PetPal revolutionizes business for vets, helps expand clientele

 Dr. Paulo Mercado says PetPal helped him gain 90 new clients as it makes vet consultations easy and convenient. 

PetPal, a portfolio company of Globe’s 917Ventures, is transforming the landscape of veterinary practice in the Philippines. With its innovative solutions, PetPal has successfully onboarded over 1,000 licensed and accredited veterinarians and partnered with more than 300 trusted vet clinics across the country. 

PetPal's commitment to excellence is evident in its user-friendly platform, which is trusted by millions of pet owners nationwide. It does not only offer a seamless experience for pet owners but also provides veterinarians with an opportunity to expand their clientele and increase their revenue.

 

Dr. Paulo Mercado, DVM, shared how PetPal helped him grow his clientele.

 

“Through PetPal, I have gained over 90 new clients, all thanks to the convenience and accessibility of online consultations. PetPal has changed the way I practice vet medicine and allowed me to expand my clientele reach,” he said.

 

Similarly, Dr. Gladys Magdaraog, DVM, credited her career growth to PetPal.

 

“Since joining PetPal, my vet career has experienced tremendous growth. I have gained over 60 new clients and the increased demand allowed me to open my clinic’s second branch. My vet journey with PetPal has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally,” she said.

 

For veterinarians looking to elevate their practice, PetPal offers a myriad of benefits. From setting up a digital clinic to receiving marketing support and nationwide reach, the platform ensures that vets are well-equipped to serve their clients efficiently.

 

Moreover, joining PetPal is absolutely free, with no monthly fees, making it an attractive proposition for both up-and-coming and established veterinarians.

 

Miguel Guerrero, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at 917Ventures, passionately articulates the mission of PetPal, declaring, "PetPal is committed to elevating pet care standards across the Philippines and empowering veterinarians with the resources and backing they deserve to excel."

 

Dr. Gladys Magdaraog says her practice has grown with increased client demand through PetPal. 

Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, added, "We are immensely proud of the trust and credibility PetPal has built in the industry. It's more than just numbers. It's about making a genuine difference in the lives of pets and their caregivers."

 

For pet owners, PetPal offers a comprehensive suite of services, from online consultations and home vet visits to vaccinations and grooming services. The platform also introduces the PetPal Club, where members can enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts all year long. Meanwhile, the digital pet booklet Pet Pawrtal makes it easy and convenient to track pets’ healthcare journey.

 

With its all-encompassing solutions, PetPal is on a mission to ensure pets live their healthiest lives. As the top digital pet care solutions provider in the Philippines, PetPal invites veterinarians to join their growing community and be part of the revolution.

 

Sign up and become a PetPal vet. Learn more about 917Ventures and its startups.

Globe supports Senate bills strengthening PH law vs online content piracy

Globe supports Senate bills that will amend the 26-year-old Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy, measures that will protect the Filipino creative industries and customers who face risks online. 

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. have filed separate bills to strengthen the Intellectual Property Code, a parallel measure to House Bill No. 7600 by Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay's 2nd District in the House of Representatives which passed third reading in May 2023.

 

These legislative efforts are designed to update Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, which was established in 1997, well before online content piracy became prevalent.

 

"The Globe Group recognizes the urgent need to modernize the Intellectual Property Code, especially in the face of growing online threats such as online content piracy. It's crucial to safeguard our creative industries, their workforce, and consumers who might unknowingly access malicious links on pirated websites, jeopardizing their personal data," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

 

Amending the Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy will institutionalize a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently signed with Globe and other leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to establish a site-blocking mechanism against pirate sites.

 

The MOU, the first of its kind in Asia, is a significant step forward against online content piracy as it establishes a voluntary site-blocking practice against the unauthorized distribution and sale of pirated content over the internet. The MOU also outlines the general principles and procedures for site blocking as it underscores collaboration between IPOPHL and ISPs.

 

Globe has consistently campaigned against online content piracy through the #PlayItRight initiative, promoting the protection of content creators in an era dominated by pirated materials.

 

As a member of the Video Coalition of the Philippines, established last year alongside major industry players and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Globe has been at the forefront of advocating for robust intellectual property rights in the Philippines.

 

The proposed bills by Estrada and Revilla, both actors who are personally familiar with the perils of film piracy, aim to empower the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to restrict access to copyright-infringing sites and initiate site-blocking measures, supporting the creative sectors against rampant piracy.

 

Estrada's Senate Bill 2150, submitted on May 9, 2023, suggests blocking access to websites promoting copyright violations and proposes fines of up to PHP1 million. Meanwhile, Revilla's Senate Bill No. 2385, filed on August 1, 2023, focuses on enhancing the IPOPHL's authority and responsibilities.

 

Estrada highlighted the significant spike in online film piracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with illegal online links to Filipino films, including those from the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, being widely shared on social media.

 

The IPOPHL reported a noticeable increase in online piracy and counterfeiting activities in 2020, with the number of reports and complaints exceeding the average in the previous five years.

