Eastern Communications lights up Express Route in the joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project.
The Philippines’ connectivity reliability has been improved with the completion of Eastern Communications’ “Express Route” project, which was part of the joint venture that is the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN). The initiative’s goal is to provide robust and inclusive internet connectivity, with an emphasis on improving services in regions that are frequently affected by typhoons and natural calamities.
Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon; Roxas City, Capiz; Placer, Masbate; Palompon, Leyte; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental are locations covered by the PDSCN Express Route, which went into effect on February 9.
With the PDSCN Express Route active, Eastern Communications is ready to facilitate on-ground connections and offer improved bandwidth to meet the varied needs of Filipinos, particularly in areas prone to cable faults, typhoons, and natural disasters.
“We celebrate the completion of Eastern’s PDSCN Express Route with all Filipinos. Together, we welcome a new era of possibilities and build a more reliable connectivity infrastructure for all,” said Delfin Lopez, Eastern Communications’ AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation.
The PDSCN Express Route is a 1,000-kilometer network of submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cables connecting South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The route was strategically designed to be composed of at least 80 percent of cables laid via submarine and less than 20 percent of cables laid in-land. By minimizing the terrestrial fiber network, the Express Route aims to reduce the likelihood and frequency of network faults caused by cable cuts on road networks.
“While roadwork development is in place in these areas, the completion of the PDSCN Express Route becomes pivotal in laying a solid groundwork for a more reliable connectivity and driving digital empowerment nationwide,” said Eastern Communications’ PDSCN Consultant Albert Tuason.
The entire PDSCN initiative, which commenced last July 2022 in Subic, Zambales, has been a collaborative effort with co-owners Globe Group and InfiniVAN Inc., and spans a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, with landing cables established in 32 Point of Interconnect (POI) sites.
As the PDSCN initiative continues to unfold, it holds the promise of transforming the digital landscape of the Philippines, paving the way for a more connected and resilient nation.
Building a digitally empowered Philippines
Eastern Communications’ winning entry at the 2023 Asian Telecom Awards, entitled “Eastern Communications Strengthens Infrastructure & Product Portfolio to Swiften Digitalization of Philippine Businesses,” highlighted the PDSCN project as one of the infrastructure and product expansion efforts recognized. The winning entry highlights Eastern’s support for digitizing cities and urban centers primed for rapid growth and opportunities. The B2B Client Initiative of the Year award went to the submission.
Additionally, at the 2023 Asian Experience Awards, Eastern Communications received recognition as the recipient of the Philippines Customer Experience of the Year award in the Telecommunications category. The company highlights its commitment to satisfying client demands and providing “high-tech and high-touch service,” and as it grows across the country, it hopes to recreate its unique and genuine customer experiences.
For additional information regarding business-grade ICT and internet solutions offered by Eastern Communications, please visit www.eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000.
On the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Bataan, descendants of our World War II Filipino and American veterans, along with military personnel, representatives from the local and national government, the diplomatic community, students, families, and more, will once again walk in our heroes’ footsteps at the Bataan Death March Commemmorative Walk.
This coming March 16 and 17, 2024, the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), in collaboration with the Department of National Defense (DND), the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), will host the annual Freedom March, a 160-kilometer memorial walk for the WWII heroes.
Starting in Mariveles, Bataan, and ending in Capas, Tarlac, the Freedom March will follow the real historical path of the Death March.
The public is cordially invited to participate in this solemn remembrance of the bravery and selflessness of the American and Filipino warriors who fought in one of history’s most tragic periods at the Battle of Bataan.
“The Freedom March isn’t just a journey over land; it’s a journey through time, honoring the undying spirit of those who walked before us,” Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said. “This year, as we walk, we don’t just tread on the ground; we walk alongside the echoes of bravery and resilience that resonate through our nation’s history.”
The Freedom March encapsulates the route taken by approximately 66,000 Filipino and 10,000 American POWs. It stretches from Mariveles and Saysain Point in Bagac town, Bataan province, to Camp O’Donnell in Capas town, Tarlac province.
This path, steeped in history, offers a tangible connection to the past, turning every step into a personal encounter with history. This act of remembrance reinforces the narratives of endurance and resilience that form the bedrock of our heritage.
According to Villa-Real, the 2024 Freedom March is designed to be a powerful educational experience, providing participants with an opportunity to connect deeply with history. Unlike the original Death March’s grueling journey, the event features a symbolic 10-kilometer walk, making it accessible for more individuals who wish to participate in this act of remembrance. Participants may opt to join certain segments of the walk that may start in a location nearest and most convenient for them.
