Velocity 2023: 917Ventures fuels innovation and collaboration to transform lives

Velocity 2023 winning teams from Globe, GCash, and Asticom and their mentors from 917Ventures, with Program Heads Natasha Bautista and Glenn Estrella, and judges Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation’s Head of Business Development and Innovation; Vince Yamat, 917Ventures Managing Director; and Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

Globe’s corporate venture builder 917Ventures, the largest in the Philippines, once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship with the recent completion of Velocity 2023, its annual business-building program and 12-week innovation bootcamp.

Velocity 2023 exemplifies the unwavering commitment of 917Ventures to nurturing and investing in innovative solutions that address societal problems. It featured nine pitches in the areas of finTech, B2B SaaS, agritech, and climate tech from seven business units within the Globe Group and the Ayala ecosystem: Asticom, BPI, Brave Connective, ECPay, Entrego, GCash, and Globe.

 

"As we aim to contribute to the Philippines' digital economy, we continually develop programs that enhance Filipino talents while creating businesses that uplift the lives of our kababayans through digital means. Ever since we reached market leadership, it has always been the purpose of the Globe Group to truly make a difference in the country," said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO, during the Demo Day.

 

The mission of 917Ventures has been further reinforced through its second-year partnership with AC Ventures on Velocity, accelerating the development and launch of new businesses aimed at solving the country's pressing issues.

 

"It’s been very encouraging to see this program come to life, underpinned by 917Ventures and AC Ventures' shared mission of solving national pain points through game-changing digital solutions. Velocity has been an excellent program for us to spread this culture of constant innovation across the whole group," said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Head of Business Development and Digital Ventures of Ayala Corporation.

 

Team GCash received the Velocity 2023 top honors and a P100,000 prize for their idea called Quenta, a pioneering financial solution platform specifically designed for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

 

The event also celebrated other outstanding ideas, with the second and third-place winners receiving P50,000 and P30,000, respectively. In addition, teams that won the Audience Choice and Social Impact awards each took home P20,000, emphasizing 917Ventures' commitment to rewarding innovation and impact. Similar to previous winners, top ideas from Velocity have the opportunity to be provided seed funding.

 

"Obviously, there will be ideas that are exciting. Ideas that are very intriguing and also worth looking into. I think everyone contributed really well. We learned as much from you, because of your experience and the work that you do,” Glenn Estrella, 917Ventures Head of Ideation and Acceleration, shared with the participants.

 

Since its inception in 2019, 917Ventures has vetted 500 ideas, launched 25 ventures, and built a robust portfolio of 15 companies, underscoring its drive to foster groundbreaking ideas that transform lives.

 

With a dedication to its employees, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to making a difference in the country, 917Ventures continues to position itself as a leader in the tech industry and an employer of choice for Filipino tech professionals.

 

Globe lauds President’s tech-driven vision outlined in SONA

Leading digital solutions platform Globe applauds President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s strong emphasis on digital transformation as a cornerstone of national progress in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Globe has long championed the digital revolution, and stands ready to support government initiatives and contribute innovative solutions to empower the nation's digital leap.

 

"The President's emphasis on technology as a catalyst for the country’s advancement is very encouraging and is aligned with Globe’s vision for a digital nation. We look forward to the vast possibilities opened by digitalization for spurring economic growth, elevating the delivery of public services, and bolstering the Philippines’ competitive stance,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

 

In his 2023 SONA, President Marcos underscored the critical importance of digitalization not as a future goal but as an immediate need to bolster service efficiency and create more opportunities in the country.  The President recognized the growing significance of e-commerce, digital literacy training, and science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of workforce competitiveness. 

 

This trajectory is well aligned with Globe’s accelerated shift from telco to techco, as it continues to grow its roster of portfolio companies offering first-to-market digital solutions that aim to address day-to-day pain points of its individual and business customers.

The Globe Group is at the forefront of digital innovations, offering services in the areas of fintech, healthtech, adtech, climate tech, education, entertainment, human resources and investments.

 

Through its core telco business, Globe also continues to boost connectivity through network expansion and use of the latest technology, and the rollout of innovative products that promote equitable access.

 

The company recently acknowledged the President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 32 to streamline the permitting process for telecom infrastructure. This effort aligns directly with Globe's commitment to improving internet services nationwide and resonates with the President's aspiration to enhance the country's mobile and broadband internet speeds.

 

“Globe shares President Marcos' vision for a digitally enabled Philippines and is eager to support this transformative journey. It recognizes the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in achieving national goals and is committed to contributing to a prosperous, digitally inclusive future for the Philippines,” said Cu.

