Globe and Taguig City Conducts Safety Workshop to Strengthen Digital Protection for Young Leaders

As digital platforms continue to influence how young Filipinos learn, communicate, and explore opportunities, the need to safeguard children online has never been more critical. In response, Globe worked with the City Government of Taguig to provide essential digital protection training through the Children’s Digital Safety Workshop held on November 13, 2025, at the CDRRMO Training Plaza in Barangay Central Signal.

The event gathered 115 student leaders and teachers from Taguig’s public secondary schools. The workshop was conducted at a time when national data continues to show rising cases of cyberbullying, misuse of personal information, and online exploitation. These trends highlight the growing need for students to develop strong digital literacy and responsible online behavior.

Globe supported the program through two expert sessions. Privacy Compliance Expert Karen Panisales guided participants on how to safeguard their personal data and understand the risks that come with an interconnected world. Jan Merced, Communications Manager, facilitated the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), Globe’s flagship digital citizenship training initiative, which has reached more than 4 million students and educators nationwide since its launch in 2016. Through hands-on activities, participants learned how to recognize online threats, encourage positive digital interactions, and make informed choices across various online platforms.

The initiative also demonstrated the importance of strong collaboration among government, law enforcement, and the private sector in protecting children online. The PNP Crime Division Office and the Department of Justice (DOJ) - National Coordination Center against OSAEC and CSAEM (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), represented by Prosecutor Lara Sanchez, discussed how Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) occurs, the situations that may put minors at risk, and the reporting and legal channels that help safeguard young victims.

Prosecutor Lara emphasized the importance of awareness and timely action in preventing abuse. “Many incidents begin subtly and are often overlooked,” Prosecutor Lara said. “When young people understand the early signs of exploitation and know how to report, they become key allies in stopping harm before it escalates.”

This message was reinforced by Globe, which highlighted the power of youth-led advocacy and digital responsibility. “This program reflects our collective duty to ensure that every young person is protected in digital spaces,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “By equipping student leaders with practical skills and insights, we help them guide their peers and create safer online communities where children can grow and thrive.”

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano encouraged the students to apply what they learned and share their insights with their classmates. She added that young leaders play an important role in promoting safe and responsible online behavior within their communities. “Our young leaders have the capacity to influence their peers in meaningful ways, and by taking what they learned today into their classrooms and communities, they help build a safer and more responsible digital environment for all children.

This collaborative effort reflects Globe’s commitment to building safe, inclusive, and empowered digital communities where every child can navigate the online world with confidence and protection.

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

Balik Eskwela Program Brings Digital Literacy, Health Support, and Technology Access to Quezon City High School Students

Globe Coop’s Balik Eskwela Program reached over 200 students at Quezon City High School, providing a holistic learning experience designed to empower students both in the classroom and online. The initiative combines digital skills training, personal wellness support, and technology access, reflecting Globe Coop’s commitment to creating future-ready learners in today’s increasingly digital world. This is part of the Globe Coop CAREavan, an employee-led outreach program by Globe’s regional teams, delivering tailored initiatives nationwide to support vulnerable groups such as special children, teen mothers, fisherfolk, out-of-school youth, students, and indigenous communities like the Mangyan and the Aeta communities.

A core feature of the program is the Balik Eskwela Program, which includes the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) workshops, which engage students in interactive sessions on responsible online behavior, digital safety, and critical thinking. Through these workshops, students explored real-life scenarios and practical strategies to navigate social media responsibly, evaluate online content critically, and protect themselves in digital spaces. The sessions aimed to equip learners not only with technical knowledge but also with the confidence to make informed decisions online, an essential skill in today’s connected world.

Alongside digital education, Globe Coop provided hygiene kits to students, supporting personal health and wellbeing. This aspect of the program ensured that students are ready to participate fully in school activities, minimizing barriers to learning caused by health challenges. Each kit included essential items to promote proper hygiene practices, reinforcing the importance of self-care as part of holistic student development.

Recognizing the vital role of technology in modern education, the Balik Eskwela Program also focused on improving the school’s computer lab connectivity. Students now have access to faster, more reliable internet, enabling them to conduct online research, participate in digital learning platforms, and collaborate with peers on school projects. The upgraded lab allows students to fully leverage digital tools to support their academic growth and explore new learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Balik Eskwela is about more than providing technology; it is about equipping students with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed both in school and online,” said Dr. Remedios P. Danao, school principal. “By integrating digital literacy, health support, and improved access to technology, we are helping students build confidence, develop essential skills, and prepare for a future where learning and life increasingly intersect with the digital world.”

Through the Balik Eskwela Program, Globe Coop demonstrates a holistic approach to student development. By combining educational workshops, wellness initiatives, and technology enhancements, the initiative creates a learning environment where students can thrive academically, safely navigate the digital landscape, and maintain personal well-being.

The program underscores Globe Coop’s broader commitment to supporting education and empowering Filipino learners. By equipping students with knowledge, skills, and access to modern tools, Globe continues to invest in the next generation, nurturing future-ready learners who are confident, responsible, and capable of contributing positively to their communities.

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

Security Bank Advances Sustainable Development Across the Philippines in 2025

In line with its mission to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities sustainably, Security Bank intensified its corporate social responsibility initiatives in 2025, delivering meaningful programs that created lasting impact across the Philippines. Through a strong focus on livelihood development, education, disaster response, culture, and environmental protection, the bank demonstrated its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.

Strengthening livelihoods remained a cornerstone of Security Bank’s community development efforts. In Aklan, the bank provided cacao seedlings to 40 local farmers, helping them diversify income sources and build long-term agricultural sustainability. Beyond material support, Security Bank also mentored 980 families nationwide, equipping them with financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and practical guidance to improve household resilience and economic stability. These initiatives directly contributed to empowering grassroots communities and supporting micro-level economic growth.

Security Bank also played a vital role in disaster response and recovery. In 2025, the bank extended aid to 661 families affected by natural disasters, providing timely assistance to help them rebuild and recover. This proactive approach underscored the institution’s commitment to standing with communities during times of crisis and ensuring that recovery efforts are both compassionate and sustainable.

Education continued to be a major priority for Security Bank. The institution donated a total of 901 classrooms to 153 public schools across the country, significantly improving learning environments for thousands of students. Complementing infrastructure support, Security Bank also provided free eye care services to 1,170 students, addressing a critical yet often overlooked barrier to effective learning. These education initiatives reinforced the bank’s belief that access to quality education is fundamental to long-term national development.

Beyond economic and educational programs, Security Bank actively supported culture and environmental sustainability. Cultural engagement programs reached more than 300 artists, helping preserve local heritage while fostering creative expression. On the environmental front, the bank planted 940 mangrove seedlings as part of a broader goal to plant 10,000 seedlings, contributing to coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

Through these comprehensive initiatives in 2025, Security Bank strengthened institutions, expanded opportunities, and built stronger, more resilient communities. By aligning business purpose with social and environmental responsibility, the bank continues to play a meaningful role in driving sustainable development across the Philippines.

Vivo Philippines Brings Holiday Hope to Students Nationwide Through “MaVIVOng Pasko para sa Kabataan”

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Vivo Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment through a nationwide corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative titled MaVIVOng Pasko para sa Kabataan (Bright Christmas for the Youth), conducted from December 12 to 16, 2025.

The multi-day holiday program reached nine public schools and two government centers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, delivering much-needed assistance and spreading Christmas cheer to school communities with limited resources. Anchored on Vivo’s vision of inspiring and building brighter futures, the initiative aimed to provide meaningful support while fostering hope, unity, and service during the holiday season.

