home this season. These films that deeply reflect Filipino values and culture can now be enjoyed online, anywhere in the world,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer.

The 46th edition of the MMFF via UPSTREAM and in partnership with GMovies opens on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 until January 7, 2021. This year, the MMFF has 10 official entries, a shift from the usual eight entries in the previous years. The titles cover a wider range of audiences especially now that the festival has moved online:

Joel Lamangan’s “Isa Pang Bahaghari” is an LGBTQ-themed family drama about an OFW (Phillip Salvador) returning home to reconnect with his estranged wife (Nora Aunor) and children (Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco and Sanya Lopez).

Another LGBTQ-themed film in the roster is “The Boy Foretold by The Stars” produced by Clever Minds, Inc. starring Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson, who portray high school classmates whose friendship is tested when their feelings towards each other evolve.

For those who enjoy a good scare, Easy Ferrer’s “The Missing” is set in a haunted house in Japan. Produced by Regal Entertainment, the film features Joseph Marco, Ritz Azul and Miles Ocampo.

“Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandang Itim” is another horror film but with a bit of comedy. Produced by Cineko Productions and directed by Topel Lee, the film stars Vhong Navarro, Ritz Azul, Benjie Paras, Joross Gamboa, Ryan Bang and Ion Perez.

A staple in the holiday film genre is comedy and Al Tantay’s “Pakboys: Takusa” aims to make Pinoys laugh. Produced by Viva Entertainment, the film focuses on the infidelity of comedians Andrew E., Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla and Jerald Napoles.

If visual effects are what some are looking for, Christian Acuña’s fantasy-adventure, “Magikland”, is expected to appeal to young audiences. Produced by Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes, and Brightlight Leisure Productions, the film features a young cast including Miggs Cuaderno, Elijah Alejo, Joshua Eugenio and Princess Aguilar.

Pinoys can also expect a bit of romance with Mac Alejandre’s “Tagpuan”. This movie features a love triangle starring Iza Calzado, Alfred Vargas and Shaina Magdayao. Written by Ricky Lee and shot in Hong Kong and New York, the film is produced by Alternative Vision Cinema.

Those who enjoy true stories might like “Suarez, The Healing Priest.” Directed by Joven Tan, the film is based on the life of Father Fernando Suarez. Produced by Saranggola Media Productions, the film stars John Arcilla, Dante Rivero and Jin Macapagal.

Fresh from glowing reviews from its Japan and Estonia premieres, “Fan Girl”, the latest film from Antoinette Jadaone is about every fan girl’s fantasy of spending a night with their biggest celebrity idol. This was produced by ABS-CBN Films' Black Sheep, Globe Studios, Project 8, Epicmedia, and Crossword Productions with performances from newcomer Charlie Dizon and award-winning actor Paulo Avelino, who plays himself.

Lastly, OFWs are well-represented by Adolfo Alix, Jr’s’ “Coming Home.” Produced by Maverick Films, this is a drama about an OFW father(Jinggoy Estrada) who comes home to hisunwelcoming family. The film also features Sylvia Sanchez, Edgar Allan Guzman, Martin del Rosario, Shaira Diaz, Vin Abrenica, Julian Estrada and Jake Ejercito.

Through a partnership with UPSTREAM and Globe’s GMovies, the MMFF is bringing this year’s festival online as the official entries can be streamed by Filipinos via UPSTREAM in partnership with GMovies for only P250 per title, and $10 for Filipinos abroad. UPSTREAM is likewise able to deliver a better viewing experience for customers while protecting the content creators’ intellectual property rights with the support of Globe’s #PlayItRight campaign. #PlayItRight is the telco company’s anti-piracy advocacy that helps protect the entertainment industry from illegal streaming and content piracy.

Tickets will be on sale locally on December 7 and internationally on December 18. Visit UPSTREAM.ph to know how to enjoy the MMFF online.

Globe Rewards: Converting points into purpose

29 Dec, 2020, No comments

Globe prides itself with enabling customers to participate in ways to do a #GlobeofGood. The recent calamities provided new opportunities for people to share their blessings with the typhoon victims in various parts of the country.

At least P1.5M Globe Rewards points were converted into cash donations for the victims of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses through ABS-CBN Foundation and Ayala Foundation, Inc.

Year round, customers are able to use their rewards points to extend help to others. As of end - November 2020, Globe customers have collectively raised P17 million by donating their Globe Rewards points to benefit organizations and advocacies under Globe's roster of partners that customers have chosen to support.

These advocacies champion the company’s vision towards national development and advancement: environmental sustainability, disaster relief, reforestation, child protection, hunger mitigation, education, animal welfare, marine biodiversity, mental wellness and medical support. Overall, Globe Rewards has provided 14,710 meal packs to underserved families within Metro Manila and those affected by the recent calamities; enabled the planting of 9,115 indigenous trees in Mindanao, helped provide medical care to 3,594 rescued animals, provided medical support to 631 cancer patients, provided 350 educational materials on marine biodiversity to youth leaders, provided connectivity to 239 public school teachers, helped with scholarships of 7 former drug dependents, facilitated the training of mental health frontline responders, supported child welfare programs and supported the LGBTQ+ community during Pride celebration.

“We try to give our loyal customers as many options as possible to maximize their Rewards points, from data promos, food treats and digital vouchers. But we also know that together, these points matter and can help others. That’s why we are always on the lookout to support beneficiaries that represent our customers’ advocacies. We believe that the best reward for our customers is knowing that they made a difference.” shares Joey Kilayko, Head of Globe Rewards.

This is one of the ways Globe engages its customers by casting a wider net to create positive societal value and practice sustainable living. By simply donating the Globe Rewards points, each customer is able to pay it forward wherever they are.

For customers who want to help others, you may donate your Globe Rewards points to any of the 11 active beneficiaries in the Globe Rewards app. Download the Globe Rewards app on your mobile device and click on the “DONATE” banner. Select your chosen organization and corresponding denomination then press “REDEEM”. A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation. Download the app via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards.html#GRewardsApp.

