SEC and GCash sign agreement to combat scams and fraud

From L-R: Atty. Oliver Leonardo, Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) Director; Atty. Emilio Benito Aquino, SEC Chairperson and CEO; Martha Sazon, President and CEO of Mynt; Ren-Ren Reyes, CEO of GXI; Tony Isidro, CEO of Fuse.

The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippines’ leading finance super app GCash have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to join forces in going after perpetrators involved in online fraud, e-scams, and other cybercrimes. 

Under the agreement, GCash will assist and cooperate with the SEC in investigating financial fraud crimes by providing relevant information and data in accordance with prevailing laws, rules, and regulations.

As more and more Filipinos embrace the digital space for their daily transactions and investments, the country has witnessed a concerning rise in online scams, investment fraud, and various cybercrimes in recent years. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) noted that victims of these cybercrimes typically use online money transfer services, such as e-wallets, for their transactions.

“As the country’s investor champion, we must think of ways for fintech companies like GCash to thrive. Financial services offered by GCash will further the cause for financial inclusion and bring the capital market to more Filipinos. The MOA entered into today allows efficient cooperation between EIPD and GCash. Through this MOA, the EIPD can request vital information from GCash to build better cases in its fight against fraud,” SEC chairperson and CEO Emilio Benito Aquino said.

The agreement further solidifies GCash's commitment to secure its customers’ funds and data.

“By continuously working with the government in combating scams, fraud, and other cybercrimes, we want our users to have peace of mind and confidence to transact in the digital space. After all, at GCash, the security of our users is our utmost priority. Together with the SEC, we will continue to improve and innovate in order to protect our customers against cyber threats and other types of scams,” G-Xchange Inc. chief executive officer Ren-Ren Reyes said.

As the e-wallet with the largest user base in the country, GCash is serious in upholding its trust and security mandate by building close coordination and partnerships with law enforcement authorities, namely the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). GCash has also been leveraging the latest innovation in trust technology to build the safest digital ecosystem for its users while doubling down on empowering customers to protect their accounts through education.

GCash warns users on ‘jailbroken’ and ‘rooted' phones

In an ongoing effort to combat scams, frauds, and account takeovers, the country's most popular finance super app, GCash, is now barring 'jailbroken' and 'rooted' devices, effective immediately as a precautionary step against potential security weaknesses of modified smartphones.

Meanwhile, devices running in "developer mode", in which some users configure the operating system for testing software and applications, have also been identified as vulnerable to attacks and will be prevented from accessing the app.

 

The practice of altering the normal settings of a mobile device’s operating system by the manufacturer or operator is referred to as 'jailbreaking' for iOS and 'rooting' for Android. GCash stresses that using jailbroken or rooted phones will not block or cause the cancellation of a GCash account. However, using these modified devices will prohibit the user from opening the GCash app on the said device. This includes phones in developer mode, which should be switched off before using the app.

 

According to GCash's Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, using a modified device can have severe consequences for security.

 

“Firstly, these devices cannot receive critical security updates, making them susceptible to viruses and various threats. Secondly, they are at an elevated risk of malware, which can result in system corruption and some sensitive personal information being compromised, including login credentials, passwords, and PINs,” explained Sy.

 

“Lastly, users of such devices may inadvertently expose their personal and financial data, including credit card details and online access credentials, to scammers and hackers, potentially leading to unauthorized access and fraudulent activities,” she added.

 

The leading fintech super app strongly advises its users to only use unmodified smartphones to access the app. GCash also cautions its customers against rooting and jailbreaking since it not only compromises security but also raises the chance of 'bricking' the phone or irreparably destroying its software, leaving the device useless.

 

Modding also voids the smartphone's warranty, which means that the manufacturer will no longer fix the device if there are any problems. Having the device fixed by an unlicensed business also raises the danger of revealing sensitive data that the repair shop may get. Finally, GCash highly advises buying new phones rather than retaining hacked handsets to safeguard their safety.

