Smart Activates ‘Huliscam’ Reporting Portal Against Text Scams

PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is boosting efforts to fight text scams with the launch of its public reporting portal called HULISCAM.“Fighting scams and fraud requires collaboration between telco companies like PLDT and Smart, and the public. We have activated our HULISCAM platform to make it easier for our customers to report unsolicited messages and the mobile number that sent these messages,” said Jojo Gendrano, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Customers who received text scams and other phishing messages are encouraged to report these incidents to HULISCAM at https://smart.com.ph/huliscam. The portal will ask customers to provide the mobile number that sent the unsolicited message, the suspicious message, as well as the malicious link embedded in the text message.

“Smart assures customers that we will investigate these suspicious messages and take the necessary steps to protect our customers from scams and fraud. Smart also coordinates with law enforcement agencies to apprehend personalities behind these illegal activities,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory Affairs at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart have been stepping up efforts to fight mobile technology-aided crimes. The HULISCAM portal complements the new and more advanced network firewall that the PLDT Group had recently activated to block malicious messages from passing through its network. In August alone, Smart has prevented almost 300 million SMShing messages from reaching customers. It has also blocked more than 845,000 mobile numbers tied to phishing, scams, and other illegal activities in the first eight months of the year.

To further weed out personalities with malicious intent from accessing its services, Smart has strengthened its SIM registration system by introducing enhanced verification tools and advanced technology including ‘live selfie feature, liveness checks, and the disabling of stock selfies to combat fraudulent activities. This move focuses on stopping the use of fake IDs and photos during registration.

Smart also constantly engages provincial distributors, regional dealers, and other trade partners to ensure the security and integrity of the sale and distribution process of Smart SIMs.

Likewise, the group’s #BeCyberSmart and #MagingCyberSmart campaign continues to share practical tips on identifying techniques used by scammers to run their fraudulent activities. Customers can avoid falling prey to these nefarious activities by remembering the acronym – SCAM.

S is for ‘Suspicious’. Never answer calls or respond to messages from unverified or unknown numbers. Banks do not usually initiate calls nor send an SMS asking for your bank account details. Likewise, official bank and telco representatives will never ask for OTPs.

C is for ‘Clickbait’. Scam texts often bait victims with too-good-to-be-true offers or prize winnings, urging them to click the link to avail of the limited-time offer.

A is for ‘Alarming’. Scammers create a sense of fear or dread to prod potential victims into sharing sensitive information.

M stands for ‘Malicious’. Text scams or emails are often accompanied by a link that leads to a phishing website.

Other than the HULISCAM portal, customers may also report cyber threats to Smart’s verified and official social media pages - Smart Communications on Facebook and @SmartCares on X - or call our hotline at *888.

Zeiss Portrait Master Vivo V40 Now Available Starting PHP 26,999

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo has officially launched the Vivo V40 in the Philippines, setting a new standard in smartphone innovation. Priced from Php 26,999, the Vivo V40 boasts 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, delivering high-end performance paired with groundbreaking photography technology.

Professional-Grade Photography with ZEISS Optics

The Vivo V40 is equipped with a triple 50MP camera system, designed in collaboration with ZEISS optics. This system offers ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, ZEISS Style Portraits, and ZEISS Cinematic Portrait Video, making it perfect for both casual and professional content creators. Whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or low light, the AI Aura Light and AI 3D Studio Lighting ensure your portraits are captured with precision and studio-quality clarity.

Unmatched Performance and Endurance

The Vivo V40 delivers powerful performance, backed by its 5500mAh BlueVolt battery. With an 80W fast charging capability, users can recharge quickly and get back to their tasks in no time. The device is also designed for durability with IP68 and IP69 ratings, ensuring protection against dust and water, making it ideal for both daily use and outdoor adventures.

When it comes to display, the Vivo V40 impresses with its 1.5K Ultra Clear Sunlight Display, complete with a 120Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 4500nits and an overall brightness of 1200nits, users can enjoy sharp, vivid visuals even in direct sunlight, providing an excellent viewing experience in any condition.

Stylish Design with Functional Elegance

Inspired by the Gemini star constellation, the Vivo V40’s design features a striking Gemini Ring on the camera module. This ultra-slim device, measuring just 7.58mm in thickness, offers a premium feel without compromising power. Its sleek 3D curved screen enhances both aesthetics and functionality, making it a true style statement.

Exciting Pre-Order Offers

From September 17 to September 27, 2024, customers can pre-order the Vivo V40 with a Php 500 downpayment. Pre-orders come with a Php 2,000 discount and can be redeemed from September 28 to October 16. As a bonus, Vivo is also offering the Vivo TWS 3e, valued at Php 1,999, free for pre-orders made during this period.