Globe remains committed to the 10 UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. To know more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html.

P7.09Billion Mindanao backbone project seen to stabilize power transmission in the island

19 Dec, 2020, No comments

NGCP recently energized the Toril-Bunawan 230kV transmission line, the final component of its Mindanao 230 kiloVolt (kV) backbone project. This will secure the reliability of power transmission services in the entire Mindanao.

As one of NGCP's critical projects, the Mindanao backbone will connect bulk generation from the northern and southern parts of Mindanao and ensure stable and continuous power from Lanao del Norte, passing through Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, all the way to Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.

Among the generating facilities which will connect to the line are the GNPower Kauswagan Clean Coal-Fired Power Plant, Therma South Incorporated Power Plant, and San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation, with a total combined capacity of 1,440MW.

With an ERC-approved cost of PhP7.09 Billion, the project involves the construction of the Matanao-Toril 230kV and Toril-Bunawan 230kV transmission lines, the upgrade of the Balo-i-Villanueva-Maramag-Bunawan line from 138kV to 230kV, as well as the upgrade of its substations in Malita, Matanao, Toril, Bunawan, Balo-i, Villanueva, and Maramag.

Energization of the project components started with the power transformer in Villanueva Substation and Maramag-Villanueva 230kV Line 2 in September 2019, while the Balo-i-Villanueva Lines 1 and 2 were energized in September and October of the same year. Transformers in Bunawan Substation and the Maramag-Bunawan 230kV lines were energized also in October 2019. This was followed by the energization of another new transformer in Villanueva Substation and the Maramag-Villanueva Line 1 in November 2019, while a power transformer in Toril Substation was energized shortly after in the same month.

The Matanao-Toril 230kV Lines 1 and 2 were energized in December 2019 and January 2020, respectively, while the Matanao-Culaman 230kV Lines 1 and 2 were energized in the same period. The final component, the Toril-Bunawan 230kV Lines 1 and 2, were energized in November 2020, despite the difficulties posed by the varying lockdown protocols implemented across the country.

“With this completion, the line will supplement the existing Davao-Toril-Matanao 138kV transmission line in transmitting any and all available and incoming generation, ensuring transmission service reliability for the entire region,” said NGCP.

Apart from this, the Mindanao 230kV Backbone project is an integral part of NGCP’s Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), which will link the Visayas and Mindanao islands and realize sharing of power within the entire country. “The Mindanao Backbone is critical to the MVIP because through this project, the new transmission line will accommodate the capacities needed to fully support and utilize the capabilities of the interconnection,” stated the company.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy, Jr. and Co-Vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto, Jr. PR

FDC Misamis hailed as top real estate taxpayer in Misamis Oriental

16 Dec, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Filinvest's power firm FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) was hailed and honored anew by the Province of Misamis Oriental as its number one real estate taxpayer for the first three quarters of 2020 in an awarding ceremony held at the Capitol Grounds in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, December 14, 2020.

The company has been MisOr's top taxpayer since 2017. For this year, despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic on its operations, the power firm still diligently paid its obligations remitting over Php 224 million in real property taxes to PHIVIDEC. Of the estimated total taxes paid, Php 51,396,381.30 went to the Province of Misamis Oriental.

Juan Eugenio L. Roxas, the firm's President and Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government.

"This is the third year that we have been awarded as the number one taxpayer of the Province, and we are very honored to receive this award. Paying taxes is our duty in the first place because we are doing business in this Province. It is not the obligation of the Province of Misamis Oriental to recognize us."

"Such inspires us to pay not only the correct taxes but consistently to pay on time," said Roxas.

Local officials noted that the taxes collected will fund multiple development programs beneficial to the Province's citizens, like improving its education system amidst the new normal.

Governor Yevgeny "Bambi" Emano appreciates all taxpayers, even those small business owners, for their commitment to pay their dues, notwithstanding the losses brought about by restrictions during the imposition of community quarantine. However, Emano cited Filinvest and the Gotianun family for their kindness and sustained support to the local government.

Apart from the RPT, the power firm also remitted more than Php 29 million to its host communities under the Energy Regulations (ER) 1-94 Program of the Department of Energy (DOE).

ER 1-94 allows a community hosting an energy generating facility to have access to a financial benefit of one-centavo per kilowatt-hour (P0.01/kWh) of the total electricity sales. Proceeds are allocated to fund various development projects, including anti-COVID-19 initiatives.

As the country combats the coronavirus, the funds released by the power firm were instrumental in ensuring its neighboring communities' health and safety.

FDC Misamis, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDC Utilities, Inc., the utilities and infrastructure arm of the Filinvest Development Corporation, operates a 3x135MW circulating fluidized bed coal thermal plant at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva town.

The facility was inaugurated by President Rodrigo Duterte and has been vital in the Mindanao grid's stability since its commercial operations in 2016.

FDC Misamis commits to remain true to its advocacy of developing sustainable communities while providing reliable, cost-effective electricity the region needs to reignite its economy.

"We will not stop by just settling our regulatory obligations; we will continue to be responsible citizens and help in whatever way we can. As they say, charity begins at home," Roxas concluded. (PR)

Courtesy: FDC

Customers give Globe high remarks on network improvements

7 Dec, 2020, No comments

Globe posts high scores from customers in several categories when it comes to its mobile and data services. This is based on the latest independent survey conducted in November 2020. A total of 1,200 respondents took part in the survey.

Majority of Globe subscribers gave positive responses on their network experience using mobile and broadband services and gave the telco high satisfaction scores in terms of stability and consistency of the Globe network. The independent survey was conducted by Kantar, the leading marketing research agency in the Philippines. The survey was conducted in total urban Philippines across regions, males and females aged 13-65 years-old across economic classes. The interviews were randomly sampled across areas where Globe declared improvements in its network infrastructure.