The march symbolizes a united front in honoring the sacrifices made for our nation’s freedom. “Each step taken in the Freedom March is a step of gratitude, a step of understanding, and a step towards ensuring that the legacy of our heroes endures,” added Villa-Real.
Everyone is cordially invited to join the Freedom March, which is a call to action to not only walk but also to fully engage with the profound lessons of history. Participants who are interested can sign up at bit.ly/freedom-march-2024. It costs nothing to register.
“As we march, we do more than remember; we pledge to carry the torch of their legacy forward, shining a light for future generations,” concludes Villa-Real.
Ihanda Ang Iyong Galíng! Galing DITO returns this year featuring more Filipino talents from all over the nation, with additional online promos and exciting prizes!
With its second Gáling DITO campaign, DITO Telecommunity, which is dedicated to creating stronger telecommunities and encouraging Filipinos to pursue their hobbies wholeheartedly, once again honors emerging local talent and diversity. As we attend their event, it is such a proud moment for everyone who witnesses. It is our great pride that they want to share with all the Filipinos the hard work they put into it to make DITO a strong, diverse, and reliable telecommunication company. With their campaign, they want to amplify their message; indeed, it was a great event featuring all their plans for the Filipinos.
Award-winning Gáling DITO, which debuted in 2022, comes back this year with the intention of uniting up-and-coming talents from all cultural backgrounds and further promoting and celebrating Filipino brilliance. More talents will be included in this year’s campaign, exhibiting their “Gáling” in a variety of passions and creative workmanship.
In addition to bringing value-packed goods and services to the nation, DITO continues to demonstrate its dedication to supporting Filipino greatness by exhibiting the extraordinary talent of Filipinos all around the country. These young, talented local artists and creators have an excellent platform to display their “GALING,” or abilities, thanks to Galing DITO. Additionally, they aim to instill a sense of pride in one’s nation and self-assurance in the statement that “yun ay GALING dito” (it comes from here, the Philippines) whenever Filipino greatness is demonstrated wherever in the globe.
The 2022 Gáling DITO campaign also won the prestigious Gold Anvil Award under the specialized Public Relations (PR) Program – Advocacy Campaign last 2023 for its nationwide project. It also bagged five major distinctions from the 2022 Marketing Excellence Awards. The campaign also won the Award in Excellence in Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication from the 20th Philippine Quill Awards. Coming off this successful run, consumers can expect DITO to create a bigger impact this 2024, by providing engaging campaigns along with their top-quality services and offers.
Ms. Evelyn Jimenez
Ms. Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Commerical Officer of DITO Telecommunity said, “DITO Telecommunity goes beyond just being a typical telco which provides connectivity products and services; our company also proudly embodies a commitment to nation-building. By fostering a platform that shines a spotlight on Filipino talent and excellence, along with celebrating our rich cultural diversity, DITO positions itself as not just a telco, but a catalyst for societal enrichment and unity.”
Ihanda ang Iyong Galing!
By bringing together talents from across the Philippine islands, Galing DITO 2024 creates a vibrant picture of excellence in every Filipino, celebrating the richness that diversity brings to the Filipino culture and identity. When unique talents are combined, it’s becoming more than just a plain collaboration – it becomes a formidable movement to drive Filipino pride. Each Filipino’s brilliance contributes to their personal legacy, but collectively, they shape a grand narrative that positively influences the nation.
Alamat
DITO is set to launch Galing DITO 2024 with its official music video. Headlining with the love and appreciation for Filipino talent, the song and music video will be performed by none other than the Pinoy Pop boy group, Alamat! A uniquely multiethnic and multilingual group, Alamat is known for its music and for its distinctive artistry that incorporates the diverse backgrounds of its members hailing from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Their songs are usually sung in the members’ native languages of Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Bikolano, and Waray-Waray. Truly, the group captures the essence of inclusivity and the spirit of Galing DITO, with the passion that goes into supporting Filipino excellence from our regions.
Galíng Kahit Saan Man Gáling
DITO is also supporting 19 other talented Filipinos representing ‘Galíng’ in a diversity of pursuits and crafts. These talents proudly hail from all over the Philippines. The noteworthy list of talented Filipinos includes:
1. Grace Palicas, Tattoo artist Gáling Kalinga, Galíng ng Cordillera
2. Nhoda Muñoz, Miniature Artist Gáling Pampanga, Galíng ng Central Luzon
3. Cid Cempron, Blacksmith Gáling Bohol, Galíng ng Central Visayas
4. Joneil Severino, Leaf Artist Gáling Samar, Galíng ng Eastern Visayas
5. Nurainie Ampatuan, Designer Gáling Sultan Kudarat, Galíng ng Bangsamoro
6. Bea Vega, Surfer Gáling Siargao, Galíng ng Caraga
These six talents will also be joined by more artists from across the Philippines, representing that Filipino talents shine even brighter when the excellence of diverse regional cultures comes together.
