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.

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 deadline for applications is February 11, 2024. Interested parties can visit the DTI-CIG Facebook page, the official websites of the ADVanCE program and the IDEA program-creatives edition, to learn more about the programs and submit applications.

“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.

Home Credit Philippines’ creative “Home Credit is the Key: Back-to-School (BTS) Campaign” won the coveted Silver Anvil in the Marketing and Brand Communication sub-category of the Public Relations Programs category at the 59th Anvil Awards, which celebrated excellence.

Held on January 31, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City, the awards ceremony—known as the ‘Oscars of Public Relations’ in the Philippines—drew attendees from businesses and organizations all around the nation.

Leading consumer credit company Home Credit addressed the difficulties moms in particular experienced during the back-to-school season. In order to manage the growing expenses of education and school supplies, the campaign sought to strengthen moms’ position as the main financial decision-makers and budget managers in their families.

Running from July 1 to September 30, 2023, the “Home Credit is the Key” campaign provided a backup for moms by offering affordable financing options. Home Credit introduced zero-interest payment plans, easing the financial burden on mothers striving to provide their children with the best education. Flexible payment plans were also made available, ensuring that the cost of education could be spread over manageable installments, thus alleviating financial strain.

“We understand the challenges that parents face during the back-to-school season. Our Back-toSchool Campaign aimed to provide not just financial assistance but also peace of mind to mothers who work tirelessly to ensure their children receive a quality education. Winning the Silver Anvil is a testament to the campaign’s impact and the recognition of our Public Relations efforts to support families in this crucial aspect of their lives,” said Ken Lerona, Head of PR, Home Credit Philippines.

The campaign also emphasized maintaining peace of mind for mothers by using Home Credit’s services, allowing them to preserve their savings as a safety net for emergencies or future investments.

The campaign strategically employed public relations and communication tactics to engage and empower its target audience, specifically mothers and their children. Home Credit Philippines collaborated with its agency-on-record, Dugenia, Marayan and Associates Company (DM&A Co.), to implement this compelling initiative.

A key aspect of the campaign’s success was the dissemination of impactful narratives to various media titles, partners, and bloggers. By pitching these powerful stories, the campaign effectively resonated with the intended audience, making their back-to-school shopping experience easier and lighter.

“Working with Home Credit Philippines on this campaign was a rewarding experience. We aimed to not only meet the challenges faced by parents but to exceed expectations in providing practical solutions. The Silver Anvil is a validation of the effectiveness and innovation embedded in our approach,” said Michael Dugenia, Managing Partner of DM&A Co.

Nearly 500 entries were submitted for the Anvil Awards, which are given out by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) from more than 100 organizations, including local government entities. New PR Programs categories, including Best Use of Digital, Best Use of Social Media, and Best PR-led Integrated Campaign, were featured at the 59th Anvil Awards.

The Back-to-School Campaign by Home Credit Philippines was one of the best entries, earning it the Silver Anvil and demonstrating the company’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional community support.

Go to www.homecredit.ph, the official website of Home Credit Philippines, to learn more about the most recent developments. Additionally, you may follow its official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To find out more about the most recent promotions and to view what’s new in the Marketplace, customers are also advised to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have granted Home Credit Philippines the necessary licenses and supervision.