“The survey results validate the improvement efforts we have been implementing despite the many challenges of the pandemic, not to mention the several natural calamities the country has gone through in recent weeks. Ultimately, our customers will have the final say. Their satisfaction and acknowledgement of the improvements they are experiencing is proof that the investments we've made are delivering the results we wanted. A network that consistently delivers better connectivity means more satisfied customers,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

Globe scored the highest mark in network reliability across the five regional areas with Visayas customers giving the best mark of 94% who are extremely reliable and somewhat reliable. Overall, Globe averaged 92% in the five areas surveyed.

Using the same scale, nine out of 10 respondents responded extremely satisfied or somewhat satisfied based on both their incoming and outgoing regular call and text experiences. Almost eight out 10 respondents were also satisfied with Globe’s mobile signal reliability and with their general social media browsing usage, including online calls and chat. Customers were happy in using chat and meeting apps which is now the norm in most work setups due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers also said Globe is the brand that is best for those who need to be consistently connected to the internet (85%) and the best partner for experiencing the internet (83%). Customers are also satisfied with their video requirements such as downloading and streaming/uploading in video streaming sites.

Customers likewise responded positively not only with their call, SMS and data experiences. Eight of 10 respondents said Globe can be relied on for its innovative, updated and upgraded products and services. It is also the brand which is most generous in data or gigabyte allocations. More importantly, customers say Globe allows them to do everything online.

Globe’s sustained network rollouts and site upgrades have also been acknowledged by international third party mobile analytics firms Opensignal and Ookla.

In the latest Opensignal Regional reports released last month, Globe leads in voice apps and games experience in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). The company likewise performed better in voice apps in Bicol, Central Luzon, and Northern Mindanao. Globe is also a joint winner in the two categories in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Cagayan Valley, CARAGA, Cordillera Autonomous Region, Davao, Eastern Visayas, Metro Manila, MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), SOCCSKARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Western Visayas.

Globe is also a joint winner in the voice app experience 4G availability and games experience in Zamboanga Peninsula and in the voice app experience, download speed experience and games experience in Ilocos.

On the other hand, Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, verified that the telco has the most consistent 4G network in 13 out of 17 regions based on Q3 2020 data.

These regions include Bicol, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Caraga, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Eastern Visayas, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA, Northern Mindanao, Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN), and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

In terms of scores, Ookla’s quarterly data showed that in terms of mobile Consistency Score™, Globe is now enjoying up to 64% consistency in these high population density areas, nearing the global benchmark of 70% consistency score. Mobile consistency score measures the number of incidences (viewed as percentage) of a provider's samples equal or exceed both a download threshold of 5 Mbps and upload threshold of 1 Mbps.

Also, comparing download speeds between Q3 2019 and Q3 2020, Ookla data showed that Globe has a 12% higher mean download speed for all technologies and a 5% higher mean download speed for 4G/ LTE.

Globe was able to secure 1,857 permits for 2020. These permits allowed Globe to build 1,050 new sites to date and complete 10,876 upgrades to 4G/LTE. Globe expects to complete the build of 1,300 new cell sites by the end of 2020.

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9 which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

Globe recreates Christmas for all Filipinos

1 Dec, 2020, No comments

Christmas is fast approaching and yet, the realities of celebrating the holidays with a pandemic can be difficult for most Filipino families today. Despite this, the desire to enjoy our usual holiday activities and observe cherished local traditions remain strong in many of us. After all, the true spirit of Christmas is about hope, joy, and the eternal anticipation of good tidings.

Uplifting the lives of Filipinos and rekindling Christmas cheer in everyone's hearts underscore this year's Wonderful World of Globe (WWG).

“Our aim is to recreate the Christmas we all love. We take to heart our role in renewing the spirit of connectedness within the Filipino family especially at a time when most of us stay within the confines of our homes. It is also a great opportunity for each of us to do more for others and continue spreading cheer to everyone we can reach,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

As quick, easy and flexible internet access became the new essential, this year's WWG is the perfect time to launch the revolutionary product offer of Globe.

Surf4ALL is a first-of-its-kind, fully convergent data offer that knows no boundaries across Globe brands. This promo gives you high GBs for all sites and a shareable GB allocation that is seamlessly accessible to up to 4 users or devices. Now, you can share data with Globe Prepaid, Globe Postpaid, Globe Platinum, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, and even TM.

Available through the GlobeOne app, Surf4ALL has 2 promos - Surf4ALL99, which gives you 9GB of shareable data, and Surf4ALL249, with 20GB shared access (15GB + 5GB limited-time bonus data). Both offers are valid for 7 days. It's the only data product of its kind in the Philippines today to ensure no one is left behind when it comes to connectivity. This is the true universal data offer for all Globe customers which makes it possible to be constantly connected regardless of brand, device, and location.

The combination of Globe’s ever-improving network and the innovative Surf4ALL product gives Filipinos the ability to really make the holidays richer and better, by giving them access to daily essentials and services they will find both useful and enjoyable throughout the season.

As online shopping continues to surge in popularity, 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines, partnered with Puregold to create PureGo, an online grocery shopping platform that delivers groceries at one’s doorstep with a next day delivery promise, using multiple payment options including GCash.

Recreate Togetherness

Enjoying various content such as video, music, games, and sports can enhance family bonding so Globe partnered with Riot for special data offers for League of Legends: Wild Rift the mobile version of the highly-popular League of Legends.

And, with the continuous expansion of Globe’s 5G service, more exciting forms of innovation can be expected for Globe customers. One of which is coming from the partnership of Globe with Niantic. As the first Southeast Asian telco member of the Niantic Planet-Scale AR Alliance, Globe will drive bigger and better immersive gaming experiences powered by Niantic’s advanced AR real-world platform that will push the boundaries of what can be experienced in a Niantic game with 5G technology. Niantic is an AR company, inspiring people to explore the world together.

Another interesting 5G-enabled service that brings entertainment to a whole new level is from Globe’s official partnership with YouTube VR. This will enable users to watch and explore VR content in-app through the affordable yet effective Globe VR cardboard. This further enhances the customers' online entertainment experience and online learning at home.