PaGALINGan DITO!
Watch this space for additional information, as the PAGALINGAN DITO promo will provide DITOzens the chance to showcase their passions and talents while winning rewards!
Visit https://dito.ph/ or follow @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram for additional details and updates.
Close to 5,000 employee volunteering hours also clocked in for Manulife’s community investment across Asia
Employee Volunteering
In line with its global Impact Agenda, which aims to provide significant programs that promote long-term health and well-being, foster equitable economic opportunities, and expedite a sustainable future for environmental preservation, the domestic division of top global insurer Manulife has extended its partnership with eminent nature conservation organization Haribon Foundation by means of the Forests for Life initiative.
“As we reach and engage more communities across the country through our Impact Agenda, we will continue to strengthen our community investments that will not only help us build a better business to better the world, but also foster kindness, generosity, and the bayanihan spirit among many Filipinos,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
11,250 seedlings to be planted in 2024
Zambales Reforestation
Manulife Philippines pledges to plant 11,250 native tree seedlings in Masinloc, Zambales this year through the Haribon Foundation. This extends Manulife’s partnership with Haribon, which started in 2022 with an aim to plant 15,000 seedlings in the provinces of Quezon and Rizal to aid in the restoration of Philippine rainforests.
The town of Masinloc is home to a 30,000-hectare reforestation area known as the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, which is part of the Zambales highlands and is home to several endangered bird and non-bird species. The region’s biodiversity was destroyed when chromite mining operations were conducted there in the past. In order for the devastated environment to recover today, replanting and conservation are crucial.
To help advance positive environmental change, Manulife has been working on implementing its sustainability action plans. In 2022, Manulife contributed USD 25.1 million in total community investments globally. There are also 1.3 billion trees planted by Manulife Investment Management all over the world since 1985, testifying to its longstanding commitment to create more nature-positive world for its communities*.
Manulife Volunteer Days launched in 10 markets in Asia, including the Philippines
Employee giving and volunteering is also part of Manulife’s community engagement initiatives for its Impact Agenda. During the “Season of Giving” last year, the company launched its Manulife Volunteer Days, a week-long program that provided more than 56 volunteering opportunities for employees globally to volunteer for chosen organizations within their communities. These range from tree-planting, financial literacy activities for students, and other engagement activities for ethnic minorities, elderlies, and various communities in need.
In addition, Manulife also launched the Move for your Community in Asia, where more than 1,700 employees from 10 markets, including colleagues from Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life and Manulife Investment Management Philippines, accomplished various step goals in five days, achieving 34 million steps in total. These recorded steps were converted to community investments, such as the 900 Peso Smart learning kits for elementary school students in the Philippines through the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation and Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation.
“Since 2017, our financial literacy program Peso Smart has been instrumental in promoting the value of basic financial skills such as saving, budgeting, and investing among young children,” Rahul added. “As Peso Smart has expanded over the years to cater to broader segments — including parents, educators, and university students — we hope we can financially empower more Filipinos to live worry-free and confidently, while securing a better future.”
Additional community investments from Move for your Community in Asia include 10,000 lunches for students in Vietnam through the Lotus Charity Foundation, 10,000 reusable box lunches for students across all campuses of the Rabbit School in Cambodia, and a public sanitation and clean water facility in Indonesia through Dompet Dhuafa.
A Win for the Planet. Officials from the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corp. led the switch-on rites of Canlubang Baking Facility’s solar panels last January 9, 2024. In the photo are (from L-R): Ronaldo Sales (Zenith Foods Corporation’s AVP-Canlubang Baking Facility & Plant Head), Carlos Lorenzo Vega (First Gen VP for Power Marketing, Trading, & Economics), Michael Ong (Zenith Foods Corporation’s VP & Head Supply Chain Management), Honorable Rosseller Rizal (Mayor of the City of Calamba), Julius Leyba (Zenith Foods Corporation’s AVP & Head of Engineering Services), Mark Malabanan (First Gen’s AVP for Solar), and Manny Portugal (First Gen’s Head of Technology Solutions).
With 6,300 solar panels in operation at its Canlubang Baking Facility (CBF), the Jollibee Group is fast-tracking its transition to sustainable energy. This is the company’s largest solar panel installation to date. The Jollibee Group’s worldwide sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, serves as a framework for the company’s commitment to more sustainable business practices, which includes this program.
The Jollibee Group has partnered with First Gen Corporation through Pi Energy Inc. to power one-third of its manufacturing facilities with solar energy through Zenith Foods Corporation (ZFC), a subsidiary of the Jollibee Group. On January 9, 2024, in Canlubang, Laguna, officials from the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corporation led the switch-on ceremonies alongside Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal.
Calamba Mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal and Jollibee Group Supply Chain Head Michael Ong at the ribbon-cutting and switch-on ceremony. Aside from achieving energy independence, Rizal noted that the initiative to promote sustainability in CBF will save a considerable amount of cost and decrease carbon footprints, which is the cause of global warming.
During the ceremony, Jollibee Group Supply Chain Head Michael Ong underscored the company’s drive to lessen the environmental impact of its supply chain operations. “In our quest to bring the joy of eating not only for today’s generation but that of tomorrow’s, we integrate solar energy into our state-of-the-art Canlubang Baking Facility. This is our largest installation to date, but this is also just the beginning. We have more locations planned in the months ahead, and we are determined to accelerate further our journey towards carbon neutrality,” he said.
Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal cited the project’s role in helping achieve the city’s goals on sustainability for the business community. “Your [ZFC] initiative to promote sustainability in your facilities will not only have positive results for your company, but it will also be in solidarity with the government’s call for a more orderly operation of companies that considers many factors, including those that concern our environment,” he said.
The Canlubang Baking Facility is the manufacturing site of Red Ribbon products.
Ong and his team at ZFC started accelerating the integration of sustainable business practices into the Jollibee Group’s commissaries and logistics centers in 2020. The Canlubang Baking Facility is now the second out of the four target sites for solar panel installation. The first one was Zen3, also in Canlubang, which was installed with 3,000 solar panels last November 2023. The solar panel installation in the two other sites is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024.
These commissaries and logistics centers support the Jollibee Group’s portfolio of brands in the Philippines, such as Jollibee, Greenwich, Burger King, Red Ribbon, Chowking, and Mang Inasal.
Solarizing for the future
First Gen constructed four rooftop solar power plants for ZFC’s commissaries, cold storage, and logistics facilities.
Carlo Vega, First Gen’s Vice President for Power Marketing, Trading, and Economics, said, “We are thankful to Jollibee Group’s ZFC for their trust in our company to be their reliable energy partner in our shared vision of a cleaner and greener future for this generation and the next.”
A journey towards more sustainability
The Jollibee Group continues to accelerate its shift to renewable energy by operating 6,300 solar panels in its Canlubang Baking Facility (CBF), the company’s most extensive solar panel installation to date.
Based on the baseline data from 2020, Ong said that, with the exception of solar energy utilization, waste reduction at Jollibee Group manufacturing locations nationwide has decreased by 38% by 2022. Additionally, the manufacturing facilities have reduced their energy and water use ratios by 21.5% and 23%, respectively.
“We learned that our impact on the planet revolves around three critical areas: energy, water, and waste. With this newfound awareness, we embrace the challenge of ‘Joy for Tomorrow,’ and we set out to establish strategies, systems, and initiatives that will allow us to treat our planet more responsibly,” said Jose Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group’s Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer.
As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, so do the benefits and risks to young people
Various community stakeholders presented initiatives and responses specific to the Asia-Pacific region on child online sexual exploitation and abuse exploring government and civil society response and industry response at WEB Safe & Wise Safer Internet Day 2024. (L-R: Mark Dasco, Director II, ChildFund International; Reynaldo H. Bicol, Jr., Director, International Justice Mission (IJM), Manila Office; Margarita Magsaysay, Officer-in-Charge Executive Director, Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP) to the National Coordinating Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM; Hanneke Oudkerk, Regional Director, ChildFund International Asia; Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, Executive Director, Council for the Welfare of Children; and Ana Dionela, Executive Director, ECPAT Philippines.)
The most important risks that children face online are being discussed, along with steps that can be taken to guarantee that every kid may interact and connect safely, by a group of international experts on online safety and members of ChildFund’s WEB Safe & Wise Children’s AdvisoryCouncil, who are assembled in Manila today. The Philippines is the hub for the production of materials related to child sex abuse, according to UNICEF and the International Justice Mission.
Dr. Najat is on the speaking roster with prominent Philippine government individuals, such as Senator Risa Hontiveros and Undersecretary Angelo Tapales from the Council for the Welfare of Children. In addition to Dr. Mikiko Otani, the immediate past chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, Maalla M’jid, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Violence against Children, Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, representatives from UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Office, ECPAT Philippines, International Justice Mission, ChildFund, and members of the tech industry including CleanDNS. There were young people from Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Mozambique, Paraguay, Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam among the Children’s Advisory Council members present.
“As the digital landscape continues to rapidly evolve, new opportunities for children and young people increase, but so do the threats they face online,” says Senior Advisor, Advocacy and Policy, Ryan DeSouza, who is leading ChildFund’s WEB Safe & Wiseinitiative. “It’s imperative, therefore, that we work together—and with children—to create a better digital world. ChildFund Alliance launched WEB Safe & Wise as a frontline defense against some of the most urgent risks to children online, including the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children.”
During WEB Safe & Wise Safer Internet Day 2024, ChildFund Alliance’s WEB Safe & Wise Children’s Advisory Council members from Indonesia, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Mozambique, Paraguay and Philippines, discussed how children can be protected from online threats as new technologies emerge such as AI. (L-R: Ashanti, Heriberto, Azumi, Vidia, Moises, Vignesh, Jill, Thilothamma, Nash, Tihitina)
An estimated 750,000 individuals are looking to connect with children online for sexual purposes at any one time— whether on social media, online gaming sites, or via email. Reports of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) have increased 15,000% over the last 15 years. In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) analyzed over 32 million reports of CSAM received from across the globe and reported an 87% increase from 2019. Last year, 9 in 10 victims were between the ages of 3 and 12 years.
In the Philippines, the harm is so prevalent, UNICEF and the International Justice Mission (IJM) identified the country as the center of child sex abuse materials production. In the recent Scale of Harm report by the IJM, researchers found nearly half a million Filipino children in 2022 were trafficked online via live streaming, often by relatives or people they know, in order to produce child sexual exploitation material.
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in the Philippines promises to work closely with other government agencies to address online child sexual abuse and exploitation. In a recent interview, Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said his department is working with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as with the private sector to curb the violence and sexual abuse against children.
“Alarmingly, new forms of abuse, such as AI-generated imagery and financial sexual extortion, are significantly on the rise, with dreadful consequences,” explains ChildFund Alliance Secretary General Meg Gardinier. “Our goal, by working closely with children and young people is to identify solutions they believe can both benefit them, and also keep them safer, when they engage online.”
The Children’s Advisory Council, includes youth members from across the globe. Ten of the 15 members traveled to Manila to participate in the Safer Internet Day event. Council member Azumi, who is from the Philippines said she believes it is urgent that “all young people be given a voice in the fight for a safer online world.” Tihitina from Ethiopia explained that she is “eager to work on creating a web safe environment for children and young people, and to contribute to driving change.”Moisés from Mexico, said he seeks “ways to solve the challenges that girls, boys, and young people face in the online environment.”
All members of the Council play a key role in determining the planning and implementation of WEB Safe & Wise activities. The platform provides a range of resources for young people as well as adults, including guidance on Talking to Young People About Online Safety, definitions related to online safety, and key do’s and don’ts when engaging online.
“This is a crime that is unconcerned about borders,” shared Chris Lewis-Evans, who focuses on detecting and disrupting online harms in his role as director of Internet Harms Mitigation and Governmental Engagement at CleanDNS. Chris spent more than 20 years with the UK’s National Cyber Crime Unit. He explained how the advancement of WEB3—a decentralized online ecosystem along with other emerging technologies like AI—poses additional security risks. “There’s an absence of clear abuse reporting mechanisms, defined jurisdictional responsibilities, and clear accountability structures,” says Chris. “This leaves more children vulnerable to more forms of online abuse.”
“Countries need legislation that protects children from the looming dangers of digital predation, coercion, and other terrible abuses that are being facilitated against children online,” explains ChildFund Alliance Board Chair
Simon Whyte. “A key goal of WEB Safe & Wise is to strengthen laws and policies that provide this protection, and to get there, it’s critical that people understand the gravity of this threat.”
ChildFund advocates for the establishment of official authorities, the outlawing of the internet exploitation of minors, and the provision of funds for the education of parents and other caregivers. It is highly recommended that technology partners collaborate in developing industry safety guidelines that are standardized to shield young users from offensive information on all platforms.