 

Surveys by YouGov, commissioned by the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), suggest that enforcing site-blocking could greatly benefit the Philippines' P1.6-trillion creative industries, which contributed 7.3% to the country’s economy in 2022.

 

While 58% of consumers in the country interact with pirated content, many are willing to pay for legitimate content if not available on pirated platforms. The survey showed varied preferences for legal content consumption, with 53% opting for subscription services, 15% for pay-per-view, 28% for cinema, 13% for Blu-Ray or DVD, and 39% for ad-supported media.

 

Filipino consumers overwhelmingly support government action against online content piracy. The survey revealed that 45% support ISP restrictions on pirate websites, 27% are in favor of banning Android TV Boxes that access pirated content, and 39% back the prohibition of apps offering pirated content access.

Tagum-based Inventor Qualifies for Mindanao-wide Invention Contest

Carlos Detalo, Jr., inventor of the Tankless Foaming Machine

A Tagum-based inventor who was assisted by the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) qualified for the Mindanao Cluster Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) on October 4-5, 2023 at the VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

Carlos Detalo Jr., an inventor based in Tagum City, Davao Region qualified for the said invention contest with his entry “Tankless Foaming Machine” under the Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award) Private Funded category. 

He obtained funding in 2020 through the Industry-Based Engineering Design (IBED) initiative of the TAPI after he was hailed as the champion for RICE under the Utility Model Category in 2019 with his invention "Span On and Off Handle for 5-Gallon Bottle Container”.

His inventive acumen has not only contributed to regional recognition but has also garnered attention on the national stage as he was a qualifier for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) last 2020. This year, his craft marked another significant stride in his inventive journey.

As Mr. Detalo advanced to the Mindanao-wide stage, his "Tankless Foaming Machine" invention became an inspiring figure for other aspiring innovators in the region. His success story epitomizes the power of innovation and the transformative potential of inventors in Davao. 

He said that the very core of his works were the people. He wanted to ease the life of ordinary citizens through his inventions.

“I also enjoyed joining a prestigious competition like this because this gave me a privilege to meet brilliant inventors from other places and learn from their craft as well,” he added.

RICE is a nationwide activity conducted by the DOST-TAPI in different regions to recognize the indispensability of Filipino inventors in society and national economic development. (DOST)

Globe's KmmunityPH and K-Pop fandoms unite to raise funds for #GirlsCan campaign

Globe’s KmmunityPH online K-culture community, in partnership with various K-pop girl group fandoms, has raised over P200,000 worth of donations for the World Vision #GirlsCan campaign, giving them access to safe drinking water, hygiene needs,  and a handwashing facility. 

Globe, through its KmmunityPH online K-culture community, in partnership with various K-pop girl group fandoms, has successfully raised over P200k worth of donations for the World Vision #GirlsCan campaign. This initiative marks a significant stride in the company’s commitment to women empowerment and support for subculture. 

Through collaboration with Filo-BLINKs (BLACKPINK), MIDZYs (ITZY), Once (TWICE), RevLuvs (RED VELVET), and MY (aespa), Globe was able to contribute to World Vision’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) under the Bawat Batang Pinoy Malusog Campaign. 864 women and girls in Antique will benefit from the WaSH program and will have access to clean and safe drinking water and handwashing facilities. Children and other members of the assisted community no longer have to walk and spend hours collecting and fetching water. This also aims to empower and help create a safe environment for women and girls, especially those living in remote areas, to go to school confidently with their menstrual hygiene and puberty needs met.

 

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Globe's KmmunityPH actively participated in the distribution of learners kits to 250 students in the Baseco compound, Manila.  Members of BLACKPINK Philippines and BTS PH fan groups joined the activity.  

 

“At Globe, we believe in the power of unity. Our partnership with KmmunityPH and the K-pop fandoms is a shining example of how we can come together to make a real difference. The #GirlsCan campaign is not just about raising funds, but it's also about empowering girls to break free from limitations, to dream big, and to shape their own futures. We are proud to be part of this movement, and we invite everyone to join us in creating a world where every girl can realize her potential by fueling their passions with Globe,” said Anne Calma, Head of Subcultures at Globe.

 

The #GirlsCan campaign is a transformative initiative that seeks to empower girls and young women, rooted in the belief that every girl has the right to education, health, and economic opportunity. It's a local take on a global campaign that was originally introduced by World Vision Australia in 2018.

 

The campaign also actively works to create a world where girls are free from fear, discrimination, and violence. In a country like the Philippines where issues like online sexual exploitation and adolescent pregnancies are prevalent, #GirlsCan serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action.

 

The collaboration between Globe and the fandoms on #GirlsCan aligns with the company’s sustainability strategy of creating a positive societal impact.

GCash launches new ‘GCash Card’ powered by Visa

The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, teams up with global payments leader Visa to introduce the new GCash Card – giving millions of unbanked Filipinos access to the benefits of owning a payment card.