Through a new partnership with HBO GO, Globe offers a raft of award-winning entertainment to the digital Filipino. With HBO GO, Globe customers can watch thousands of hours of shows and movies any time anywhere using their connected device. Filipinos can stream or download HBO Originals, HBO Asia Originals, Korean and Chinese dramas, Hollywood blockbusters, hundreds of hours of kids and family content and more, including Sam Mendes’ war film 1917, Spider-Man: Far From Home starring Tom Holland, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy and Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears: The Movie.

Globe also joined hands with Kumu, a Pinoy-centered live streaming platform, which is home of local and global user-generated Pinoy lifestyle content, and digital content partners like GKNB (Game Ka Na Ba?), a gamified FYE (For Your Entertainment) focused on celebrity streams, talk shows, variety content and MYXPH for music. Kumu will also be adding game streaming channels into their mix as part of their offerings on the platform.

Recreate Gift-Giving

What is Christmas without presents? Gift-giving is a tradition that goes back to the wise men that visited the nativity. And while everyone loves presents from family and friends, some of the best gifts come when people share their blessings with those they may not know well but who need help.

To help vulnerable communities during the pandemic, Globe Platinum has partnered with World Vision to create the #ForFutureHeroes program. It consists of virtual experiences in collaboration with BGC Arts Center, Electric Studio, and others that allow Globe Platinum customers to pursue their passions at home while making an impact on others. Participation in every activity is matched by Globe Platinum with World Vision school kits filled with DepEd approved learning modules and supplies, so the children of Baseco Compound, Manila can continue their education.

On top of this, Globe Platinum customers have been delighting frontliners, who have worked so tirelessly to keep Filipinos safe all these months, through the Thank-A-Hero program. Apart from sending them treats from Auntie Anne’s, Coco, The Cookie Bar, and JCo Donuts, Globe Platinum is also preparing a Noche Buena feast for our frontliners, to thank those who will be hard at work all throughout Christmas Eve, keeping Filipinos safe.

Recognizing the pressing demand of educators for a fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection, Globe At Home initiated WiFi2Teach which supports the DepEd’s Distance Learning program through the donation of Globe Prepaid WiFi modems. Modems have been donated to the DepEd to equip selected public school teachers and ensure that education remains unhampered. The program continues as it now works towards raising funds to provide free WiFi modems for public school students. In partnership with Ayala Foundation, for every Globe At Home Prepaid Wifi sold, P100 will be donated to help fund internet connectivity of selected public school students at home.

To give small and medium enterprises the much-needed boost, Globe myBusiness' Gift Local campaign encourages everyone to patronize local products for their Christmas gift-giving.

GCash brings to life our beloved Christmas traditions with ChristMAS KAYA with GCASH, where celebrations and gift giving are made possible thru innovations like GCash Send Aguinaldo, enabling users to send digital gift envelopes as aguinaldos to their inaanaks and pamangkins, and even gifting insurance thru the app's GInsure service. In the same spirit of giving and bayanihan, our customers may also donate to typhoon victims using GCash and their Globe Rewards points.

GLife, the newest GCash app feature, likewise, provides more gift and handaan options across different brands and e-commerce platforms, ranging from Lazada, Puregold, DataBlitz, Purego, Boozy, Goldilocks, Goama Games, and more.

It is indeed ‘Merry GCash!’ this Christmas, as GCash is also giving up to 30 million pesos worth of prizes just by using the app. Leading up to a few days to Christmas, consumers can get gifts just by buying load, or using GCredit to pay when they shop on their favorite online platforms. They will also get a chance to win a gift of their choice in the grand raffle.

Recreate Local Traditions

In the past, many Filipino families would look forward to the well-loved tradition on Christmas Day of watching the annual Metro Manila Film Festival which showcases local filmmakers and artists. This year, Globe and GMovies has partnered with the MMFF and UPSTREAM to recreate the MMFF tradition and bring this year’s nominated films online to Filipino homes around the nation and all over the world.

WWG also banners Filipino talents supported by Globe, celebrating the athletic achievements of such stars as 12-time 8-division boxing world champion and global icon Manny Pacquiao, Tennis child prodigy and Australian Open doubles champion Alex Eala, PH rep to FIBA 3X3 World Tour, Manila Chooks TM Team, ONE Championship’s martial arts stable Team Lakay. Globe also supports a roster of amazing local music artists and local greats with tremendous fan bases like December Avenue, Ben&Ben, SB19, The Juans, and Donnalyn Bartolome.

“We are looking forward to these exciting events that Globe has lined up for year-end and for 2021. Our commitment to our customers remains as we usher in a digital Philippines in the near future. Thank you for the support and for being with us in this journey.” said Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Globe.

Globe believes that with the people’s collective energy and ingenuity, everyone can still make wonderful memories this Christmas and help see them through a new and better normal.

Globe is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and has committed to implement sustainability principles hinged on four pillars including One Digital Nation, Care for the Environment, Care for People and Positive Societal Impact. Globe is actively supporting 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Globe bags Best Corporate Governance - Asia 2019 award for telecoms

1 Dec, 2020, No comments

Globe Telecom was recently awarded the “Best Corporate Governance - Telecoms - Asia 2019” from London’s Ethical Boardroom. Globe and its parent company, Ayala Corporation, are the only Philippine corporations recognized by the trailblazing magazine, with AC bagging the same award under the Holding category.

“We are proud and thankful to be recognized by the Ethical Boardroom for our corporate governance efforts. Corporate Governance is embedded in Globe’s culture and is at the heart of what makes the business successful as we continue to build value for all our stakeholders,” said Marisalve Ciocson-Co, Globe Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary.

The candidates, which are publicly listed companies and/or state owned enterprises, went through a challenging evaluation exercise conducted by the Ethical Boardroom’s internal and external research teams that balanced quantitative and qualitative analysis composed of CG pillars with 120 governance factors and supported by a set of key performance indicators.

