Globe welcomes the Philippines’ advancement in the latest ICT Development Index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as it calls for greater collaboration to remove barriers to connectivity. This, as the Philippines continues to rate below the global average, lagging behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia. The 2024 edition of the index released by the ITU, a specialized agency of the UN, scored the Philippines 74.4, an improvement by 14% from last year. But this score is still below the global average of 74.8 and way behind Southeast Asian neighbors such as Singapore, which scored 97.8, Malaysia with 95.0, and Thailand at 91.0. The Philippines’ score places it among the lowest five in the region, better only than Cambodia (72.6), Laos (65.3), Myanmar (63.8), and Timor-Leste (39.2). “We are optimistic that we can score even higher in the global ICT Development Index.  This should serve as an impetus for all stakeholders including industry players and the government to work more closely to address persistent gaps in our connectivity infrastructure,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “The private sector has poured several billions in resources for ICT development. We cannot do it alone. There are barriers that can only be addressed through strong collaboration among the industry, government, and other stakeholders,” said Cu. Greater ICT investment Cu reiterated that the country needs more substantial investments in digital infrastructure. The private sector has invested a combined P640 billion in just three years, from 2021 to 2023, to upgrade the quality of the country’s connectivity infrastructure. Globe alone has invested P265 billion in capital expenditure and P236 billion in operational expenses in the past three years to enhance its network capabilities. In contrast, the Department of Information and Communications Technology invested only P7.6 billion for internet infrastructure from 2018 to 2024. The Private Sector Advisory Council, a Malacañang-initiated body that brings together industry players, has called on the government to allocate at least P240 billion to improve internet infrastructure and work with the private sector to build 35,000 new cell sites across the country. The Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu under the PSAC, is also working with the DICT for the rollout of connectivity infrastructure in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). Globe’s network currently reaches over 500 GIDAs. Policy reform Globe also reiterated its call for policy reform to allow connectivity to flourish. These include the provision of space for telco infrastructure in housing developments and the removal of lease fees for telco infrastructure in buildings and developments through amendments to the outdated National Building Code (1977). Bills seeking this reform are still pending in Congress. “Telcos should not be charged for installing infrastructure inside buildings and developments that will provide connectivity, which is now a basic necessity like power and water. It is a life enabler, supporting commerce, people’s livelihood, education and leisure needs,” said Cu. Globe also hopes for the full implementation of Executive Order No. 32, issued in 2023 to streamline the permitting process for telco infrastructure. Globe notes how certain local government units still find ways to circumvent the order, making the approval of permits difficult and slow for telcos. Broadband access Amid policy gaps that hinder connectivity, Globe continues to find ways to make broadband connection more affordable to Filipinos. Last year, Globe launched GFiber Prepaid, which seeks to democratize connectivity by offering fiber-strong broadband connection for as low as Php 33/day. Rolled out in line with Globe’s drive for digital inclusion, GFiber Prepaid offers flexible and reloadable UNLI internet access with no lock ups and monthly bills. Globe also looks forward to the implementation of the government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide free WiFi connectivity across the country. This project involves the development of a neutral fiber backbone to provide connectivity for government agencies and government-led last mile projects.

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippine’s leading carrier, has signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding  (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion)  based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. CEB has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines to power the future aircraft. The MOU covers firm orders  for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo Family purchase rights. “The order is designed to provide Cebu Pacific with maximum flexibility to adapt fleet growth to market  conditions, with the ability to switch between the A321neo and A320neo,” said CEB Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs. “When finalized, the deal will be a significant milestone for the local airline industry and a testament to  CEB’s unwavering commitment to support the Philippine growth story.” The purchase agreement to finalize this transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the  year.

