Globe’s network and core services are operational amid non-stop rains and floods brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon. On Wednesday, call, text and data services in areas affected by the typhoon remained operational, with isolated cases of interruption due to commercial power outages. Globe has also prepositioned personnel for quick response in case of any network emergency. “We would like to assure our customers that our network is ready for any potential impact of the typhoon and the enhanced habagat on our infrastructure. Our network facilities across the country are built for resilience, with generators and batteries on standby in case of commercial power outages,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Rains continued to batter Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon Wednesday due to the effects of Carina, which also worsened the impact of the southwest monsoon. This has caused persistent rains and widespread flooding, shutting down major roads around the metro. According to PAGASA, expect moderate to intense rains over various areas in the western portion of Luzon until Thursday. Malacañang has suspended work in government and  classes in all levels in Metro Manila, while private companies have allowed workers to work from home. The public is advised to stay updated and get verified weather reports. Globe provides free data access to the website of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Globe has also provided connectivity support and other forms of aid for residents in affected areas. Globe Prepaid and TM customers are getting free unli calls and texts  to all networks, free 100MB of data for internet surfing and other apps, and another 100MB for Facebook, Viber and more valid for one day. Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users in areas stricken by the typhoon and habagat, meanwhile, received free 5GB of data that they may use within three days. Globe GFiber Prepaid users were given seven days of promo extension, allowing them to use connectivity services for free for one full week. Globe Postpaid and Globe At Home customers, meanwhile, were granted extended payment due dates to cushion the economic impact of the storm. Globe At Home Postpaid customers also received 15GB of shareable data. Globe’s telehealth provider KonsultaMD is also providing customers in affected areas one free video consultation with a general practitioner. This offer, valid for one time use within one month, can be accessed via the code ALAGANGGLOBE. Valid for 1 time use for 1 month Globe is ready to deploy Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng WiFi stations in affected areas where communication services may be affected. Customers are encouraged to support relief efforts by donating their Globe Rewards points via the GlobeOne app.                  

SM marked Earth Day 2024 w ith a series of initiatives designed to promote environmental responsibility and empower the next generation. In a groundbreaking partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Nestle Philippines, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, SM Cares has initiated the “Earth Day Every Day Project.” This innovative program empowers young people to become environmental stewards by focusing on plastic waste reduction. Students areencouraged to collect plastics within their communities and deposit them at designated collection facilities within SM malls nationwide.   Additionally, the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, a partnership with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Friends of Hope, aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans through proper plastic segregation. Recognizing the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste), SM Cares has partnered with PLDT and Smart to enhance the reach of its Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program. This collaborative effort expands access to safe and responsible e-waste disposal solutions for Filipinos nationwide, while promoting responsible consumption habits among consumers. Internally, SM launched the #SMWasteFreeFuture program, aiming to revolutionize waste management practices across the company. This program emphasizes a shift in mindset towards waste reduction and responsible disposal, fostering positive behavioral changes among employees and creating a company-wide culture of sustainability. “At SM, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity. Through programs like these, we are committed to creating a positive impact on the environment and inspiring others to join us in building a greener future,” said Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. These initiatives underscore SM Cares’ unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability, transcending Earth Day to embody a continuous effort towards creating a more sustainable future for all. SM Prime remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends to SM’s forthcoming endeavors, which will be led by its future property development, with a focus on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates.  

Globe welcomes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s vow to enhance connectivity in the country, including leveraging tower-sharing and initiating policy reforms for faster and more efficient network expansion. In his State of the Nation Address Monday, Marcos promised to “harness the concept of common towers” and pave the way for “policy reforms and streamlined processes” – steps that Globe has been espousing in various fora to improve connectivity. Digitalization, the President said, should also become the new standard in Philippine schools as a critical component of uplifting the country’s education system. “Globe thanks the President for giving priority to enhancing the country’s connectivity infrastructure in his SONA. Our goals are well-aligned, and we look forward to our sustained collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to bring to fruition our parallel vision of a digitalized nation,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.   He cited how Marcos’ SONA targets echo Globe’s initiatives, including optimizing the use of common towers to make network builds more capital-efficient. Globe has also been pushing for policy reforms, including amendments to the outdated National Building Code to classify the internet as a basic necessity, remove lease fees for in-building solutions, and mandate the provision of space for telco infrastructure in buildings and real property developments. The company has also been calling for the full and effective implementation of Executive Order No. 32, which streamlines the permitting process for telco infrastructure. Globe’s initiatives to bring connectivity to Geographically Isolated and and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) also complements the government’s efforts to connect remote areas to the internet. To date, Globe’s network has reached over 500 GIDAs across the country.   Globe also provides affordable connectivity for Filipino homes, including GFiber Prepaid, which was rolled out in line with the company’s advocacy for digital inclusion. GFiber Prepaid provides fiber-fast connectivity with no monthly bills and no lock-up periods.   “The government can count on Globe to be its constant ally in advancing the country’s digitalization goals. We’re ready to work together on necessary policy reforms and collaborate more closely so that every Filipino experiences the life-changing benefits of reliable connectivity,” said Cu. Globe is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), a platform where private sector leaders directly interface with the President to collaborate on projects and reforms that will advance economic growth and uplift Filipino lives.