Globe helping government bridge country’s digital gap

CEBU, Philippines — The Globe Group has reiterated its commitment to help the government realize its goal to bridge the country’s digital gap.

In a statement, Globe Group president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ernest Cu said Globe welcomes the launch of the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) Movement under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which brings together the power of the government and the private sector to push the digital transformation in the country.

“As a member of PSAC’s GoDigital Pilipinas, we have a platform for meaningful collaboration and cooperation between the government and the private sector to digitally enable Filipinos. The movement echoes the Globe Group’s hopes for the country and its people on digital enablement and transformation while creating a sustainable future. Together, let’s create #OneDigitalPH,” Cu said.

The GDP’s goals are well-aligned with Globe’s long-standing programs under the Globe of Good, which seeks to bridge the digital gap, ensure online safety and security, and foster sustainability in the digital world.

Globe engages its stakeholders to contribute to sustainable development through Globe of Good, the company’s digital empowerment platform. It aims to create positive societal and environmental impact focused on building a digital nation, caring for people, and caring for the environment.

This is in line with Globe’s commitment to the 10 UN Global Compact Principles on Human Rights, Labor, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. The company is also committed to supporting 10 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 13 on Climate Action.

“GoDigital Pilipinas will serve to expand our long-going advocacies that promote digital enablement and inclusion alongside environmental sustainability. With more private sector partners undertaking parallel initiatives, we’ll create greater impact and uplift more of our kababayans while creating a sustainable future,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability, and Corporate Communications Officer.

Under Globe of Good, the company aims to equip Filipinos with future-proof skills through education while at the same time promoting online safety.

It partners with schools to provide training and industry exposure on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with the goal of producing a new generation of technopreneurs and digital leaders.

Through its eLibrary, Globe also provides free access to ebooks and videos which can be accessed for free by Globe customers. The web platform became more beneficial for students and teachers during the height of the pandemic when students had to shift to remote learning.

Globe’s portfolio company KodeGo, meanwhile, provides IT training and builds the local pool of tech talent through online boot camps on short-term courses under a study now, pay later scheme.

Globe has also been leading efforts to promote online safety through various initiatives.

Through the #MakeITSafePH program, Globe aims to equip Filipinos, especially children, their parents, and guardians, with practical knowledge of cybersecurity and online safety. Last year, the website www.makeitsafe.ph was launched as a one-stop portal to learn about how to avoid or respond to cyberbullying, access free modules on digital safety, and get mental health support through Globe’s telehealth platform KonsultaMD.

Users may also access the Digital Thumbprint Program on the website, an award-winning program that aims to promote responsible digital citizenship and cyber safety.

Globe has also partnered with various local and international organizations to protect children against various online threats, including online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Meanwhile, to protect the livelihood of content creators and spare customers from fraud, Globe has been staunchly advocating against content piracy through #PlayItRight, which seeks to promote respect for intellectual property.

To support Filipino families reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic and recent shocks, Globe launched the Hapag Movement last year to leverage technology towards a unified fight against involuntary hunger. The program brings together private sector partners and customers behind a common cause of providing supplemental feeding and livelihood to the worst-affected families.

Bringing together environmental conservation and climate education, Globe also partnered with the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines for Camp Kalikasan, an online digital resource center where Filipinos can learn sustainable practices. In September last year, Globe launched Globe Climate Champions, a mobile game that shares tips on reducing carbon emissions in everyday activities.

The Ayala-led company, Globe combines these education programs with campaigns that promote sustainability, including E-Waste Zero, which encourages responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste.

Globe has also been investing in e-vehicles, recently launching e-shuttles for employees through a partnership with Global Electric Transportation (GET). It is also promoting battery-powered smart scooters through a partnership between its corporate venture builder 917Ventures, the Ayala Corporation, and battery-swapping technology leader Gogoro.

“We stand ready to share best practices we’ve learned through our years of pursuing these many initiatives to PSAC so we can work in synchronicity to achieve our shared goals,” Cu said.