“GCash is giving every Filipino, whoever or wherever they are, the benefits of owning a card, especially those with no bank accounts or documents typically required to apply for a card. These include Filipinos with informal sources of incomes like freelancers and independent professionals as well as micro and small enterprises,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange, the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

 

With the new GCash Card, more Filipinos, especially those busy with the daily hustle, can have access to another cashless payment option which they can use for their everyday expenses like groceries, restaurants, and transportation. The GCash Card can be used by customers to shop securely online on their favorite websites and apps. They can also use the card in physical retail stores simply by tapping or inserting the card in terminals.

 

“The new card powered by Visa unlocks more payment options for GCash users as they can use it at over 100 million merchants in the Philippines and across the world,” noted Reyes.

 

Any fully verified user can now order their own GCash Card powered by Visa through the app, without additional documents or approvals.

 

The launch of GCash Card’s aim is “Dahil Kaya All with the Card for All”, providing Filipinos with numerous benefits similar to those enjoyed by those with bank accounts, such as quick ATM withdrawals locally and abroad.

 

Powered by Visa’s global reach, the card can also be used for payments overseas in over 200 countries and territories, at over 100 million merchants. This gives traveling GCash Card users and overseas Filipinos another secure and convenient way of paying abroad – whether it be in restaurants, hotels, retail shops, convenience stores, ride-hailing apps, and other transport services, as well as other merchants who accept Visa as payment.

 

Jeff Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam, said, “We are very happy to partner with GCash to provide the GCash Card to Filipinos, which paves the way to better financial inclusion. With the card’s contactless capability, it enables Filipino shoppers, especially those who don’t usually pay with cards, to shop conveniently and securely, joining millions around the world who have been tapping to shop, dine, and travel.”

 

Users who have availed of the GCash Card will also have access to GInsure, where they can get free insurance of up to P20,000 coverage for unauthorized transactions for the first 30 days after activation. This also includes the P185 price for card replacement in the event of accidental loss or damage to the card, as well as the shipping fee of up to P225.

 

To order, users can open their GCash app, go to ”View all”, and find the “Manage” section. Click on “Cards” and tap “Order a GCash Card”. To know more, visit GCash at https://www.gcash.com.

 

Mynt to acquire ECPay to serve MSMEs better, boost bills payment business

(L-R) Jasmin Montelibano, President and CEO of ECPay, Martha Sazon, President and CEO of Mynt, Issa Cebreira, Chief Commercial Officer of Globe Group, and Jude Aguilar, President, Payment One, Inc.

Mynt, the holding company of the Philippines’ number one finance super app, GCash, has entered into an agreement with Globe Telecom Inc. and Payment One, Inc. to acquire a 100% stake in Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc. (ECPay), for P3.0 billion.

Mynt believes its acquisition of ECPay will strengthen its position as a partner for growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). This also allows Mynt to create a more comprehensive suite of solutions that can help drive financial progress for MSMEs.

“Mynt, through its fintech subsidiaries, has already built the largest digital ecosystem for our users which extends all the way to the grassroots level. ECPay is a big boost to our financial inclusion journey as we find synergies with their 570 Biller and Portfolio partners, 490,000+ over-the-counter channels, and 3000+ digital touchpoint channels,” said Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon.

To date, GCash’s merchant and social seller base is around 6 million. Cash-in and cash-out outlets are at 732,000, and small-scale community outlets are at 935,000.

Incorporated in 2001, ECPay is a leading electronic payment service provider in the Philippines. It was acquired by Globe in 2019 to enhance its distribution network. ECPay enables merchant partners to process bills payments, electronic prepaid mobile phone top-ups, electronic pins, e-wallet & cash card reloading, airline ticket payments, online shopping payments, and credit card payments in their various over-the-counter and digital partners.

Upon closing of the transaction, Mynt will drive synergy by combining the best practices and capabilities of both GCash and ECPay. ECPay will, in turn, benefit from GCash’s rich experience and extensive network, enabling it to extend its market reach and explore new growth avenues.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.

PNP, GCash nab online seller for sextortion

The Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with GCash, has recently arrested a suspect who was using his online selling business to gain access to a victim’s private photos or videos for ‘sextortion’, an act of extorting money by threatening to expose sensitive materials.

The PNP has identified the suspect, an online seller from Victoria Homes, Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa, who used a social media account using an alias, to threaten the victim that he would circulate her sensitive videos unless she paid him P10,000. He also managed to infiltrate the social media account of the victim’s father-in-law, to whom he sent the same threatening messages.

Unfortunately for the suspect, the victim’s husband is a police officer who immediately coordinated with his fellow law enforcers and GCash to track him down by luring him into receiving his money via e-wallet which led to his arrest.

With millions of users and the end goal of financial inclusion, Gcash prioritizes the online safety of its users. While the country’s No. 1 finance super app continues to cooperate with law enforcement authorities against scammers and fraudsters, it also promotes public awareness of these cybercriminal activities so that users know how to avoid them. GCash is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

GCash is also urging its users to be extra vigilant of online scammers and fraudsters. When making transactions on the app, users are reminded never to disclose their MPIN or OTP. With the rise in phishing incidents, users are strongly advised never to click links, especially from unknown senders.

For help and assistance, contact the PNP-ACG via their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center or message Gigi on the website and type, “I want to report a scam.” GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and One-Time Pin (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns.