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.            

From July 15 to July 22, 2024, passengers may book flights from Clark to select domestic destinations for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will run from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. The promo includes CEB flights between Clark and Puerto Princesa starting October 2, 2024, as well as flights between Clark and General Santos and Iloilo that will restart on October 21, 2024. Travelers may also choose flights between Clark and Davao, which will once again start on October 22, 2024. With the relaunch of CEB’s Clark operations, travelers will now have more opportunities to visit the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, go sunbathing on the white sand beach of Gigantes Island in Iloilo, ride the Seven Falls zipline at Lake Sebu from General Santos, and enjoy extreme outdoor activities in Davao. Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail of add-ons. Cebu Pacific also offers multiple payment options, including payment centers, credit or debit cards, and e-wallets. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

For Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a good State of the Nation Address (SONA) hinges on the President outlining a robust infrastructure plan that transcends political administrations and leaves a lasting legacy for Filipinos. Cayetano made this comment to reporters ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming SONA on Monday, July 22, 2024. “Each administration has real pet bills, projects, or missions in life… BBM has long-term ambitions… Yung mga mabibigat na talagang gusto niyang ilarga, now is the time to say it,” the veteran senator said in a media briefing on Thursday, July 18. Drawing parallels to successful infrastructure projects in Hong Kong and Japan initiated decades ago, Cayetano underscored the importance of starting large-scale projects now to ensure timely completion and long-term benefits. “If you visited Hong Kong in the late 80s or early 90s, never ka pumunta ng Hong Kong na walang ginagawa sa kanilang subway. Ngayon, after 30 years, konektado na ang buong ilalim nila at halos pwede mo rin lakarin at nakakabit na lahat ng tren. Lalo ang Japan. Kapag nakita mo yung Japan, parang ugat ng tao na nag halo-halo yung mga linya ng tren,” he said. “Ang point ko, are we going to be happy that the last administration negotiated the subway and then just wait for it to finish by 2027, 2028, or 2029? Hindi ba dapat yung part 2 ng subway or yung subway for Cebu, or other trains for other parts of the country, ngayon pa lang iniisip na?” he added. Cayetano said the future of Metro Manila also lies in connecting it to the Greater Manila Area, which includes the CALABARZON region and the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. “Will we be satisfied with a Metro Manila subway or will we connect a Greater Metro Manila subway? Kasi if you don’t start that at kung walang direction sa SONA now, believe me, hindi mangyayari,” he commented. Cayetano also stressed the necessity for the administration to hammer out a long-term infrastructure strategy to establish a lasting legacy. “Kailangan din na medyo pukpukin y’ung infrastructure na long term… Remember, presidents think of their legacy. Kapag nasabi niya sa SONA ‘yan, babalik-balikan niya ‘yan. Kasi kayo mismo sa media, babalik-balikan iyan kung nagawa o hindi,” he said. He noted that the time to do this is now because the following years will be consumed by preparations for the 2028 presidential election. “The time for the political will of SONA is now until next year. After that, pulitika na,” he said. 

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, marked the celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week by ramping up its commitment to inclusive air travel through a comprehensive sensitivity training program for its employees. The program, conducted by Autism Society Philippines (ASP), Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), and The Vanguard Academy (TVA), covered essential aspects of disability awareness. This includes understanding different types of disabilities, effective communication strategies, and practical assistance techniques. Employees from various CEB departments, including cabin crew, ground staff, and customer service representatives, participated in the training. “Earlier this year, we signed a memorandum of understanding with DSAPI to advance our efforts in offering safe, reliable, and inclusive air travel experience,” said Candice Iyog, CEB marketing and customer experience officer. “This sensitivity training is an outcome of that agreement, and we are now extending the program to include other disability advocacy groups. This initiative is a crucial step in equipping Cebu Pacific employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist and support persons with disabilities compassionately.” Elmer Lapeña, DSAPI chairman, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. “Collaboration with organizations like Cebu Pacific is essential in promoting disability awareness and fostering an inclusive society. We are pleased to support their efforts in making air travel more accessible and acceptable for persons with disabilities,” he said. CEB has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, and this latest initiative is part of its broader efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within its operations. The airline continues to work closely with advocacy groups and stakeholders to ensure that its services meet the needs of all passengers.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday reiterated his call to halt all forms of gambling in the country, particularly online gambling, e-sabong, and the controversial operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “Ako yung siguro pinaka-outspoken, even when I was (House) Speaker, against all forms of gambling especially online e-sabong and POGO,” Cayetano said as he addressed the media on July 18, 2024. “That’s why, to this date, the city of Taguig did not allow any POGO operations. It’s because, now, it’s just like legal gaming forms – parating may unintended consequences yan,” he added. Two years ago, Cayetano filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act (Senate Bill No. 63) to prohibit gambling activities on the internet and impose penalties on online wagering and betting. This bill was discussed during the public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means last Tuesday on improving the country’s regulation of online gambling, alongside a bill filed by Committee chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to repeal the law taxing POGOs, ultimately rendering them illegal in the country. In the media interview, Cayetano said his opposition to POGOs is grounded on both economic and moral reasons, arguing that the negative social impact of POGOs far outweighs any supposed economic benefits. “Of course, ang argument pa rin ng PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) ay y’ung revenues. Hindi natin kinukwenta kung magkano ba ang ginagastos natin sa peace and order. Magkano ba yung nawawala sa scams o panloloko?” he said. Turning to online gambling in general, Cayetano cited growing concerns over its impact on Filipinos and the generations to come. “Ano ba yung tinatanim natin sa next generation? Wala pa akong country na nakikita [na tumatangkilik] sa mga online gaming na talagang umunlad,” he said.