“On Safer Internet Day 2024, I propose we all commit to making every day safer for children online,” said Ryan DeSouza. “We need to end this global crisis before it harms countless more children. We can and must do better.”
The chat-first platform introduces new features to connect users with global and remote job markets
With the introduction of new features that make it easier for talent to access jobs abroad and remote work chances, Bossjob—the chat-first career platform that is transforming professional hiring in Southeast Asia (SEA)—is putting career prospects even more within reach for talent.
A new element of the employment platform that enables recruiters from all around the world to connect with talent in Asia, including the Philippines, has officially debuted. On the Bossjob website, employers can now post job openings worldwide by choosing the ‘International’ option and focusing on particular nations where they are looking for top talent.
This capability not only makes setting up remote teams and outsourcing easier, but it also lets employers create a presence in previously underserved locations. Bossjob hopes to lower recruitment expenses and improve cross-border hiring procedures for businesses with the new functionality.
Bossjob’s new feature comes particularly timely in helping employers seize opportunities to attract top talent. It is anticipated that individuals will be reassessing their career paths at the start of 2024. The start of a new year typically serves as a period for introspection and the setting of resolutions, leading many to reevaluate their professional aspirations and strive to begin the year on a positive note.
Moreover, Bossjob particularly sees the importance of making these job opportunities more accessible to Filipinos. The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 Report suggested many Filipinos thrive as freelancers, benefitting from overseas freelancing opportunities.
Meanwhile, the platform has also launched the remote jobs section, making it easier for talents to scroll around the opportunities that best suit them. Job seekers can easily go to the “Remote Jobs” section of the Bossjob website and check hundreds of remote job positions across various industries, including information technology, customer service, human resources, sales, finance, manufacturing, banking, and healthcare.
Bossjob CEO Anthony Garcia says the company hopes to bring opportunities not only closer but more accessible to more Filipinos.
“With our new international feature and dedicated remote jobs section, we’re not just expanding horizons, but we’re actively dismantling barriers to global employment and fostering a more inclusive, accessible job market. At Bossjob, we believe that a great career should be accessible to everyone, everywhere, and our latest features are a significant step towards making that belief a reality,” Garcia said.
Preference for remote work among job seekers continues to rise
Starting in Q3 of 2023, Bossjob began supporting hybrid and remote job opportunities, leading to a significant increase in such listings. The number of jobs posted in these categories has since doubled, underscoring a growing trend in the employment market.
Key industries embracing this trend include Information Technology (IT), sales, and emerging web3 sectors. Remote roles in high demand range from sales representatives and accountants to administrative assistants and business development managers.
The introduction of these flexible work options has led to a substantial increase in job seeker interest. Bossjob reports a sevenfold rise in the number of candidates seeking remote or hybrid work arrangements, with about 32% of its over 3 million active job seekers exploring these options.
The preference for remote work extends across various job categories, with customer service representatives (CSR), entry-level jobs, and IT roles being particularly sought after.
In addition to increased demand, Bossjob’s data shows salaries for hybrid work arrangements are equally attractive to those opportunities that require people to work on-site. For instance, remote CSR roles offer an average salary of Php 29,000, compared to the Php 27,000 average pay for on-site positions.
Bossjob’s expansion to supporting remote and hybrid work opportunities reflects a broader global trend and demonstrates the platform’s commitment to evolving with the changing job market dynamics.
“In a rapidly evolving job market, Bossjob is at the forefront of the shift towards a project-based economy in the Philippines. Our data shows not just a trend but a reflection of a deeper change in work preferences. As we continue to champion this shift, Bossjob remains committed to connecting talent with forward-thinking employers, reshaping the workforce for a more dynamic and adaptable future,” Garcia said.
Bossjob is a developing company in Asia, with operations in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. By 2026, the company hopes to have over 30 million customers in the region. This year, it began providing free services as part of its aim to increase its market share internationally.
Go to https://bossjob.com/ to learn more about how to start the new year with a successful career achievement from Bossjob.
Putting the GAME in eGaming: DigiPlus utilises cutting-edge technologies and a deep bench of experts from different spaces within the gaming industry
The culture of the Philippines is strongly rooted on traditional bingo. With each game, these gaming activities have provided a space where individuals from all walks of life may unwind, have fun, and form deep friendships.
But the extraordinary times brought about by the pandemic, along with quarantine laws prohibiting social gatherings of any kind, completely altered the gaming sector. Additionally, the public crisis hastened the global use of digital technology. This occurs amid a youthful population that is proficient in using technology and a notable increase in smartphone and Internet usage in recent years.
