Rep. Paolo Duterte, China’s Consul-General Zhao Xiuzhen donates 320 sewing machines to Davao City

First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, through his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte, with the People’s Republic of China–Davao Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen, handed over on August 2, Wednesday, 320 sewing machines to Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

The handover and blessing of the donated sewing machines was held at People’s Park with the presence of the 11 tribes.

“These machines will be donated to our indigenous brothers and sisters in all city districts,” Rigo said on behalf of his father, who expressed his deep gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for its contributions to purchasing the sewing machines.

“Our special thanks to the City Government of Davao for all the assistance that it will give in the delivery and distribution of these sewing machines to the far-flung indigenous communities; and for the support services to Indigenous People (IP) for the proper use of the machines,” he added.

Rep. Duterte also thanked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority  for the training interventions it will provide to the IP groups. 

 

He said that with proper training in the operation of the machines and by learning suitable skills in small enterprise management, the sustainability of the community-based project will be ensured.

“This occasion is not simply the turnover of the sewing machines. Today is a red-letter day that gives our indigenous brothers and sisters another ray of hope for a brighter future. May the hand of our God Almighty guide our IP brothers and sisters,” Rigo said.

People’s Republic of China–Davao Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen said she hopes these sewing machines can help the local people and improve the relationships between their country and the Philippines. Looking back to her childhood memories, she added that these machines are helpful.

“These machines remind me of my childhood. My parents used the sewing machine to make and sell clothes. My parents used a sewing machine to make me and my brother’s shoes. The sewing can help the local people in their livelihood,” Xiuzhen said.

“What we are witnessing today is a perfect example of the friendship and collaboration between the two countries of what we can achieve together. Let’s do more to benefit the local people and deepen our friendship,” China’s consul-general added. Xiuzhen also thanked Vice President Sara Duterte.

Mayor Duterte, who thanked the sponsors of the sewing machines, said that the city government's goal is to generate livelihood programs in various areas here, particularly where there were past insurgencies.

 

"The NPA (New People's Army) is no longer present nowadays because we have declared our area insurgency-free for over a year. Our next concern is how to provide food on tables of the people living in the far-flung areas, aside from cultivating our land," Mayor Duterte said in the vernacular.

Mayor Duterte added that it is essential to introduce, not only through the government, to give attention to the IP groups and provide them with opportunities to express their brilliant thoughts and ideas about what they envision to improve their communities.

Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto, Peace 911 focal person and assistant chief of staff of the city mayor, said they already met the deputy mayors of the 11 tribes here to deliberate the positive initiatives they can do, especially for the IP groups and the Muslim community.

Presto said the number of sewing machines may be less, but they can start with their plans to improve their communities through this. She also assured that they will look for materials to use, conduct training, and seek support from private and public agencies for the project's success. 

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.