Globe further expanded its 5G network in 2024, deploying 587 new 5G sites across the Philippines as the company continues to invest in 5G technology with consistently rising demand for high-speed mobile services. This rollout resulted in 5G coverage reaching 98.69% of the National Capital Region and 96.95% of key cities throughout the Visayas and Mindanao, now serving approximately 106 towns. “With our enhanced 5G coverage, we are delivering improved mobile experiences to our customers,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Head of Service Planning and Engineering. “Our investments in network infrastructure reflect our dedication to providing equal access to the digital economy for all communities in the Philippines.” In December 2024 alone, over 9 million devices connected to Globe’s 5G network, showing the increasing reliance of consumers on fast and reliable connectivity. Globe is reinforcing its 5G leadership through hyper-personalization efforts, giving customers more to look forward to as activity in the 5G space is seen to gain momentum. Beyond its domestic efforts, Globe also broadened its global presence through partnerships with 168 inbound and 182 outbound 5G partners in 99 destinations, further solidifying its position in the international market. Globe’s 5G expansion is part of its ongoing network initiatives, which include the construction of 1,212 new cell sites and the enhancement of 4,613 existing mobile sites with LTE technology in 2024. The company also deployed 67,456 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines, prioritizing the optimization of existing fiber resources in line with more efficient capital expenditure. Globe is increasing its builds this year to strengthen and improve its network, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for customers everywhere while supporting economic progress and innovation.      

Globe continues to optimize its capital investments with a sustained reduction in capital expenditures (capex) in 2025 to under US$1 billion with the objective of achieving positive free cash flow, reinforcing its commitment to financial discipline and long-term sustainability. “We are pleased with our performance in 2024, which underscores the strength and resilience of our financial position,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “Our focused approach to capex, coupled with the ongoing optimization of our network, has enabled us to achieve strong income growth and improved free cash flow. We are excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025.” Globe’s capex for the year amounted to Php56.2 billion, a 20% decrease compared to the previous year, and remained within its full-year guidance. Notably, 90% of the capex was directed towards data-related investments, ensuring that Globe’s network infrastructure continues to meet growing demand for digital services. Likewise, the capex-to-revenue ratio decreased from 44% in 2023 to 34% in 2024, reflecting Globe’s prudent capital allocation strategy. Meanwhile, Globe’s total debt slightly decreased from Php250 billion in 2023 to Php249.5 billion in 2024. The key gearing ratios for this period include a gross debt to EBITDA of 2.66x, net debt to EBITDA of 2.43x, and a debt service coverage ratio of 3.42x. Globe remains confident in its ability to achieve its financial objectives, with a disciplined approach to investments and a strong focus on operational efficiencies.    

A Baguio court has junked another injunction application filed by several CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) sub-lessees for failing to prove that they are indeed “non-parties” to the arbitration that should be excluded from the government’s efforts to fully recover the 247-hectare Property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. Branch 3 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied the application for temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction filed by CJHDevCo sub-lessees to block the  implementation of the arbitral award mandating the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all the improvements and permanent structures, to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), without exceptions. This comes after the denial by Baguio RTC Branch 79 of an earlier application filed by a separate group of foreign nationals in Camp John Hay for the same relief. According to the court order issued on 06 February 2025,  petitioners were found to have acquired their rights from CJHDevCo, being its sublessees. Hence, even if they were not made parties to the arbitration, they are bound by the Arbitral Award considering that they derive their rights from CJHDevCo, who is a party to the arbitration. The court said the petitioners therefore failed to prove that they have a clear legal right to be excluded from the implementation of the reinstated Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate. “The BCDA lauds the Baguio RTC and other law enforcement entities for continuously upholding the rule of law and protecting the government’s rights over Camp John Hay. This development proves what we have been saying all along—that the blame on the government, which is simply following the final ruling of the Supreme Court, is misdirected. We hope this gives way to productive dialogue with the claimants so we can discuss possible solutions regarding their claims,” said BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes. On 03 April 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals ruling that nullified the Writ of Execution issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s Ex-Officio Sheriff insofar as persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay are concerned. In its 22 October 2024 Resolution, the Supreme Court denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by CJHDevCo and intervenors who attempted to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court decision. All those who are affected by the ruling are encouraged to reach out to the BCDA to discuss reasonable concerns within the bounds of the law. They may contact the BCDA Help Desk via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.            