Globe’s dedication to corporate governance was also repeatedly acknowledged by domestic and international award giving bodies, the latest of which came from Alpha Southeast Asia Magazine’s 10th Annual Poll for Institutional Investor Corporate Awards.

Globe is committed to upholding the 10 UNGC principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The company has also made it to the FTSE4Good Index Series for the fifth consecutive year, proving its dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices that help shape society’s sustainable future.

For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

People’s Champ Pacquiao donates Globe endorsement fee to Rolly and Ulysses victims

19 Nov, 2020, No comments

After scoring a brand endorsement agreement with Globe to be its newest brand ambassador, Senator and People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao announced that he is donating his fees to victims of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. At the recently held contract signing at the Mireio, Raffles Hotel in Makati with Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu and Globe Chairman and Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Pacquiao offered to give his earnings to support relief efforts.

“I said yes to Globe because I believe in the company, and I use the company’s services. Not only that, I am given another God-given opportunity to be of help to our kababayans in any way I can. That is why my endorsement fee for this will go to relief efforts to help our kababayans who were affected by the devastation of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. Ibibigay natin sa mga taong ito ang ating income dito, ibabalik natin sa taumbayan para makatulong ng malaki sa ating mga kababayan na naghihirap at nagugutom ngayon at nawalan ng tahanan. Sama sama tayong babangon, that is my commitment,” said Pacquiao.

The contract signing between Globe and twelve-time, eight-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao as its brand ambassador was live streamed on Facebook last night, a new standard for events marketing in the new normal.

“You’re donating the proceeds of the endorsements – I think that’s a very gallant move, and one that is so timely given the vast devastation that has occurred in the country today,” said Cu.

For Ayala, “At a time when the country is facing so many challenges, Manny’s life story has remained a source of inspiration for every Filipino even in this time of pandemic – a constant reminder of the Filipino’s strength, talent, and tenacity to overcome every difficulty.”

The partnership with Globe also paves the way for Filipinos from all over the world to see Pacquiao’s upcoming fights live via UPSTREAM, the newest transactional video-on-demand (VOD) platform, and GMovies.

“It is indeed a source of pride to partner with Manny Pacquiao, the People’s Champ. His legendary boxing career is a never ending source of Pinoy inspiration to always strive to be better,” said Upstream partner Dondon Monteverde. “This same inspiration goes in line with our vision for Upstream to become the best entertainment platform for the Filipino. It is with great privilege and honour that Upstream will air his next fight through live internet streaming to the Filipino people,” Monteverde added.

Also present at the contract signing were Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Business Development Head of Ayala Corporation; Issa Cabreira, Globe Consumer Business Group Head; Joe Caliro,

Globe Senior Adviser; Arnold Vegafria, Talent Manager, and Roselle Monteverde, Regal Films Producer.

From L-R: Upstream Partner Dondon Monteverde, Director Erik Matti, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu, Uptream Partner Roselle Monteverde, New Globe Ambassador Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Arnold Vegafria, Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO and Globe Telecom Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Atty. Brando Viernesto, Globe Consumer Business Head Issa Cabreira, Ayala Corporation Business Development Head, Corporate Strategy and Development Group Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Globe Senior Advisor, Joe Caliro

CLI posts P5.7 billion 9-month consolidated revenues, closely matching 2019 pre-pandemic performance

16 Nov, 2020, No comments

Leading Visayas-Mindanao developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) disclosed today consolidated revenues of Php 5.7 billion and net income to parent of Php 1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2020, closely resembling its pre-pandemic 2019 performance.

Consolidated revenues dipped slightly by four percent year-on-year, but still outperformed the industry due to robust real estate sales of Php 5.56 billion for the period. Q3 revenues surged to Php 2.2 billion, 57 percent hike quarter-on-quarter, as quarantine restrictions eased in key VisMin cities driving CLI construction efficiency to 90 percent from the previous quarter’s 70 percent. Moreover, collections improved with 500 more accounts qualifying for higher revenue recognition.

Continued expansion in VisMin

Earlier in the year, the listed firm secured its uninterrupted expansion by launching five residential projects with high sales velocity valued at Php 5.5 billion, while expanding to new areas in VisMin despite the pandemic. Expansion areas include Iloilo, and the underserved areas of Bohol and Ormoc.

Consequently, reservation sales for the first nine months increased by 14 percent year-on-year to Php 10.5 billion. The boost in reservation sales translates to Php 17.9 billion in unrecognized revenues, or an 18 percent increase, and sustained earnings in the near future.

Franco Soberano, CLI executive vice-president and chief operating officer, remarked:

“We are pleased to serve new residential homeseekers in VisMin, where demand for residential housing has proven to be a bright spot in the region’s economy. There has been sustained demand from both local and OFW buyers, which has enabled CLI to surpass our reservation sales performance in 2019. The housing backlog has never been more pronounced than now due to the pandemic, and it's our shared responsibility to address this backlog as best we can.”

Soberano added that in the last quarter of 2020, CLI expects stronger OFW inflows and generalconsumer outlook in VisMin to bounce back as local businesses reboot operations. He also expects Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms to continue expanding in the region as the global economic crisis deepens.

Sustained and stable recurring business

CLI’s recurring business, spearheaded by Citadines Cebu City, has benefited from the continued expansion of BPOs to the Visayas. The serviced residence located close to Cebu City’s business districts maintained an average occupancy of 67 percent during the first nine months as it catered to BPO companies that housed their employees during the lockdown and returning OFWs. It has continued operations until present because of its sustained demand and occupancy rate.

Launched in September 2019, Citadines Cebu City posted a revenue of Php 49.3 million in the first nine months in 2020. The company’s gross leasable area will grow to 28,000 sqm. with the turnover of its four-star BERDE rated office building, Latitude Corporate Center, in the fourth quarter of this year.