 

GCash remains committed to providing a secure and seamless user experience for its customers. This latest security update underscores the company's dedication to protecting the interests and personal data of its valued users.

 

 

KonsultaMD welcomes actor and entrepreneur Enrique Gil as new CCIO

[L-R] Pamela Lee, Head of Marketing and Partnerships of KonsultaMD; Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD CEO; Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO; actor Enrique Gil, KonsultaMD Chief Communications and Impact Officer (CCIO); and Ranvel Rufino, Strategic Partner.

Prominent Filipino artist and entrepreneur Enrique Gil has formally joined  KonsultaMD, a premier health SuperApp under the Globe Group umbrella, as its Chief Communications and Impact Officer (CCIO).

The appointment was marked by a contract signing, with key attendees including Ernest Cu, President and CEO of the Globe Group, and Cholo Tagaysay, President and CEO of KonsultaMD.

Known for his acting prowess and business ventures, Enrique has always been passionate about ensuring that healthcare reaches every Filipino. He actively sought out a partnership with KonsultaMD to bring this vision to fruition.

"Thank you so much to KonsultaMD for trusting me in this partnership. I really strongly believe that healthcare should be accessible to every Filipino no matter where they are," he said.

Enrique’s role at KonsultaMD goes beyond endorsement, serving as a voice for a significant cause. He aims to bridge the gap between Filipinos and quality healthcare, ensuring that medical services are available to everyone. 

This partnership, created with enthusiasm by Ranvel Rufino, Strategic Partner, and Pamela Lee, Head of Marketing and Partnerships of KonsultaMD, perfectly aligns with the company's goal. 

“The mission of KonsultaMD is to democratize healthcare.” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of KonsultaMD. “Enrique is going to be a massive help to that mission. We’re very excited to collaborate with him and his team to create awareness for KonsultaMD.”

With Enrique on board, KonsultaMD hopes to connect with a wider audience who may not be aware of the availability of accessible and affordable healthcare services. His genuine connection with Filipinos nationwide is expected to encourage more people to prioritize their health and well-being.

The Globe Group, beyond its telco services, has been diversifying its offerings. Through 917Ventures, it has introduced innovative services and tech solutions such as KonsultaMD, which has been revolutionizing healthcare services in the country.

“Globe has been transforming itself into an entity to not only provide better communications, but also impact solutions to the Filipino public— solutions that address the largest issues in the Philippines,” Cu said.

“During the pandemic, KonsultaMD started to make an impact. Even with the pandemic winding down and the economy opening up, the momentum of KonsultaMD continues,” he added. 

KonsultaMD stands as the Philippines' largest telehealth provider. It offers comprehensive telehealth services, from 24/7 doctor access, medical certificates, and same-day pharmacy deliveries to at-home diagnostics and nursing care for newborns and the elderly. KonsultaMD is also a strong advocate for mental health, leading initiatives to destigmatize mental health consultations among Filipinos.

Davao De Oro’s Fashion Enterprise is Best SETUP Adopter in Davao Region

 

In a bid to enhance the safety protocols and preparedness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, a comprehensive Basic Training Course on the Fundamentals of Chemical Safety and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) in partnership with the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University. 

Out of 200 participants, a total of eight (8) PNP personnel and eight (8) DOST laboratory personnel from the Davao Region joined the activity which covered a range of topics on History of Explosive Chemicals and its International Regulations, Basic Environmental Chemistry, and Guidelines for the Management of Explosive Chemicals among others.

The training course highlighted the importance of understanding rapid advancements in technology and the increasing use of hazardous chemicals in criminal activities.

In addition, the training equipped the PNP and DOST personnel with knowledge to proactively prevent accidents involving explosive substances, and ultimately reduce health risks for individuals and the broader community.