For the gaming and leisure business DigiPlus Interactive, this presented both a challenge and an opportunity to lead digitalization in the Philippine gaming sector while generating entertaining experiences for its gamers across channels.
DigiPlus Interactive has launched BingoPlus in January 2022. It is the first digital platform where bingo-loving Filipinos can play with the convenience of time and place by bringing the game live online. BingoPlus leverages the company’s deep understanding of its customers whilst bringing in innovation and technologies to offer new entertainment product formats to more Filipinos.
BingoPlus’ brick-and-mortar or traditional bingo operations also complemented the foray into the digital space. DigiPlus Interactive currently operates at least 200 bingo halls in different parts of the Philippines, which continue to be popular amongst Filipinos.
The strong performance of BingoPlus propelled the robust growth of DigiPlus. In 2022, DigiPlus posted a turnaround in its financial performance, with a net income of ₱686.9m coming from a net loss of ₱894.6m in the previous year. Furthermore, in the first nine months of 2023, DigiPlus registered a net income of ₱2.1b, more than a tenfold growth from 2022.
As the first and only government-licensed digital bingo platform in the country, BingoPlus is reshaping the country’s gaming industry. Continuing to dominate the digital gaming space, BingoPlus has opened up new opportunities, triggering a proliferation of online gaming platforms in the Philippines. This healthy competition fosters innovation and creativity that fundamentally benefits the customers.
The platform has also since become a community and entertainment platform, a source of revenue for the Philippine government, and a contributor to various social and educational non-profit programmes.
“The success of BingoPlus has paved the way for [DigiPlus] to undertake a strategic transformation to position itself as a digital entertainment platform,” the company said. It added its plans of launching new and innovative game offerings to cater to broader demographics and lifestyle preferences.
The platform was recognised at the first Asian Management Excellence Awards for its efforts in revolutionising the digital gaming experience and for its ongoing investment in research and development. The company was awarded the Philippines Innovator of the Year – Media & Entertainment category.
The esteemed awards program honors the best entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses in Asia and recognizes remarkable accomplishments in a range of operational domains, such as health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement.
In keeping with the worldwide celebration of Safer Internet Day 2024, leading telecoms provider Eastern Communications takes the lead in bringing attention to the vital problem of online security. Eastern Communications is at the forefront of educating and safeguarding individuals and businesses alike in the face of the increasing frequency of online frauds, notably through work emails and deceptive links.
According to data published by Sophos in 2023, ransomware attacks against private sector companies resulted in 84% of the victims’ financial losses, and 30% of cyberattacks were coordinated via email.
“We understand the threats online scams pose, and they have become increasingly sophisticated,” said Rex Evangelista, Eastern Communications’ Head of Information Technology Department, “Our mission is not only to provide top-notch security solutions but also to educate our internal and external stakeholders to practice awareness and resilience against these threats.”
Online scams, especially through work emails, mimicked email accounts, and suspicious links, are on the rise due to sophisticated phishing attacks, advanced social engineering tactics, and the exploitation of system vulnerabilities and human error. The shift towards remote work and the increasing reliance on digital communication have further exposed businesses to these threats.
Eastern Communications prioritizes digital safety through comprehensive internal practices. Staff training programs are a cornerstone of this initiative, equipping employees with essential skills to recognize and counter potential online threats.
This dedication to cybersecurity is further cemented by Eastern Communications’ ISO 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), underscoring the company’s steadfast commitment to securing data and managing the information of its stakeholders responsibly.
The process is followed by extending Eastern’s expertise to its customers and partners through thought leadership sessions, technological workshops like Access Eastern, and online educational materials like videos, posts, and blogs.
Finally, Eastern Communications delivers holistic cyber defense solutions to its clients and identifies four online safety essentials to combat various threats originating from emails and online sources. The full suite, covering all stages of cyberattacks, includes the Sophos XG Firewall (Next Generation Firewall), Central Intercept X Advanced (CIXA), Central Email Advanced for email security, and Sophos Phish Threat for educating the whole organization.
The Sophos XG Firewall is a Next Generation Firewall that safeguards users throughout the initial stages of ransomware attacks. XG Firewall includes one of the best-performing IPS engines on the market and offers easy, simple, and flexible tools to secure your LAN.
CIXA on the other hand, is a cloud-based security platform that combines advanced endpoint detection and response with anti-malware protection to spot cybersecurity vulnerabilities and block malicious attempts. CIXA is an endpoint security solution that employs machine learning, allowing it to understand new forms of threats and risks.