Its current leasing portfolio encompassing 15,000 sqm. of leasable space is 86.8 percent occupied. Nevertheless, lease revenue posted a slight five percent decline owing largely to rental concessions offered by CLI to tenants struggling with business disruptions due to the pandemic.

Total assets breach billion-dollar mark

In the meantime, CLI reported that its total asset has breached the billion-dollar mark at Php 49 billion. The company will continue to build its assets starting with the groundwork of an iconic Php 3 billion tower at the Cebu Business Park with an estimated floor area of 44,000 sqm.

The mixed-use development with office, retail and a 195-room, five-star hotel is set for completion in 2024. This project will allow the firm to maximize opportunities in tourism and the BPO industry which have been forecasted to make strong rebounds in the post-pandemic period especially by the time the development is operational.

Partner financing institutions

Meanwhile, Cebu Landmasters will continue to collaborate with its partner financing institutions collectively accountable for the company’s Php 42 billion approved bank lines. Only Php 23.7 billion has been drawn to date.

The company has also fully subscribed its Php 8 billion corporate notes at favorable rates, with average cost of borrowing at 4.15 percent ensuring its liquidity.

More turnovers

In the near term, the continued turnover of CLI residential projects will secure the firm’s footing moving forward. CLI was able to continue turnover of projects during this period, including the three-tower MesaVerte Garden Residences with 700 units in Cagayan de Oro; Mivesa Garden Residences Tower 6 and 7 with 576 units in Cebu City; Base Line Premier with 379 in Cebu City; and more than 1,700 units of Casa Mira South phases 1 and 2 in Naga-San Fernando, Cebu.

These project completions will generate a total of Php 5.8 billion worth of future cash inflows and secure income streams for CLI. PR

CLI continues to turnover completed units of the 1,753-unit Casa Mira South Phase 1 and 2 in Naga-San Fernando, Cebu. These two developments will generate the company over Php 3 billion worth of cash inflows from take-outs.

Globe exceeds site builds, upgrades in September

12 Nov, 2020, No comments

Globe’s target of expanding further its network capability and capacity has exceeded its forecast, moving into the last quarter of the year.

As of September this year, Globe has exceeded its performance of cell site upgrades with 7,780 or a 26.4% increase compared to the number of cell sites upgraded last year. The cell sites are now 4G LTE ready to give customers faster connectivity and better mobile experience.

Globe has also installed 593 new towers since January this year, which is more than what the company has built for the same period in 2019.

In terms of bringing connectivity to challenged areas, the company has installed more cell sites in parts of Davao Oriental, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental, Isabela. Ilocos Sur, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Southern Leyte, Capiz, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, and Rizal with no or weak signal. This effectively expands the coverage of Globe to more locations nationwide.

Overall, the company was able to pick up the pace of the builds much faster than 2019 despite the pandemic.

“We are committed to fulfilling our network upgrades and expansion program to improve the connectivity in the country and bring better data experience to our customers. We have regarded the various community lockdowns, not as concerns but challenges to deliver more and make the best of the opportunities given to us,” Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group, said.

In a recent briefing with President Duterte, DILG Secretary Ano reiterated the need for telcos to build more cell site towers as the country and the world have gone digital, as well as with schools holding online classes. “We will really expedite the rollout of the telco towers,” said Ano, who mentioned provisions on Bayanihan to Recover as One Act 2 that waive most requirements for building permits to be able to fastrack builds.

Agustin likewise credits the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 01 s. 2020 signed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Interior and Local Government, Anti-Red Tape Authority, and other government agencies and passage of Bayanihan to Recover as One Act 2 as other reasons for fast-tracking build efforts by Globe.

Most of the sites completed are in Rizal and Quezon City, while the majority of network upgrades were done in Bulacan and Cavite. Current site installations and site upgrades are also ongoing in other parts of the country, including in areas where the company is targeting to increase its presence.

By prioritizing its network upgrades and expansion, Globe has laid out a three-part strategy that includes aggressive cell site builds, upgrading all its sites to have 4G/LTE using many different frequencies; and fast-tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.

GCash leads Digital Fintech Revolution under the New Normal

5 Nov, 2020, No comments

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, is leading the country’s shift into the new normal through digital financial technology (fintech), making it part of the lifestyle of many Filipinos.

GCash Marketing Manager Winsley Bangit identified that the pandemic has set the stage in cultivating new trends and behavioral changes in the Filipinos’ way of living that make way for increased adoption of fintech, a sphere that GCash leads.

“The pandemic made people realize a lot of things. One of which is that fintech is not just an option now but a necessity. It allows the person to do their usual routines without the risk of transmission of the virus at the comfort of their homes and by only using their phones. Bills payments, sending money, paying via QR or barcode became the new default way of paying as many establishments prefer contactless transactions,” Bangit said.

“GCash as a lifestyle app became more relevant than ever. We saw unprecedented growth in downloads, usage, and overall number of transactions,” he added.

In the country’s attempt to function in a safe way under the new normal, GCash has observed 4 key trends emerging in the country which leads to the growth of online activities and usage of digital financial services.

One is the Contactless Revolution, where consumers turn to online means to satisfy their needs such as opting to shop online and adopt digital financial services rather than going to malls, groceries, and banks.

Quarantining at home also cultivates an entire Stay-At-Home Economy wherein an ecosystem of opportunities arise from the continuous pursuit of new passions at home, whether it may be learning new skills, growing plants, baking, or staying fit and healthy.

Another trend GCash saw was the Emerging Virtual Communities where Filipinos join and build communities online such as online selling communities and hosting of online events that nourish relationships and connections with the community.

The last is Navigating Financial Volatility in these trying times. Unemployment and loss of income became the main driver of insecurity among consumers, which also affected the growth of businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The majority or 7 out of 10 Filipinos remain unbanked and are unable to access financial services.

Because of this, Bangit said there is a spike in interest in financial literacy and learning digital financial solutions and products available in the market.