Globe closed 2024 with strong financial results as it set a new record in consolidated gross service revenues of Php165 billion, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase driven by growth across key segments. This performance was fueled by a 4% hike in mobile revenues, totaling a record Php116.7 billion, and a record Php20.4 billion in corporate data revenues, marking an 11% rise. Combined, they represent 83% of total consolidated gross service revenues, compared to 81% in 2023. Adjusting for the deconsolidation of ECPay[1] from Globe’s books in 2023, gross service revenues would have grown by 3% on a comparable basis. Mobile revenues for 2024 surpassed the Php112.4 billion achievement in 2023, supported by effective data monetization, market recovery, and continued network enhancements. As a result, mobile revenues now represent 71% of total consolidated gross service revenues, up from 69% the previous year. This was further reinforced by a significant rise in mobile data revenues, which attained an all-time high of Php97.4 billion by December 2024, a 7% increase from 2023. In 2024, mobile data made up 83% of total mobile revenues versus 81% the year before, as Filipinos increasingly relied on mobile apps for their online activities. With this, Globe’s mobile data traffic went up to 6,351 petabytes compared to 5,960 petabytes in 2023. Globe’s mobile customer base also expanded by 3.9 million subscribers in 2024, bringing the total to 60.9 million from 57.0 million a year ago. Likewise, Globe’s corporate data business performed strongly, with revenues driven by a 15% rise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and a 9% increase in core data services. Business Applications Solutions (BAS) and cybersecurity services contributed significantly to ICT revenue performance, posting year-on-year improvements of 29% and 4%, respectively. This result highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of its business clients. Globe’s home broadband segment also showed growth, with fiber services seeing a 2% rise in revenues and a 16% increase in subscriber count, driven by the strong adoption of GFiber Prepaid (GFP). This shift also produced a 13% annual increase in fixed-wired subscribers. GFP already reached 260,000 subscribers with a 74% quarter-on-quarter growth. Its strong customer loyalty is evident in reload rates of 78% and world class Net Promoter Score (NPS), underscoring the success of Globe’s customer acquisition strategy and commitment to seamless connectivity. “Our 2024 revenues reflect the strength of our data-driven strategy and the growing demand for mobile and corporate data services. By continuing to enhance our network and expand our customer base, we are well-positioned to sustain this growth into 2025 and beyond,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe. Globe’s strong 2024 performance underscores its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity and innovative digital solutions to both consumers and businesses. With continued investments in network infrastructure, customer experience, and strategic partnerships, Globe is poised to capitalize on the growing digital landscape and further solidify its position as a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines.            

BAGUIO CITY — Nananatiling matatag si Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Chair Gladys Vergara sa kanyang pangako sa pagpapalawak ng mga programang pangkabuhayan sa buong Baguio, na nagpapatibay sa kanyang pananaw sa pagtatatag ng mga sentrong kabuhayan sa bawat barangay. Matatandaan, noong Enero 22, ay inilunsad ni Vergara ang kanyang kauna-unahang Ginhawa Venture (GV) Livelihood Hub, sa pakikipagtulungan ng TESDA at Department of Agriculture, na matatagpuan sa Barangay Irisan, Baguio City. Ayon kay Vergara, ang inisyatiba na ito ay naglalayong bigyan ang mga residente ng mahahalagang kasanayan habang nagbibigay ng patuloy na suporta upang matiyak ang paglago at pagpapanatili ng kanilang mga pakikipagsapalaran sa kabuhayan, na isang isang transformative power tungo sa entrepreneurship. Aniya, sa tulong ng TESDA, ang Nail Care Training ay matagumpay na naisagawa sa Barangay Asin Road, noong Pebrero 3, para ipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng sustainable livelihood programs. Noong Pebrero 6, ang BTC ay nagsagawa ng isang sesyon ng pagsasanay sa Dishwashing Liquid training session mula sa 33 kalahok ng mahahalagang kasanayan para sa pagbuo ng kita at pag-iipon ng sambahayan sa Barangay Asin Road. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay naging posible sa suporta ng Sangguniang Barangay Member Tita Dinulong, higit pang pagpapalakas ng mga pagsisikap na magbigay ng mga pagkakataon sa kabuhayan, partikular para sa mga kababaihan. Ang mga kalahok ay nakikibahagi sa hands-on na pag-aaral, pagkakaroon ng praktikal na kaalaman sa paggawa ng cost-effective at de-kalidad na dishwashing liquid—isang kasanayang maaaring gawing maliit na negosyong pakikipagsapalaran o magamit para sa pagtitipid ng sambahayan. Bilang bahagi ng programa, nakatanggap ang mga kalahok ng business starter kits at ginawaran ng certificate of completion mula sa TESDA pagkatapos ng pagsasanay. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay naaayon sa 3 Ls ng isang Organisasyon—Pag-aaral, Pamumuno, at Pag-angat—na tinitiyak na ang mga indibidwal ay hindi lamang sinanay sa mahahalagang kasanayan ngunit ginagabayan din tungo sa pagiging makasarili at entrepreneurship. Sa pangunguna ng TESDA trainer na si Fe Lucaben sa session BTC, TESDA, at mga lokal na lider ay patuloy ang suporta para sa mas maraming livelihood training programs ang nakatakdang sundin—na maghahatid ng accessible skills development sa bawat barangay sa Baguio. “Ang inisyatiba ng Ginhawa Venture ay higit pa sa isang programang pangkabuhayan—ito ay isang hakbang tungo sa pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga indibidwal na kontrolin ang kanilang mga pang-ekonomiyang hinaharap. Alam ko mismo kung paano nababago ng entrepreneurship ang buhay, dahil sa mga naunang taon, sinimulan ko ang aking paglalakbay sa pagbebenta ng mga processed meat products habang sinusuportahan ang aking pamilya bilang single mother. Ngayon, hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng kalahok na tanggapin ang pagkakataong ito, gamitin ang mga kasanayang ito upang magsimula ng maliliit na negosyo, at pagaanin ang mga pinansiyal na pasanin para sa kanilang mga pamilya. Ang programang ito ay naglalayong itaguyod ang pag-asa sa sarili sa mga kababaihan at pamilya sa mga barangay, na lumayo sa pag-asa sa isang beses na ayuda o dole-out,” paliwanag ni Gladys.

As coffee demand continues to surge across the Philippines, the highland municipality of Bakun, Benguet is brewing its way to becoming one of the country’s sources of high-grade Arabica coffee. Recognized for its distinct quality and flavor, Benguet Arabica Coffee has cemented its reputation as a top-tier type, with Bakun poised to meet the market’s growing appetite for this high-value crop. To support this vision, Hedcor, the renewable asset manager of AboitizPower, has provided 5,000 Arabica coffee wildlings and 500 cacao seedlings to boost the municipality’s thriving coffee and cacao industry. This initiative empowers farmers to scale production, take advantage of the rising demand, and position Bakun as a key player in the coffee industry. Unlocking Bakun’s Potential The unique terrain of Bakun, situated between 1,200 and 2,500 meters above sea level, offers ideal conditions for cultivating Arabica coffee. This advantage, coupled with the support of partners like Hedcor, creates an opportunity for the community to thrive in the high-value coffee market. “With the fast-rising popularity of the coffee brand in the market, driven by its distinct quality and flavor, the supply remains limited; that is why we are encouraging our farmers, with the strong support of our partners, to scale up production,” said Bakun Municipal Agriculturist Enrique Atelba. Atelba added, “Hedcor’s provision of Arabica coffee wildlings and cacao seedlings builds on the municipality’s agricultural strengths, allowing our community to reach its full potential as a producer of high-value crops, including coffee, cacao, and fruit-bearing crops.” Sustaining Growth and Promoting Community Impact Hedcor actively supports Bakun’s agricultural development, recognizing the unique highland terrain as ideal for cultivating high-value crops by empowering the community to leverage its agricultural strengths. This initiative not only enhances food security and promotes economic growth but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Beyond supplying Arabica coffee wildlings and cacao seedlings, Hedcor is helping Bakun secure long-term agricultural success. The company also provided 500 each of atis, lemon, rambutan, and lanzones seedlings, along with 250 sacks of chicken dung to enrich the soil and support sustainable farming practices. These efforts complement Hedcor’s broader support for Bakun, including a P1.3 million financial assistance package to fund critical watershed protection and community development initiatives. These projects focus on reforestation and sustainable land management practices to preserve Bakun’s vital watersheds, which serve as lifelines for agricultural productivity, drinking water, and renewable energy generation. Commitment to Sustainability and Local Empowerment Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao emphasized the importance of sustaining Bakun’s watershed for both agriculture and clean energy production. “Conserving these watersheds is crucial for sustaining the municipality’s agricultural productivity, supporting power generation, and maintaining overall ecological balance,” Pacquiao said. He noted that these watersheds directly power Hedcor’s renewable energy facilities, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for the community and neighboring regions. “By supporting watershed protection and agricultural development, we’re helping Bakun not only achieve economic growth but also build resilience for future generations.” As Bakun farmers scale up production to meet the growing demand for high-grade Arabica coffee, the municipality is well-positioned to strengthen its reputation as a premier source of premium coffee in the Philippines. This transformation underscores the power of collaboration between communities, private partners, and local governments to create sustainable growth opportunities.    