500 Seniors, PWDs join SM Cares’ Emergency Preparedness Forum in Davao City

SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo (center) together with guests and participants of the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.

Some 500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Davao City gathered for the Emergency Preparedness Forum organized by SM Cares at the SM Lanang Cinema 6 on Friday, July 28.

SM Cares conducted the forum in celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month with the goal to educate participants on natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, and equip them with essential survival tips to prepare for these situations.

The forum also recognizes the capability of seniors and PWDs as leaders in their households and communities, especially in times of natural disasters.

“Naniniwala po ang SM Cares na walang dapat maiwanan, may edad man o may kapansanan, pagdating sa kahandaan sa mga kalamidad. Sa pamamagitan ng Emergency Preparedness Forum na ito, tuturuan natin ang mga senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities ng iba’t-ibang survival tips na maghahanda sa kanila sa iba’t-ibang uri ng sakuna,” SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo said.

Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra discussing survival tips for senior citizens and PWDs at the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.

Among the guest speakers for the forum were Jeffrey Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Lolita Vinalay, Chief Meteorological Officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Davao; and Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra.

Since the forum’s inception in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country. It has received accolades such as the Gold and Silver Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively. 

This initiative is part of SM Cares' push to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include programs for the environment, PWDs, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, senior citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

 

 

 

Globe Group's #MakeITSafePH campaign vs cyberbullying wins Gold at PR Awards Asia 2023

The Globe Group has clinched the coveted Gold for Best Video Storytelling at the PR Awards Asia 2023, recognized for its potent and impactful #MakeITSafePH cyberbullying campaign. The international award was received by RG Orense, Globe Group Digital and Social Strategy Head, at the ceremony gala event held at The St. Regis Hong Kong.

This win for Globe and its partners, international agency Culture Group and award-winning local production outfit Unitel Straightshooters (UxS), emphasizes the company’s Tech for Good philosophy, driving meaningful digital innovation to tackle cyberbullying head-on.

 

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer said, "This recognition is a testament to our steadfast commitment to use technology for good. We are extremely proud of the way our #MakeITSafePH campaign has resonated among our customers, driving crucial conversations around cyberbullying and its repercussions on our children's mental health."

 

The Globe Group’s compelling digital films, “Parents’ Social Experiment” and “Off to School,” have stirred public emotions, bringing the urgent issue of cyberbullying to the fore and masterfully bridging the gap between parents and their children's online lives. They were created by a team of industry experts led by Culture Group’s Jakeena Malli, Director Randolph Longjas, Producer Charissa Pammit, Executive Producer Grace Quisias, and copywriters Paolo Dela Cruz and Kathleen Hernandez.

 

“Parents’ Social Experiment” showcases the disconnect between cyberbullying language and parents’ lack of understanding of the youth’s way of conversing. It highlights how parents’ involvement is vital to ensuring online safety and responsibility of Filipino youth.

 

“Off to School,” on the other hand, emphasizes the often underestimated impact of cyberbullying on children’s physical and mental health.  A UNICEF report showed that one-third of cyberviolence experienced by Filipino children is in the form of verbal abuse over the internet or mobile phone, while a fourth is through sexual messages.

 

Significant voices from the community such as Pia Guanio and Kuya Kim Atienza supported the campaign. Atienza's repost of “Off to School” caught the attention of other celebrities and influencers, including Inka Magnaye and Kaye Bautista who shared their own experiences around bullying.

 

Model Amanda Griffin noted the campaign as "such a powerful ad," underlining the reality children face today.

 

The #MakeITSafePH campaign has proven to be a resounding success, yielding tangible results that underscore its impact. The two digital films garnered a remarkable 18.19 million views on social media, with the overall campaign reaching over 147 million and achieving more than 22.6 million engagements.

 

These films also drove significant traffic to the  https://www.makeitsafe.ph/ website, with close to 77,000 visits recorded. Notably, the campaign spurred a dramatic 315% increase in mental health consultations through the telehealth platform and campaign partner KonsultaMD. It also led to a surge in support threads in Facebook parenting communities such as Glam-o-Mamas and Usapang Nanay, indicating a growing awareness and concern about bullying and cyberbullying among Filipino parents.

 

#MakeITSafePH stands as a testament to the Globe Group's vision of using technology to drive positive social change and foster safer digital spaces for children. The campaign reinforces the important role parents and guardians play as digital allies to their children, urging them to partake in bridging the cultural gap, creating safer spaces, and fostering closer relationships in the digital era.

 

PR Awards Asia 2023, organized by Campaign Asia and PRWeek Asia, celebrates excellence in communication strategies across the Asia-Pacific region. The Globe Group's triumph in the competitive Best Video Storytelling category among 152 winners demonstrates its unwavering commitment to tackling societal issues through innovative digital content.

BARMM’s Langkit weaving loom is Grand Winner of Grassroots Innovation Expo

The ‘Langkit Weaving Hybrid Loom’ grassroots innovation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was hailed as the national winner of the Grassroots Innovation for Circular Economy (GICE) Expo hosted by the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Langkit is a traditional Maranao weave, meticulously handwoven using a backstrap loom. This art form holds deep cultural significance among the Maranao people and is primarily employed for sewing decorative strips onto malongs (tube skirts) and ceremonial attire. 

Salika Maguindanao is the founder of Maranao Collectibles, a social enterprise that produces heirloom langkit textiles as well as other Maranao cultural items. She said that they started the Langkit Weaving after the Marawi Siege in order to provide a livelihood for herself and her fellow Maranao women.

Traditionally, langkit weavers are seated on the floor and their body is part of the loom structure which often causes body aches after long hours of weaving. Weaving on the floor also makes the fabric more prone to being soiled. 

To address this, they developed the Jardin Hybrid Loom, a loom with elevated seating while weaving langkit and still using the backstrap loom but is more sleek and sophisticated. The hybrid loom reduces the strain on the weaver's legs and can be easily transported to any location. 

“My husband, Jardin Samad, invented the loom in hopes to ease the pain of the weavers. Since then, we have been promoting the loom for the weavers to use,” she added.

In her award acceptance speech, Salika Maguindanao thanked DOST for their endless support through the Bangon Marawi Support Fund which allowed them to improve their operations in producing langkit.

“Thank you very much for recognizing our effort. Maraming salamat, DOST,” she added.

CARAGA’s Improvised Underwater Fishing Lamp placed second in the competition. Meanwhile, Region 8’s Modifying Coconut Water for Efficient Cassava Grafting ranked third. 

BARMM bested 14 other contenders from across the Philippines under the Grassroots Innovation (GI) category.

Drawing a better future: Kwentoon joins Globe's Hapag Movement to boost local talent and combat hunger

The Kwentoon Manga Boot Camp graduates with their mentors, Elmer Damaso, James Atillo, and Tepai Pascual, and along with IPOPHIL Officials Atty. Jay Bayaras, Jun Briola, Gabriel Fernandez, and Tinie Baoy.

In a unique blend of art and social awareness, Kwentoon, a Philippine start-up connecting young audiences to thoughtfully selected visual content, has teamed up with the Hapag Movement to help address involuntary hunger. 

As part of this advocacy, 10% of every ticket sold at the recently held Kwentoon Festival 2023 will be donated to the Globe-led movement, a social initiative aimed at eradicating involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood training for struggling Filipinos.

 

Kwentoon Festival 2023 was held at SM Megatrade Hall 3, with over 150 exhibitors and artists and a total 1,439 visitors. The event showcased a range of activities, including workshops, talks, and the Mango Boot Camp Graduation in partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. One of the event's highlights was the Philippine Children's Content Awards, which aims to recognize the creativity and originality of Filipino comic artists, or the so called “kwentoons.”

 

"We are excited to be part of the Hapag Movement, not only to promote homegrown talent but to also address pressing societal concerns," said Isa Songco, Kwentoon Co-Founder.

 

She added: “Filipino artists are actually very good but unfortunately a lot of them get outsourced by firms overseas. That is why when it comes to animation or manga, there is not a lot of intellectual property from the Philippines. So our progression is actually delayed in comparison to our neighboring countries. Recognizing the imperative for local job creation, we hold the Hapag Movement dear to our hearts. This initiative not only fights hunger but also creates a wealth of opportunities for our fellow Filipinos.”

 

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, thanked Kwentoon for its support as she cited the community’s unique opportunity to use art as a way to raise awareness about social issues, particularly hunger.

 

“Art has the ability to evoke empathy and compassion like no other medium can. We are grateful to have Kwentoon as a partner in the Hapag Movement and to have on board visual storytellers who can draw attention to the problem of involuntary hunger through art,” Crisanto said.

 

Established in 2020, Kwentoon aims to inspire and equip local artists to create kid-friendly visual narratives. It connects young audiences to curated content that promotes the values of love of country and family, camaraderie, and hope.