He noted that more and more Filipinos now are inclined to savings, investments, and entrepreneurship compared to consumerism before the pandemic. Even GCash users are using the app to earn amid the pandemic, and one of them being a community bayad center in their area through GCash Pay Bills.

“This is an opportunity for us to build new behaviors and also nourish positive ones not just for the self, but also for the family. We help consumers and businesses in their needs given the current economic instability. And GCash is leading the way with digital financial services that Filipinos deserve,” Bangit said.

“We are witnessing a shift in consumer behavior today, and we in GCash know that we play a pivotal role in helping consumers overcome these challenges,” he added.

GCash is at the forefront of helping the Filipinos weather the storms of the pandemic through providing digital financial services such as peer-to-peer and bank transfers, saving money, paying bills and online purchases, buying load, investments, loans, and many others.

GCash has been servicing over 24 million users year-to-date and has grown its monthly active users by 10 times versus 2017, a testament to GCash leading the way of enabling Filipinos online under the new normal.

GCash is the No. 1 mobile wallet in the Philippines. It is also the top Philippine financial app in Google and Apple Store and among the top 3 overall free apps only behind Tiktok and Zoom.

“The vision of GCash -- Finance for All -- resonates timely now, not just for individuals but also as a whole society and economy. GCash is not only the No. 1 finance app, but we also believe the whole country is now ready and primed to be served with digital solutions,” Bangit said.

Bangit emphasized that Filipinos are ready to fully adopt digital solutions and financial services to move forward in the pandemic, citing GCash’s forecast to serve P1 trillion worth of transactions by the end of 2020.

The confidence came from the 900 percent year-on-year growth of money transfers and transactions in GCash, as well as being the No. 1 InstaPay sender and receiver or send to bank nationwide.

“We are helping and solving things together for consumers, businesses, the government, LGU partners, and we are to make sure we provide meaningful relevant services that the Philippine consumer deserves,” Bangit said.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.|PR

'Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber' launched

31 Oct, 2020, No comments

ILIGAN CITY, –– The Chamber of Commerce Foundation & Industry of Iligan Incorporated (CCIFII) with USAID & Plan International's Marawi Response Project (MRP) in partnership of the Philippine Information Agency - Iligan City Information Center (PIA-ICIC) launched on Thursday, October 29, the 'Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber', a monthly program that discusses the issues and concerns of the local business community here.

The Kapehan is an online forum that aims to provide guidance to the local business community in Iligan city, including CCIFII's counterparts in Marawi city, and those in the municipalities in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, on issues that affect the private sector.

"This activity will be run in Facebook Live to provide the local business communities with crucial information on ongoing programs and measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic," said CCIFII president. Reggie Punongbayan.

She also added that 'Kapehan' will allow the local entrepreneurs to bring out key concerns about the current state of doing business under quarantine measures of the so-called "new normal".

The program stems from clamors of the business community to have a platform of engagement with the local government units of their respective towns and cities particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused major disruptions to the economy.

Marlon Libot, MRP's deputy chief-of-party, cited the significant impact of the 'Kapehan' that bridges the private sector and the government in addressing the call of local businesses.

"Through this 'Kapehan', isa ni sa mga venue diin mapadayag ang panginahanglan (sa ga negosyante) where the city government could respond through issuing a lot of ordinances supporting economic development in the area," Libot elaborated.

[This 'Kapehan' is a venue for the business sector to express their sentiments where the city government could respond through issuing a lot of ordinances supporting economic development in the area.]

The PIA-ICIC provided the online platform and mobilized media participants who play a vital role in gathering issues from the people and disseminating the needed information from the answers of the Kapehan's panelists.

"Being the communications arm of the government, we saw the need to provide a platform where the business community, city government, and national line agencies can discuss pressing concerns brought about by the pandemic and come-up with sustainable solutions towards the economic recovery of the city," remarked Apipa Bagumbaran, the center manager of PIA-ICIC.

Aside from Punongbayan and Libot, other panelists during the launching of the 'Kapehan' are Department of Trade and Industry - Lanao del Norte (DTI-LDN) Provincial Director Ruel Paclipan, City Councilor Demosthenes Plando who chairs the Council's Committee of Trade and Commerce, and Iligan-IATF Incident Commander and City Fire Marshal Butch Baulete.

Topics on proposed city ordinances in support to COVID-19-affected business owners, and electronic shopping created by local developers were two of the highlights of the talk.

The 'Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber' will be a monthly program streamed live at PIA-Iligan and Lanao del Norte's Facebook page and broadcasted in different local radio station in the city. (CLGV/PIA-ICIC)

From left: MRP's deputy chief-of-party Marlon Libot, DTI-LDN's PD Ruel Paclipan, PIA-ICIC's center manager Apipa Bagumbaran, CCIFII's president Reggie Punongbayan, Iligan city councilor Demosthenes Plando and Iligan IATF Commander FCI Butch Baulete in Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber setup.

NorMin economy grows at a slower pace in 2019 by 5.9%

23 Oct, 2020, No comments

The economy of Region 10 expanded at a slower pace by 5.9 percent in 2019 as compared with the recorded growth in the previous year of 7.1 percent.

The slower growth was due to the slowdown in Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation and Storage, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 Regional Director Ruben Abaro, Jr. said.

Manufacturing, which constituted 11.0 percent of the region's economy, posted a decelerated growth of 1.5 percent from the previous year’s growth of 9.1 percent.

Construction which shared 8.6 percent of the regional economy also grew slower at 8.4 percent from the previous year’s growth of 15.9 percent.

Likewise, transportation and storage, with a share of 3.6 percent to the total economy showed a slower growth of 6.5 percent from the previous year’s growth of 17.8 percent.

Of the 5.9 percent economic growth in the region, trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles was the top contributor to growth of 1.9 percentage points, followed by construction at 0.7 percentage point and education at 0.6 percentage point, Abaro added.