Available in Vivo concept stores, kiosks, and online through Shopee and Lazada, the Vivo V40 combines top-tier ZEISS camera technology, powerful performance, and sleek design. Pre-order today and be one of the first to experience the next level of smartphone photography!

Brgy. Molobolo’s Path to Clean Water: A Community-Managed Initiative Against Scarcity

MANILA, Philippines, September 2024 — Water collection was both a household concern and a shared community responsibility in Brgy. Molobolo in the Municipality of Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Parents and children needed to walk thirty minutes and wait at least two hours to fill their water containers from a water source in their barangay, which would not always cover all their daily water needs.

This water issue forced residents to conserve water whenever possible, but even that was not always sufficient. Water was a daily struggle, and each night, they went to bed hoping they could find enough for the next day.

This was the reality for Brgy. Molobolo residents until 2021, when the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) implemented a clean water access project with a financial grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

How water started flowing in Brgy. Molobolo

For Brgy. Molobolo, AIDFI used a gravity-fed water system to bring water closer to residents. The project connected a pipeline from the elevated water source, allowing the water to flow down to shared tapstands within the community and helping eliminate the need for a half-hour walk and two-hour wait at the stream. Additionally, water filters are provided to households to block debris and prevent bacteria from passing through.

Access to water has brought comfort to the residents. No longer burdened by the physically demanding task of water collection, they can enjoy the safety and security of having water at their doorstep.

The availability of safe water has also positively impacted community programs, including feeding programs that improve residents' health and nutrition. Convenient access to safe water reduces the health risks associated with collecting and consuming water from distant and potentially contaminated sources. This improvement in water accessibility has enhanced their quality of life and fostered a sense of community well-being and progress.

“Ngayon, sa bahay na lang kami naghihintay. May schedule pero sufficient talaga yung tubig. Hindi na kami mahirapan na [pumila] at pumunta sa malayo para mag-igib [ng tubig],” Myren Edoria, a resident of Brgy. Molobolo, said. (Now, we only wait in our home. There is a schedule, but this time the supply of water is sufficient. We don’t need to fall in line and go to faraway places just to collect water.)

From project beneficiaries to water stewards

The barangay captain of Brgy. Molobolo has advocated for their community to gain access to safe water. His dedication to securing water access and security for the community led him to apply for the Agos Project with TCCF and AIDFI in the first place. This initiative, aligning with the community's urgent need for clean water, garnered immediate and enthusiastic support from the residents.

Inspired by their barangay captain's leadership, the residents have transformed that passion into proactive stewardship, taking responsibility for protecting and managing their water resources to ensure the sustainability of the project's benefits for future generations.

They formed an association and created a schedule system for everyone in the barangay to access clean water. They also coordinate with local partners to test and ensure the water's safety. To secure their water source, they implement policies protecting it from potential threats.

Clean and safe water for future generations

As the primary philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation aims to support local and global changemakers leaving a measurable and lasting impact in areas around the world by investing in transformative ideas and institutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges.

For more information on the initiatives of The Coca-Cola Foundation, visit the company’s social media channels and its website

Trend Micro’s Annual Free-For-All Cybersecurity Conference Decode 2024: Fusion Forward Records Over 1,100 Participants

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On its 8th year of hosting its free-for-all cybersecurity conference DECODE, leading cybersecurity firm Trend Micro registered a record-breaking 1,100+ attendees last September 10, at the EDSA Shangri-la hotel. Local IT and cybersecurity professionals came together for a full day of networking, talks, panel discussions, and hands-on activities that highlighted how fusing technologies will aid in pushing forward toward a more resilient and secure future. 

“We are beyond grateful for all the support DECODE has received throughout the years. From 500 attendees when we first launched in 2017 to over a thousand this year, we are confident in the future of cybersecurity in the Philippines and will continue to support local professionals in their cybersecurity journeys,” shared Alma Saturnino-Alvarez, Trend Micro’s Director for Threat Research and founder of DECODE.

With 24 track sessions covering topics ranging from AI-assisted cybercrime to automotive security, DECODE 2024 focused on the intersection between various technologies—most notably artificial intelligence, in strengthening one’s security against all kinds of threat actors.

Led by VicOne, a Trend Micro subsidiary focused on automotive cybersecurity solutions, DECODE’s first-ever session on vehicle security was jam-packed with eager attendees. This session raised attendees’ awareness of potential cybercriminal activity involving electric vehicles (EVs) by demonstrating how a car could get hacked via its infotainment and radio frequency systems.

The panel discussion held in the afternoon featured global cybersecurity experts from Trend Micro and its partner law enforcement agencies, Robert McArdle (Director of Forward-Looking Threat Research, Trend Micro), Ivo De Carvalho Peixinho (Head of Cybercrime Intelligence Unit, Interpol), Ritu Gill (Open-Source Intelligence Analyst and Co-Founder, Forensic OSINT), and Ryan Flores (Senior Manager of Forward-Looking Threat Research, Trend Micro APAC). The panel discussed the latest trends and cybercrimes led by generative AI and deep fakes, the value of educating children and raising consumer awareness for cybersecurity, and how organizations big and small can best protect themselves from data breaches and cyber-attacks.

To wrap up the day’s events, Flores ended his locknote with the message, “AI can accelerate all kinds of things, but learning, understanding, and being creative are the things that differentiate you from AI,” He then implored attendees to take all that they learned throughout the day and use it to “help improve the systems of their respective companies and build things that are secure, ethical, and for the common good."

DECODE 2024: Fusion Forward is only one initiative under Trend Micro’s mission statement of being #EngineeredToDoGood. To access free resources and more information about cybersecurity for professionals and non-professionals alike, visit Trend Micro’s official website www.trendmicro.com, and its official Facebook Page.

Bossjob Partners With Bicol Gov’t to Boost Regional Job Market

September 2024, Bicol, Philippines – Bossjob, a leading chat-first career platform in Southeast Asia, is transforming the Bicol region’s job market through a strategic partnership with the Bicol Local Government Units (LGU) and key regional businesses to revolutionize employment opportunities and drive economic growth in the region by leveraging AI-powered recruitment solutions.

This collaboration between Bossjob and the Bicol government marks a unified effort to address unemployment and modernize recruitment processes. The initiative centers on using Bossjob’s AI technology and direct chat feature, which instantly connects employers and job seekers, enhancing the hiring process's efficiency and providing personalized job-matching experiences.

"The integration of Bossjob’s innovative platform into our local job market represents a significant advancement. We anticipate positive impacts on career growth and job opportunities for our residents,” Hon. Carmen Geraldine Rosal, Legazpi City Mayor, said.

Imelda Romanillos, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, "The partnership between Bossjob and the Bicol Government is a critical step towards improving local employment opportunities and advancing economic development. We are enthusiastic about the potential benefits for our region."

The event, titled "Bossjob Revolution: Empowering Careers in Bicol," was held on September 10, 2024, at Casa Blanca Hotel in Legazpi City and featured a dynamic discussion with notable speakers and attendance from key stakeholders, including local government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as the Office of the Mayor (Legazpi City), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Ako Bicol Partylist, Junior Chamber International (JCI Legazpi), members of the media, and regional influencers to officially kick-off the expansion in the region.

During the event, Bossjob showcased how its AI-powered recruitment platform aims to optimize job matching and provide local job seekers with more personalized career opportunities. This innovative approach to recruitment is designed to streamline the hiring process and offer a more tailored experience for both employers and job seekers, creating a more connected and responsive job market.

Following this, Joseph Ayala, representative of DOLE Region V, delved into Bicol's current employment landscape. He highlighted how rapidly advancing technology is influencing job creation and the need for platforms like Bossjob to meet these evolving demands.

Ian Vasquez of JCI Legazpi discussed personal and professional development strategies in today’s dynamic job market, emphasizing that continuous learning and adaptability are key to thriving in an evolving workforce, urging individuals to invest in skills development to stay competitive and take advantage of new opportunities.

Meanwhile, Arziel B. Ramirez, Labor and Employment Officer II of PESO Legazpi City, provided insights on job hopping trends. He noted the increasing frequency of job changes, particularly among younger workers. He provided practical advice for job seekers on how to navigate career transitions while seeking stable and fulfilling employment.

Transitioning to the opportunities presented by the digital age, content creators Lorenz Mariñaz and Ricah Buban shared their thoughts on the growing field of digital content creation. They discussed how content creation has become a viable career option, particularly in the Bicol region, and how aspiring creators can leverage digital platforms to build successful careers in the industry.

Bossjob’s Growth Director, Feby Llosala-Luñeza, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving the job search experience. She noted that Bossjob’s expansion into Bicol underscores its dedication to providing cutting-edge career solutions across Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on incorporating AI and Direct Chat functionalities for a better user experience.

Adding to this, Rey Arcangel, Bossjob’s Marketing Director, stressed the vital role of media and influencers in amplifying the platform’s impact, saying, “The support of the media and influencers is crucial in spreading the word about Bossjob’s innovative solutions, particularly in the Bicol region. Their engagement helps us reach a broader audience and ensures that more job seekers and employers can benefit from our advanced technology.”

Bossjob is exploring further opportunities in collaboration with PESO and DOLE, including developing career sites across the Bicol region, promising further advancements in local employment solutions.

For more information about Bossjob’s services and the impact of this expansion, please visit www.bossjob.ph.