Globe has noted a substantial decrease in bank-related spam and scam SMS, highlighting the success of its rigorous anti-fraud measures and strategic collaborations with major financial institutions. From January to June 2024, Globe successfully intercepted 2,740,012 bank-related spam and scam messages, marking a 43.56% year-on-year decline compared to the 4,855,199 messages blocked in the same period of 2023. This underscores the effectiveness of Globe’s proactive strategies and robust partnerships with the country’s major banks and financial institutions. The noteworthy improvement follows Globe’s anti-fraud agreements with the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), encompassing 45 major banks, and various individual players in the finance sector. These collaborations have enabled vigorous and timely data and intelligence-sharing, aligning efforts to prevent and investigate fraud more effectively. “Our collective efforts with the banking sector have significantly strengthened our fight against spam and scam SMS targeting depositors. By working together and sharing critical intelligence, combined with our enhanced detection and blocking systems, we can now better protect our customers from illegal activities,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer and Chief AI Officer. Globe has allocated approximately US$20 million to enhance its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking systems to prevent fraudulent messages from reaching consumers, The company operates a 25/7 Security Operations Center that filters out unwanted messages, including app-to-person and person-to-person SMS from international and domestic sources. Amid this decline, Globe calls on mobile users to remain vigilant amid emerging scam schemes that evade cellular networks, including the use of chat apps and fake cell towers that are able to send messages without telco detection.

MANILA, Philippines – Small businesses thrive on the swift and reliable deliveries provided by partner drivers. Often overlooked in the whirlwind of daily operations, these delivery heroes play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and business growth. Recognizing their indispensable contributions, Lalamove, the leading on-demand delivery platform, has launched the #DeliveryHeroKoTo initiative to celebrate their dedication.     Championing Local Entrepreneurs Lalamove has become an essential partner for countless micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing the most affordable and reliable delivery services. By ensuring timely deliveries, Lalamove partner drivers help businesses operate smoothly and efficiently, supporting local economies and fostering growth. Imagine running a small business where every delivery counts. Success hinges on the reliability of a business’s delivery service. For many entrepreneurs, Lalamove partner drivers are not just individuals who fulfill deliveries – they are true partners in their entrepreneurial journey. “My Favourite Driver from Lalamove has been a true lifesaver for my business,” said [Jenny Bautista, a mompreneur blogger]. “His dedication and timely deliveries have allowed me to keep my customers happy and my business thriving.” [Tech media influencer George Muyula] echoes this sentiment. “Lalamove partner drivers are the backbone of many MSMEs. Their hard work and reliability make a huge difference in the daily operations of countless businesses,” he said.   Celebrating Extraordinary Efforts The #DeliveryHeroKoTo initiative highlights the extraordinary efforts of Lalamove’s partner drivers. These unsung heroes go above and beyond their daily duties, ensuring that packages reach their destinations on time and in perfect condition. Their commitment not only keeps businesses running, but also enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. “Our partner drivers are true heroes who ensure businesses can continue to operate seamlessly. Simply being on time, delivering parcels with care, being respectful to customers, being good with directions among many others, merit recognition of their valuable part in the day-to-day of businesses and individual users.,” says Djon Nacario, Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines. “Through the #DeliveryHeroKoTo, we honor their dedication and significant impact on our community,” he added.   Join the Movement Lalamove invites business owners of all sizes to join the celebration by sharing their stories of exceptional service. To participate, simply post a screenshot of your Favourite Driver from the Lalamove app on your Facebook or Instagram account, detailing good driver qualities – like being on time, delivering with care, and being respectful – performed by a Lalamove partner driver. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #DeliveryHeroKoTo. Ten lucky Favourite Drivers will receive ₱10,000 in cash with a grocery or gadget package, while ten Lalamove users will be awarded ₱5,000 worth of Lalamove wallet credits.   Showing Appreciation is a Big Deal to Partner Drivers Recognizing your Lalamove Favourite Driver is more than showing appreciation—it’s acknowledging that even the little things go a long way. It fosters excellence and reliability, leading to customer satisfaction. The #DeliveryHeroKoTo initiative celebrates the human connections and dedication that keep our business thriving, reinforcing a supportive community for those who make it all happen. Join the #DeliveryHeroKoTo movement and celebrate the unsung heroes who power the success of small businesses. Share your stories and help create a ripple effect of positivity within the entire community.