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with PhilTower MIDC, a joint venture company of Miescor Infrastructure Development Corporation and Phil-Tower Consortium Inc., to advance digital connectivity across key BCDA properties, including Bonifacio Global City, New Clark City, and Morong Discovery Park. This partnership aims to foster the development of robust telecommunications infrastructure, driving both innovation and efficiency in critical locations. PhilTower MIDC, a leading provider of shared telecommunications infrastructure, has committed to install common towers across various BCDA sites. By leveraging its industry expertise and extensive assets, PhilTower MIDC aims to improve connectivity and contribute to the Philippines’ digital transformation. As part of its ongoing efforts, PhilTower has already started establishing a strong presence in New Clark City, where it manages rooftop infrastructure installed at both the Government Building and the National Academy of Sports. These installations are currently being utilized by major telecommunications providers, Globe and Smart, to further enhance the digital capabilities of the area. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “PhilTower MIDC, with its comprehensive portfolio and deep industry knowledge, is uniquely positioned to support BCDA’s ambition to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the country’s digital infrastructure. This collaboration will create impactful solutions that enhance connectivity in high-priority areas, positioning the Philippines at the forefront of the digital revolution in Southeast Asia.” Furthermore, Engr. Bingcang emphasized that this partnership aligns with BCDA’s vision of fostering technological advancements to bolster economic growth and competitiveness. This development marks a critical step in strengthening the digital landscape, not only in urban hubs but also in emerging zones like New Clark City and Morong Discovery Park. PhilTower MIDC President and Chief Executive Officer Devid Gubiani emphasized the consortium’s proven expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing national development goals. “It is a privilege to collaborate with BCDA, an organization that shares our vision of harnessing digital technology as a transformative force. Through this partnership, we aim not only to enhance connectivity but also to drive socio-economic growth in vital hubs such as Bonifacio Global City and New Clark City,” he stated. This collaboration between BCDA and PhilTower MIDC represents a significant leap forward in the country’s goal to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Also present during the ceremonial signing ceremony were PhilTower MIDC Chief for External Affairs and Government Relations Kalvin Laurence Antonio B. Parpan, Chief Financial and Risk Officer Maida B. Bruce, BCDA Vice President Business Development Mary Grace C. Perez, and Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta (first from right). BCDA photo

 Businesses begin outpour of investments in Baguio’s premier ecotourism destination   BAGUIO CITY — Following its successful recovery of Camp John Hay in Baguio City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is now moving forward with plans to unleash the full potential of this economic zone, with investments seen to reach Php10 billion. As its first order of business, the BCDA is conducting a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) to set a redevelopment roadmap that will further elevate the camp’s position as a premier ecotourism destination and make sure that economic benefits are felt across all sectors. “Big things are coming after our successful recovery of Camp John Hay. Here, we aim to replicate our successes in Bonifacio Global City and Clark by implementing infrastructure projects that will empower the local community and by bringing in high-impact investments that will enable us to contribute more to the state coffers,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “To achieve this, we will determine areas that need improvement and explore new opportunities for development, all while ensuring the preservation of Baguio’s natural and cultural heritage,” he added. According to Engr. Bingcang, the BCDA intends to develop around 70 hectares of untapped land inside the former US military base, to be offered to the private sector under a joint venture scheme. There is also a plan to redevelop the Mile Hi Center to bring better retail and restaurant offerings in the ecozone. Forested areas and other open spaces will be conserved to protect the natural landscape of Camp John Hay, which is considered as the “last frontier” of the vast forested area within Baguio. Moreover, the BCDA is committed to enhance public infrastructure inside the camp to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for tourists. This will be done by improving roads, jogging trails, and pedestrian lanes, installing solar street lights, and establishing a smart transport system. The BCDA is also reaching out to existing establishments inside the camp to negotiate terms for a fresh contract, providing recourse to affected stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to Camp John Hay and Baguio’s growth. Businesses set sights on Camp John Hay Reflecting the business sector’s confidence in the BCDA’s track record as a steward of development and in Camp John Hay’s potential as an ecotourism destination, several major players have already begun to pour in investments in the area. Among these is Pangilinan-led Landco Pacific Corporation, which took on the mantle as the interim manager of John Hay’s legacy hotels, The Manor and Forest Lodge, as well as the CAP- John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.  