The region's economy remained to have the seventh biggest share of the Philippine economy at 4.5 percent. Moreover, Region 10 contributed 0.3 percentage points to the Philippine economic growth of 6.0 percent.|(PSA10/PIA10)

La Viña vows livelihood, relocation to families displaced in PHIVIDEC-IA

23 Oct, 2020, No comments

TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental—PHIVIDEC-IA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña assured 148 families, directly affected by the construction of the foreign-owned steel company and manufacturing plant in the industrial estate would be taken cared of.

“We want the affected families to gain a sense of pride in their new homes in the resettlement community. We will also assist them through livelihood programs,” La Viña said.

La Viña, whose advocacy is helping the poor, promised a complete amenities like water supplies, schools, and churches would be made available to ensure that the relocation areas are livable and the residents would not want to leave the area.

Myrna Bernadez and her family have been living in Barangay Mohon for 32 years. They know from the start that the land where they are presently cultivating is owned by PHIVIDEC-IA.

“We are ready to leave the place whenever PHIVIDEC needs the land. After all, we are grateful to PHIVIDEC for allowing us to stay here for more than 30 years. In fact, PHIVIDEC even allows us to cultivate a portion of the land for farming as our main source of livelihood,” said Bernadez.

Antonio Fabilla, a neighbor of Bernadez, who also resides in Barangay Mohon for the past 30 years has utilized the adjacent land as a corn field.

“I understand that I have to leave this place. I will abide with the law and remains hopeful that I could start a new life at the relocation site,” Fabella said.

Both Bernadez and Fabella are among the 2,400 families who would be provided a slot in the 112.88-hectare of the PHIVIDEC-IA eight resettlement sites in the municipal towns of Tagoloan and Villanueva, both located in the 3,000-hectare industrial economic zone in Misamis Oriental.

La Viña assures that the resettlement of the affected residents at any site development is in accordance with the law. Aside from the land where they can rebuild their houses, residents will also receive compensation based on the appraised value of their property.

Meanwhile, those who choose to waive their relocation privileges will also be compensated and will receive additional financial assistance.

The Veterans and Community Affairs Division of PHIVIDEC-IA also offers livelihood training and TESDA scholarship to members of relocated families. (PR)

Globe rolls out free broadband fiber upgrades nationwide

23 Oct, 2020

True to its commitment to continuously make its services better, Globe is migrating its broadband network from copper to fiber for better data experience. It has, so far, moved over 40% of the targeted customers nationwide to the newer and higher speed network for free.

With the shift to fiber, Globe broadband customers can enjoy faster speed, bigger data, and more stable connection to address the growing demand for online connectivity at home as people turn to the internet for work, learning, entertainment and other essential needs.

“A good, stable and reliable internet connection is a critical need under the new normal. To meet our customers' demands, we upgraded our network with superior technology for a better internet experience. We are rolling out fiber to homes nationwide, and upgrading our customers to fiber connections for free to give them first world internet connectivity that they deserve,” said Darius Delgado, Globe VP and Head of Broadband Business.

Fiber connection can provide a maximum speed of 1Gbps as compared to copper ADSL which only provides a maximum speed of 15 Mbps. Higher bandwidth means being able to download or upload large files faster, stream high-definition videos and webinars, and run multiple online programs simultaneously, among other benefits.

Unlike the traditional copper cables which suffer from huge data signal loss over long distances, fiber only registers slight data signal degradation. Being smaller, lighter and sheathed in protective coat, it is also more durable than the bulky copper which can be easily broken during installation. It is also resistant to electromagnetic and radio signal interference.

Allowing customers to move to fiber connection for free is part of Globe’s network expansion and upgrade program to improve data and voice experience at the homefront.

Globe’s investments in its network is supportive of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs

Globe At Home customers may update their details in the Globe At Home app so they will be informed once fiber is available in their area and can get upgraded for free. The app may be downloaded from Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS.

Globe network expansion brings telehealth to more people across PH

23 Oct, 2020

Globe Telecom’s aggressive network upgrade and expansion is envisioned to bring telemedicine services to more people across the country, particularly those living in far-flung areas who do not have immediate access to licensed medical practitioners.

With only one doctor for every 33,000 Filipinos, telemedicine becomes a viable alternative to the traditional visit to hospitals or clinics. Telemedicine can immediately connect a patient to a doctor whenever they require medical assistance regardless of location, thus, saving time, effort, and money.

“Healthcare needs to be accessible anytime, anywhere. Through telemedicine, we can provide everyone equal access to quality care without any geographic restriction. Globe is bringing telemedicine to anyone who needs it by making our network as pervasive as possible and by deploying the latest network technologies to help us deliver more advanced telehealth services to Filipinos nationwide,” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of Global Telehealth, Inc which runs KonsultaMD.

Globe, through its wholly-owned corporate incubator, 917Ventures, operates two telehealth services -- KonsultaMD, in partnership with Mexico’s Salud Interactiva; and HealthNow which is powered by Vigos Health, an ACHealth subsidiary.

Both KonsultaMD and HealthNow give the public access to skilled and licensed Filipino doctors who can provide safe medical assessment and advice on basic healthcare and proper medication, issue e-prescriptions, and read laboratory results.

KonsultaMD also provides medical advice via phone for those who are not tech-savvy or those who are budget conscious. However, video consultation is fast gaining ground for both KonsultaMD and HealthNow as it allows the doctors to actually see the patient’s health problem on screen. More telehealth services which utilize online tools are also expected to be introduced as a result of rapid technological advancements.

Thus, with increasing demand for data-driven tools and services, Globe continuously invests billions of dollars to upgrade and improve its network. This year alone, Globe has earmarked USD 1.2 billion in capital expenditure, majority of which goes to network and capacity builds including the rollout of 4G LTE and 5G technology as well as fiber optic cables for better data connectivity, faster speed, bigger capacity, and lower latency.

By helping bring telehealth to every Filipino through infrastructure builds, Globe reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly, UNSDG No. 3 which ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages; and UNSDG No. 9 on

building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.