Designed to enrich learning environments, MaVIVOng Pasko para sa Kabataan focused on needs-based interventions to ensure that each beneficiary received assistance suited to their specific requirements. These included the distribution of school supplies, health and hygiene kits, food packs, and essential school equipment to help students and educators thrive beyond the holidays. Beneficiary institutions included Subangdaku Elementary School in Cebu, Bolilao Elementary School in Iloilo, DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children in Leyte, Tropical Village National High School in Cavite, Quesban Elementary School in Pangasinan, Santulan Elementary School in Malabon, San Juan Elementary School in Pampanga, Mabasa Elementary School in Nueva Vizcaya, Taguig Community and Evacuation Center Child Development Center, Pagatpat National High School in Cagayan de Oro, and Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School in Davao City.

According to Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of Vivo Philippines, the initiative reflects the brand’s deeper purpose, which extends beyond technological innovation. She shared that MaVIVOng Pasko para sa Kabataan is Vivo’s way of sharing hope and encouragement with young learners and educators nationwide, emphasizing the company’s belief that empowering the youth today helps shape a brighter tomorrow.

Educators from beneficiary schools expressed their gratitude for the program. Dr. Marc Airon Creus, Principal of Tropical Village National High School in General Trias, Cavite, highlighted how the initiative resonated with their mission of empowering every learner, noting the joy and appreciation felt by both students and faculty.

Through this initiative, Vivo Philippines strengthened its presence in communities nationwide through purposeful engagement and collective action. As the brand continues to grow, its dedication to social responsibility remains steadfast—demonstrating that meaningful innovation goes hand in hand with compassion, especially during the season of giving.

‘Bayanihan’ Impact: PLDT Posts Drop in Cable Theft in First 11 Months

Protecting telco infrastructure is crucial in ensuring that connectivity and digital services remain accessible and reliable for millions of Filipinos. As such, leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have intensified efforts to combat cable and telco equipment theft by strengthening partnerships with local government units, the police, and communities nationwide.

PLDT and Smart, through their Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, have tightened their collaboration with barangays through the ramped-up rollout of the barangay-based asset protection project Bayanihan, with sessions conducted in Makati, Dagupan, Davao City, Liloan, Calamba, General Santos, Quezon City, Rodriguez in Rizal, Pasay, Cagayan de Oro, and Dasmarinas in 2025.

"Our intensified collaboration with barangays this year highlights the importance of bringing communities into the conversation when it comes to protecting our network,” said Leo Gonzales, Vice President and Head of Property, Facilities, and Asset Resiliency Management at PLDT and Smart. "Every cable and piece of equipment we safeguard helps pave the way for uninterrupted connectivity for their own homes and neighborhoods, as well as for businesses and institutions that rely on us daily. By working hand in hand with local leaders and residents, we are not simply preventing theft; we are also ensuring that digital services remain accessible and reliable for millions of Filipinos."

Col. Wilfredo Gonio, Head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command & Administration Center, APSRG, added: "On the ground, these partnerships make a real difference. When barangays and local authorities actively help monitor, report incidents, or apprehend thieves, we can respond more quickly and prevent larger disruptions. This shared sense of responsibility empowers communities to protect the infrastructure that keeps them connected."

The initiative is part of the telco leader’s broader response to persistent theft and vandalism targeting its network. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,000 loss incidents were recorded, mostly involving copper cables. In certain areas in Manila, theft occurs as often as every three days.

In addition to material losses, these attacks also affect customers by disrupting services, leading to complaints and revenue loss. As such, the program aims to not just deter theft and vandalism but also empower residents with tools and knowledge to protect their communities, both physically and digitally.

Reflecting the impact of PLDT's asset protection efforts, the company recorded a 34% drop in apprehension incidents and a 24% decrease in apprehended suspects from January to November 2025, compared to the same period last year.

This underscores the effectiveness of the Group’s strengthened security measures, which include efforts to deter theft before it occurs. These results mark a critical milestone in the Group’s mission to curb losses, maintain service reliability, and uphold public trust.

Through its network protection and community security initiatives, the PLDT group is helping create safer, more resilient communities where digital inclusion can thrive, through a community-centric approach that strengthens trust, fosters accountability, and ensures that technology continues to serve as a bridge to progress for millions of Filipinos.

These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.