 

The collaboration between Globe and Kwentoon is a testament to the power of innovative alliances that not only enrich local artistry but also address pertinent societal challenges. The partnership further resonates with the growing need for the comic and manga communities to become more socially conscious and drive changes that have a profound impact on society.

DOST, UNDP celebrate Filipino innovators in GICE Expo

Grassroots Innovations exhibited during the 2023 GICE Expo

The Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) celebrated local ingenuity and sustainable solutions during the Grassroots Innovation for Circular Economy (GICE) Expo 2023.

The expo showcased an impressive array of ingenious solutions developed by Filipino innovators from grassroots communities to address concerns in their respective contexts.

In his welcome remarks, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of grassroots innovations in contributing to the sustainable development of the country through viable means of raising income, addressing social needs, conserving the environment, and preserving our culture. 

“As we scale up the program on the national level, the challenge for us now is to locate more grassroots innovations and systemically examine how these can be fully supported to continuously contribute to our sustainable growth,” Solidum said.

UNDP Philippines representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran also highlighted the need to transition to a circular economy which is important for sustainable development.

“Prosperity must not be achieved at the expense of the environment. The circularity of the economy is a strategic safeguard that will contribute to ensuring that such prosperity is sustainable,” he said.

The expo provided a platform for the display of ingenious Filipino creations both from the formal and informal sectors, made of various local materials and it also allowed productive and collaborative discussions between the innovators and potential investors and mentors. 

A series of engaging discussions were also delivered by grassroots innovations and circular economy champions from the Philippines, Malaysia, and India shedding light on the immense potential of grassroots innovations for widespread impact.

Keynote speaker and Senator Hon. Loren Legarda also stressed the importance of placing innovation at the heart of the government’s development policies which is embodied in the Philippine Innovation Act.

“If we harness the ingenuity of Filipinos, we can embark on a transformative journey leading to sustainable progress and prosperity,” Legarda said.

The Langkit Weaving of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and CARAGA's Sustainable Fuel Via Community-Based Biomass Gasification System were hailed as national winners for the Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy categories, respectively.

As the GICE Expo concluded, the participants expressed gratitude for the conduct of the event and committed to continue supporting innovative, sustainable, and circular economy principles.

DOST XI Regional Director Anthony Sales, who is also the project leader of the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development Program, said that strong collaboration is equally relevant for the success of the GIs and circular change.

“Grassroots innovations and strong grassroots movements can help bring about an inclusive, sustainable, and circular change,” he said.

Missed the registration deadline? You have 5 days to reactivate your SIM

If you still missed the SIM registration deadline, you have a final grace period to comply with the law. 

Globe, TM, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users who missed the July 25 deadline for SIM registration will already feel the impact of non-compliance, with their outgoing services and incoming calls deactivated.

But, as stipulated in the implementing rules and regulations of the SIM Registration Act, they still have five days- from July 26 to 30–  to catch up and save their SIM from permanent deactivation. Their incoming SMS is still left active so they could receive a One-Time Pin for SIM registration.  

"Globe recognizes the essential role of uninterrupted mobile and broadband services in our customers' daily lives. So, as provided for in the law, SIM users get this last chance to register their SIMs after missing the initial and extended registration deadlines. Our team is committed to assisting our customers who need help. We strongly urge everyone to seize this opportunity to avoid any inconvenience," said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

To reactivate your SIMs and restore full mobile services, customers have to connect to a WiFi network and complete their SIM registration via Globe's dedicated platform or through the GlobeOne app. Globe Stores and EasyHubs are also open to assist walk-in customers who need assistance. Reactivation of full mobile services will happen within 24 hours following.

Failure to reactivate during this five-day grace period will lead to permanent SIM deactivation. As a consequence, all services, including incoming and outgoing text messages, calls, and mobile data connectivity will no longer be available. This may also impact access to active mobile applications, including banking, transport and other apps crucial for daily needs. 

Starting July 31, 2023, all remaining load balances and promo registrations on unregistered SIMs will also be forfeited. Those with deactivated SIMs who need mobile services will have to purchase new SIMs, which will then also have to be registered to activate. 

The SIM registration grace period is the final opportunity for customers to register their SIMs and secure their mobile services. Globe, TM, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi customers are encouraged to act swiftly to avoid the consequences of permanent deactivation.

Customers are reminded that SIM registration is an integral part of the broader initiative to strengthen customer security and prevent fraud. Completing this step is necessary not only to retain their mobile services but to ensure their digital safety.