To complete the online defense suite, Eastern offers Central Email Advanced, a secure email gateway engineered to keep businesses safe from all email threats, and Sophos Phish Threats, a phishing attack simulation system that assesses the organization’s preparedness against real-world attacks.
“In today’s digital age, understanding the landscape of online threats is as crucial as having the tools to combat them. Our approach is holistic – we focus on empowering users with knowledge as well as technology,” Evangelista emphasized.
Eastern Communications confirms its commitment to improving online security and establishing new benchmarks in the fight against digital dangers in honor of the yearly Safer Internet Day. Eastern is a leader in enabling people and companies to securely navigate the digital world by fusing cutting-edge technology with educational outreach, spurring change toward a more educated and safe online environment.
Contact 5300-7000 or go to www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about Eastern Communications’ business-grade cyber defense solutions.
The accompanying photo features (seated from left to right) Dir Lilian Salonga, DTI-CIG; Usec. Rafaelita Aldaba, DTI-CIG; Congresswoman Stella Quimbo, Marikina City,2nd District Representative; OIC Regional Director Ma. Sofia Narag, DTI-NCRO; Vishal Aditya Potluri, Social Sector Specialist, Asian Development Bank. (Standing from left to right) ED Maria Rita Matute, DCP; DED Lucky Lopez, DCP; OIC Asst. RD Revelyn Cortez, DTI Region IV-A; Aurelien Chu, Co-founder, Eskwelabs; Bing Icamina, Team Leader, Certeza + Techno Earth JV; Asst. Sec. Domingo Tolentino, Jr., DTI-ROG; Jojo Flores, Co-Founder Plug and Play Tech Center; Jay Fajardo, CEO Launchgarage; Jundio Salvador-President of PCCI-New Marikina; Roger Py, Jr., PFFI; Sam Ang, Consultant, ADB; Engr. Liza Lopez-DPWH MM1stDEO.
In order to encourage and strengthen the creative industries in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), is seeking innovative startup companies to join their two programs.
In order to help creative startups in the Philippines become market- and investment-ready, the DTI-CIG, under the direction of Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, has launched the creatives edition of the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) programs in collaboration with startup accelerator Launchgarage.
“The programs are a testament to the Philippine government’s belief in the immense potential of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship. By providing the much-needed support and platform, we are setting the stage for creative startups to not only thrive locally but also make a significant impact on the global stage. The creative sector is a vital component of our economy and cultural identity, and through initiatives like these, we aim to foster an environment where ideas can flourish, talents are honed, and success stories are born,” Usec. Aldaba said.
The Philippine creative industries play a significant role in the national economy. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed the creative economy amounted to P1.60 trillion in 2022, contributing 7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, the sector was responsible for employing almost 7 million Filipinos that year.
The IDEA for Creatives edition will onboard 10 early-stage creative startups and enterprises to support and enhance their entrepreneurial capacity and readiness. Under the program, selected startups will participate in various educational workshops aimed at transforming their inventive business concepts into successful enterprises. Each will be paired with experienced mentors and coaches to guide them in their startup journey. The program culminates with a showcase event, where startups can present their ventures to program stakeholders, angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate representatives, and key figures in the ecosystem.
Early-stage startups that are operating in the Philippines with a minimum viable product, registered or in the process of registration to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or DTI, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the IDEA program, are eligible to apply.
Meanwhile, an initial pool of 10-15 startups will be chosen to participate in the ADVanCE for Creatives. After the preliminary screening, they will be assessed based on organizational capacity, business maturity, and readiness levels. From there, five participating startups will be selected to proceed to the acceleration phase and undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified from the needs assessment.
To be eligible, startups should be in their growth and expansion stage and are based in the country with at least two years of operations with revenue, SEC or DTI-registered, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the ADVanCE program.
DTI welcomes all creative startups within the domains of audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites to apply to the programs.
“We call on all eligible creative startups to seize this unparalleled opportunity. Join us in this endeavor to transform your innovative ideas into successful enterprises and become part of a movement that celebrates and elevates Filipino talent and ingenuity,” Aldaba shares.
The Innovative Startup Act, or RA 11337, is in line with the IDEA and ADVanCE programs, which are designed to support and advance the Philippine startup ecosystem through various perks and initiatives. According to Republic Act No. 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), which requires the development of a thriving and internationally competitive Philippine creative sector by defending and enhancing their rights and boosting economic capacities, their most recent cohorts will concentrate on the creative industries.