This Basic Training Course is a significant step forward in boosting the PNP's capabilities in dealing with chemical-related emergencies which contributes to the overall safety and security of the country.(DOST)

Shaping the future of fintech: GCash empowers young leaders through Jumpstart Internship Program

Understanding the importance of the youth in nation-building and innovation, the #1 Finance Super App GCash, recently concluded the second leg of its Jumpstart Internship Program, an 11-week learning initiative that seeks to mold undergraduate students into becoming future leaders in fintech.

Kicked off in June 2023, this year’s run received over 1,500 student applicants from different colleges and universities across the country. Aspiring interns were narrowed down to 39 shortlisted bright minds who were immersed in various business groups of the country’s leading fintech super app.

Winners of the ImaGnation innovation challenge and some of the high potential students who landed in the ImaGnation Top 15 also received a spot in this competitive and prestigious summer program.

Mentorship and collaborations

Under the mentorship of GCash leaders and experts in fintech, the interns were assigned in arms such as Tech and Operations, Commercial, Marketing, Finance, Fuse Lending, Wealth Management, New Businesses, Transformation, Strategy, People and Purpose, and Compliance.

Gearing them up for the real world, GCash gave them the opportunity to collaborate with the team in high impact projects. Likewise, weekly G Nation sessions were conducted to involve and prepare them for the fast-paced and dynamic culture of the fintech industry.

“The best way to shape the youth into becoming innovators and leaders in the industry is to introduce and immerse them in the field as early as possible. This means giving them a seat at the table and a voice to be heard through this internship program. By employing practices that are collaborative, we guide them into the right direction as the future of fintech,” said GCash Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales.

Ready for the real world

The Jumpstart Internship Program was structured to give undergraduate students a synergetic and engaging preview of how the fintech industry works and how GCash is constantly innovating to make the quality of Filipinos’ lives better through financial inclusion.

The best practices, learning behaviors, and dynamic mindset the interns learned through the internship program have prepared them to be able to keep up with the rapidly changing demands of an organization within the ever-evolving tech industry.

Batch Valedictorian Ben Bensali, a BS Development Communication student of the University of the Philippines Los Baños and previous ImaGnation participant imparted words of encouragement to his fellow interns on a valuable lesson they can apply after graduation.

“I hope you find it in your heart to serve our nation. With how turbulent our life can be as Filipinos, our country needs your great minds now, more than ever, to come together and create solutions that empower and uplift people who need it the most,” he said.

The program’s latest run culminated with a graduation ceremony last September 7 in Seda Hotel BGC where the interns received their Certificate of Achievement for completing the Jumpstart Internship Program. Special awards were given for standout interns with the best overall proactive performance and attendance.

Globe's 1st Developers’ Conference: A Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration

The crowd in attendance at the opening ceremonies of the recent Globe DevCon held at The Forum (B1) of The Globe Tower in Taguig City.

Leading digital solutions platform Globe demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange within the tech community as it hosted the 1st Globe Developers’ Conference recently.

Organized by Globe’s Information Services Group (ISG), Globe DevCon was a convergence of visionary developers, business moguls, and tech aficionados. It showcased cutting-edge technologies, shared pioneering solutions, and promoted best practices.

 

More than just a learning experience, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in a world of innovation, all while having fun and being inspired to take their development pursuits to the next level.

 

Globe Chief Information Officer Raul Macatangay encouraged everyone to "create together,” calling on partners at the recent Globe DevCon to be “co-creators” and “co-builders.”

Globe Chief Information Officer Raul Macatangay set the tone with a powerful message about collective creation.

 

"Each one of us can be a builder or creator. No matter how ordinary we feel," he passionately declared. Macatangay went on to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the partners present, referring to them as Globe's "co-creators" and "co-builders."

 

Ricky Mohan, Globe ISG’s Senior Advisor for Cloud Enablement and Service Operations Division, echoed this sentiment during his keynote address.

 

"DevCon is a day for creators, by creators," he said.