A new consortium consisting of Golfplus Management Inc. (GMI), the operations team behind the driving ranges in premium estates Nuvali and Alviera, and DuckWorld PH, a sports management agency, was also formed to oversee the operations and maintenance of the Camp John Hay golf course during an interim period. With Landco and GMI-DuckWorld’s expertise and capabilities, the BCDA was able to usher a smooth transition in Camp John Hay, ensuring that tourists, hotel guests, and golfers continue to enjoy the facilities and open spaces. They will also be introducing improvements to these Camp John Hay estates to provide premium facilities and services. Stern Real Estate and Development Corp., the operator Le Monet Hotel and the Filling Station, also signed a landmark deal with the BCDA, allowing the 2,000-square meter property to continue serving as prime destinations for leisure and dining in Baguio City. The company intends to pursue improvements and redevelopment plans in its leased property to maximize economic activities in the area. Small- and medium-scale enterprises, as well as residential lessees, have also started to take part in Camp John Hay’s growth under the BCDA’s stewardship. BCDA finalized separate 15-year commercial lease agreements with Amare La Cucina, Baguio’s most successful homegrown pizza chain, for a 1,500-square-meter lot, and with Top Taste and Trading Inc., a specialty cafe and restaurant, for the lease of an 800-square-meter property in Camp John Hay. Metro Pacific Investment Corp. Director Victorico “Ricky” Vargas also signed a fresh 25-year residential lease contract with the BCDA for two Forest Cabin Units. The BCDA was able to regain control of the Camp John Hay property following a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision, which allowed the recovery of the 247-hectare leased area from CJH Development Corp. In accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, the implementation of the writ of execution and notice to vacate was carried on by the court sheriff.

 The Philippines’ leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc.’s (PLDT) wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has expanded its network coverage in Southern Leyte by rolling out new LTE sites in the town of Saint Bernard, boosting livelihood opportunities through connectivity and technology in the province. Among those that would benefit from these upgrades are Saint Bernard’s farmers. Southern Leyte’s economy is mostly agriculture-driven, its main crops being coconut and palay. “Technology is a game-changer for farmers in agriculture-based provinces like Southern Leyte. With reliable connectivity, farmers can access key information such as real-time weather updates, as well as learn more about modern-day farming techniques. By harnessing technology and digital tools, our farmers can make informed decisions, reduce losses, and increase their productivity, elevating the quality of life for farmers and their families, and boosting economic growth of the province,” said Debbie M. Hu, FVP and Wireless Network Head at Smart. Danny Balasico, president of Tambis St. Bernard Farmers Irrigators Association, expressed his delight on Smart’s network expansion in their town. “Since communication and connectivity are becoming more essential in today’s increasingly digital world, our association can benefit from this network expansion as we work toward integrating technology in our farming operations and livelihood,” he said. Enabling them to maximize these network enhancements, PLDT and Smart also continue to deploy FarmTech packages across the country to augment the digitalization efforts of local farmers. Tambis St. Bernard Farmers Irrigators Association is the first farmer-group from Southern Leyte to receive this training kit. The FarmTech package is a tech-driven training kit designed to assist farming communities in remote areas in implementing digital literacy programs for their farmer-members. The package contains a tablet, 10 smartphones, a SmartBro pocket WiFi with Smart Prepaid load cards, an outdoor projector, a portable sound system, and learning resources. “We sincerely thank PLDT, Smart, and the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute Region 8 for choosing our association to be one of the beneficiaries of this package. With these tools and the enhanced connectivity in our area, we are more motivated to train our farmer-members on how to utilize mobile devices and applications to improve our farming practices,” said Balasico. Smart’s continued investments in its network infrastructure and innovative products and services to help boost the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk are aligned with the PLDT Group’s commitment to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly UNSDG No. 1 on No Poverty, UNSDG No. 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and UNSDG No. 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.