By Rizza C. Ampong   Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently emerged victorious in a global challenge calling for ground-breaking technology solutions – conceptualizing  a project that leveraged artificial intelligence to drive up profitability by as much as 30%  whilst increasing overall customer satisfaction. “With this, Converge proves its mettle as a technology company – this Catalyst program of TM Forum perfectly showcases the innovative approach of the company (together with its partners) in resolving issues rooted in its customer journey, ultimately improving the crucial customer-facing processes. This is not just a tabletop exercise for us – this is a framework we want to implement to enhance customer experience using AI,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. Converge, together with Telecom Argentina, Vodafone GmbH, and the Vodafone Group, won TM Forum’s Moonshot Catalyst Award for its AI Challenge, with the project: “ AI-driven EBITDA Mastery : Revolutionizing Customer Journeys”. The AI-based architecture solution they came up with was created using technology from Aria, AWS, Calvi, Nespon Solutions and Salesforce. The project consists of an “AI architecture”, or solution that leveraged on generative AI in the customer service journey to make it faster and more data-driven.   The solution was applied to two use cases: a billing inquiry of a customer and a technician encountering an issue while installing a line. Through the solution, the company was able to create a highly personalized interaction with customers through AI, using data analysis of billing and account data while also allowing for upselling. In another case, a field technician, through the AI solution, can access recommendations on how to solve a customer’s problem based on his history of previous diagnoses, thus speeding up issue resolution. A component of automated troubleshooting is also applied. Among the benefits of the solution is faster resolution time of customer troubles and inquiries, which is seen to improve productivity and revenue. Through the business case analysis, the solution can bring up EBITDA by 31-57%, mostly be reducing operational expenses in customer services. The solution leverages TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture to facilitate seamless access by the AI models in order to process data that is dynamic in nature. The win was announced at the recently held ‘DTW’24 – Ignite & Innovate Asia 2024’ in Copenhagen. TM Forum is a global alliance of telco and tech companies, and the Catalyst program brings together leading industry players to co-create solutions driving industry change through Open APIs, ODA, AI and automation.

By Ginalyn Gerolao   Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, recently achieved a major milestone by hitting the 10-millionth motorcycle unit sales mark headed by HPI President Ms. Sayaka Arai-Hattori, along with HPI Management Team, supportive Dealers, and loyal customers. The 10-millionth unit sold was the Click125, marking a historic accomplishment that makes Honda the only brand to date to achieve this success.   To celebrate this milestone, a commemorative Click125 model with a special 10M sticker was introduced at a sendoff ceremony hosted by the company. During the event, HPI emphasized the importance of its dealer partners and customers in achieving this milestone. The unwavering loyalty and spirited patronage of Honda’s customers also played a crucial part in this success. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of dealer nationwide and the customers who trust Honda’s products. The attendees were graced with an inspiring message from Ms. Arai-Hattori. “Ten million—a number that transcends mere statistics. It represents countless hours of hard work, collaboration, a shared vision, and the ingenuity each of you has demonstrated throughout the years. Each sale is proof of our collective effort, resilience, and customer trust,” Ms. Arai continued. “Our motorcycles have touched lives across the country, cultures, and generations. Achieving ten million sales is a testament to HPI’s commitment to being the unwavering number one motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines.’ Following Ms. Arai-Hattori’s message, attendees posed for a photo opportunity with the 10-millionth sales unit, the Click125. As Honda Philippines marks another milestone, reinforcing its position as the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country, the company continues its promise of providing Filipinos with ease of mobility. HPI remains dedicated to serving the Philippine market with high-quality products featuring innovative designs, attractive aesthetics, and products with value for money, safety, and environmentally friendly features, ensuring Filipinos always experience the joy of mobility.   HPI’s journey to the 10 millionth sales milestone: HPI moved to Batangas in 2006 to cater to the growing demand for its motorcycles. Among the motorcycle units that contributed to the 10-million sales include started with the TMX155 which is a popular business model. A motorcycle guaranteed to be strong and powerful that can handle even the toughest uphill roads, making it ideal for public transportation like tricycles and other business-related purposes. In addition to its success is the Filipino favorite cub model, the XRM, Honda’s unique cub model for Filipino customers, having a tough modern image that provides a durable and tougher performance which captured the heart of customers mostly in Visayas and Mindanao that conquers on and off-road conditions. Honda adapts quickly to the needs of the customers that’s why last 2018, Honda introduced the Click125 as “Game Changer” with its modern sporty, stylish design, fuel efficient and advance features that change the game in motorcycle industry and captures the heart of Filipinos making it the No. 1 model in the Automatic Transmission (AT) category. Honda expand its business as they introduced the local production of BeAT and Click125 to cater the growing demand and making HPI achieve the unwavering No.1 position in the market. HPI also maintained its strong partnership with Dealers despite challenges faced in recent years, and remained resilient and capitalized on opportunities for growth, particularly with the increasing demands for better riding and commute experiences among Filipinos. The company maintains its position as the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the country in terms of market share. The 10-million sales milestone was a testament to Honda’s success, highlighting its strong business partnerships, stakeholders, and most importantly, its valued and loyal Filipino customers. Honda’s commitment to providing the joy of mobility and comfort to all its customers remains unwavering. To pay tribute to all the hard work and support of HPI associates, this milestone is celebrated as a collective achievement. HPI ensures that Filipinos always experience the joy of mobility and HPI will never stop creating, emphasizing its philosophy: Joy of Creating, Joy of Buying and Joy of Selling.