 

Mohan championed the principles of transparency, collaboration, and empowerment, all aimed at reducing creator friction: "If we work together, and we share, we collaborate, we could be so much better at what we're doing. I'm not saying we're bad, but we could be really, really better."

 

Karthik Krishna, Globe Senior Advisor for Product and Digital Growth, shifted the focus to the customers, discussing the significance of "Design Thinking."

 

"It is about them and for them. The closer the end-users' needs are analyzed and answered, the more successful the adoption or purchase of a solution. You iterate until you get it right from a customer perspective,” he explained.

 

The event was a perfect blend of tech and product exhibitions, coupled with enlightening learning sessions. Topics ranged from Cloud and Operations to Application Development and Delivery, and Best Practices and Collaboration.

 

As the day drew to a close, attendees were invited to be part of the Globe Cloud Community. This initiative aims to promote continuous development and foster even greater collaboration among cloud enthusiasts within the company.

 

Globe DevCon was made possible through the participation of industry giants such as Dell Technologies, AWS, Amdocs, Cisco, Huawei, Hewlett Packard, QualityKiosk Technologies, MDI Novare, Netrust, MongoDB, Netpoleon, Palo Alto Networks, Yondu, Vertiv, RedHat, ServiceNow, Cloudflare, Google Cloud Platform, and Sourced.

 

The event took place at The Forum (B1 floor) of The Globe Tower, marking another milestone in Globe's journey in technological leadership and innovation.

 

NXT: Empowering next-gen workforce for a sustainable future

 

NXT, the innovative talent platform powered by Acquiro Solutions and Tech Inc., is leading the charge in shaping a purposeful future for emerging professionals, interns, and fresh graduates. Cultivating sustainable workforce practices, NXT is dedicated to providing the tools and opportunities needed to empower the next generation of talent.

 

To prepare job seekers for the future of work, NXT seeks to offer a diverse range of job opportunities that meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. More than traditional full-time jobs, NXT eyes to connect jobseekers with a variety of career options, including project-based roles, internships, and freelance work.

 

Recognizing the critical need for a sustainable talent pipeline, NXT, through Asticom, engaged over 30 educational institutions across the country. The collaborations aim to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students and graduates with insights into the corporate world. They help individuals align their skills and knowledge with industry needs, addressing the challenge of suitable career paths in the nation.

 

In a nation where millions are in search of suitable career paths, NXT is revolutionizing job and talent search by streamlining talent acquisition processes through technology, with a focus on making job searching more accessible, flexible, and efficient. Thus, transforming the talent acquisition and job search experience in the Philippines for the digital age.

 

Ged Gutierrez, Deputy General Manager of Acquiro, underscores the platform's commitment to success: "NXT aspires to set job seekers on a path to higher success by connecting them with various job opportunities with flexible work arrangements. With new features coming in the next quarters, including part-time, hybrid, and gig work, among others, we aim to empower them to shape their careers on their terms.”

 

Acquiro, as part of Asticom and the Globe Group, supports UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 8, particularly focusing on gender diversity and equal opportunities, employee satisfaction through work-life balance and career growth, and continuous learning and development.

 

Asticom Group of Companies President and CEO, Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, meanwhile, articulated the company's vision. "We firmly believe that fostering sustainability in the workforce is essential for the long-term success of our organization and the communities we impact. By aligning our efforts with global sustainability goals, we are creating a positive legacy for future generations,” she said.

 

Job seekers and businesses are invited to embark on a transformative journey by signing up on NXT.  To discover how Acquiro is reshaping the talent acquisition landscape and nurturing a sustainable future, visit Acquiro Solutions. For more information about Asticom.

Every drop matters at SM: How to save water even during the rainy season

SM’s recycled mall wastewater is used for watering gardens, among others.

SM Supermalls has continuously pushed for green construction given its awareness of the fundamental role it can play in promoting water security and conservation, championing water reuse, and being the catalyst of a sustainable solution.

Up to 25 SM malls have water catchment basins to help prevent flooding as well as soil erosion during heavy downpours. In its malls nationwide, water is reused for non-potable use, such as cleaning the malls, flushing toilets, and watering plants. 

Last July, SM City Baguio introduced the first of its-kind in a mall-setting facility that converts rainwater into potable water and contributes to the city's water management measures. 

SM City Baguio features a water catchment basin designed to gather and treat water for recycling within the mall.

And while the wet season is here, SM believes that does not mean people should waste valuable water supply. While many parts of Metro Manila have observed heavy rainfall recently, some parts of the country still experience insufficient rain, which further reduces the water level supply in the country’s reservoir dams. 

It is no secret that water is an essential resource used every day for cleaning ourselves, the food we eat, and our surroundings to prevent the spread of diseases. To help alleviate the impacts of climate change, here are nine practical strategies to save water according to SM Supermalls.

1. Reduce Shower Time: Shorten showers by aiming for about just five minutes, to conserve water and energy for heating.

2. Don’t Leave the Tap Water Running: To prevent unnecessary water waste, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, washing your face, and cleaning the dishes.

3. Reuse Water: Reuse water used for washing rice and vegetables or rinsing dishes to water indoor plants. Laundry water can also be used for toilet flushing.

4. Sweep Instead of Hose:  Save water by sweeping the dirt on sidewalks and roads instead of using a hose to clean them.

5. Use Only Full Loads of Laundry: Wait until you have a full load of laundry before using your washing machine to maximize water efficiency.

6. Fix Leaks ASAP: Immediately fix even small leaks in your home's plumbing system because it can eventually waste a lot of water.

7. Water Plants Sensibly: Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

8. Collect Rainwater: Set up rain barrels or containers to capture rainwater for outside uses like cleaning, watering plants, or filling toilet bowls. 

9. Raise awareness to others: Spread the word about water conservation among family, friends, and neighbors to create a positive impact and viable solutions.

Keep in mind that every little bit helps, and by putting these water-saving tips into practice, we can significantly contribute to preserving this vital resource for everyone’s future.

Globe transforms prepaid mobile experience with digital-only eSIM

Globe is introducing the fully digital eSIM experience this September. This transformative offering gets rid of the hassles of obtaining and handling physical SIM cards, ushering in a new era where activating and managing mobile services is as simple as a few taps on a screen. 

Globe’s prepaid eSIM will be available by the end of the month, reinforcing Globe's dedication to pioneering user-centric technological solutions.

 

The eSIM will be solely available via the GlobeOne app, a digital-exclusive strategy that underlines Globe's commitment to a future-ready and streamlined user experience.

 

With the GlobeOne app, buying an eSIM will be a breeze:

●       Users can easily download the FREE app

●       Set up a GlobeOne account

●       Request for a new eSIM

 

This shift to a digital-only model ensures that Globe's customers are spared the inconvenience of store visits or physical SIM delivery, making the transition to the eSIM both sustainable and efficient.

 

“At Globe, we're always looking ahead, anticipating the needs of our customers in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The prepaid eSIM captures our vision of a seamless, digital-first mobile experience, marrying innovation with convenience,” Darius Delgado, Head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business.

 

The merits of the eSIM go beyond its digital nature. It allows users to install multiple eSIMs on selected devices and use two phone numbers at the same time. Plus, the eSIM can also be used in devices other than mobile phones such as smartwatches, allowing seamless connection under one mobile number. This technology is available to the Apple Watch cellular, allowing Globe Prepaid iPhone users to go out with just their Apple watch and stay connected even without bringing their iPhone.

 

The roll-out of the prepaid eSIM has a positive environmental impact as well. By digitalizing the SIM process, eSIM technology can eliminate the need for plastic, and logistics required to create a physical SIM, and cut down its associated carbon emissions. 

As the world pivots more towards digital solutions, Globe stands ready to lead its customers into a future marked by seamless connectivity and conscious choices.