GLOBE UPDATE

Here are some articles that will surely make us Globe users really proud!

DILG and Globe utilize technology to enable good governance

               

By tapping modern telecommunications technology provided by Globe Telecom, it is now easier for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to get the pulse of the people insofar as the delivery of barangay services and accountability of local government units (LGUs) are concerned.

               

Through the Anti-Red Tape Act Survey of DILG via the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO)and Globe which was implemented by the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy (PCCED) six month ago, it showed that technology plays a key role in linking barangay leaders with their constituents.

               

The pilot study utilized Delph.io, a survey tool developed by Globe Telecom’s wholly-owned subsidiary Kickstart Ventures, Inc..  Questionnaires were sent out to 1,000 recipients of Globe SIM cards nationwide who were identified by DILG.  The survey questions centered on the responsiveness of local government units and the general public awareness on the existence of services delivered by their local governments.

               

“We were able to reach almost 400 respondents for the DILG-ARTA survey within a few hours. By using technology, we were able to shorten the survey process and make information-gathering more efficient,” shared Reynald Trillana, Executive Director, PCCED. The project results provide DILG with valuable information on the actual performance of barangays to ensure that they are delivering services with efficiency and effectiveness.

               

“By sharing innovative information communications technology (ICT) solutions such Delph.io and the Globe BridgeCom SIM card which provides a less expensive means of communication with DILG, Globe is able to help ordinary citizens have their voices heard and aid in improving transparency and accountability towards good governance,” said Yoly C. Crisanto, Head for Globe Corporate Communications.

               

Based on the survey, 99% of the 376 respondents expressed awareness on the existence of a Citizen’s Charter in their barangay.  The same number was also able to avail of the services being offered in their respective localities. 

               

With such high ratings, it was not surprising that 96% of the participants rated the performance of their barangays as passed.  The survey also revealed that 70% of the participants believe that governance is an important factor in improving the services of the barangays while 13% answered that budget-related issues should be considered in making the service much better.

               

In 2012, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero also expressed support for the programs implemented by Globe and the PCCED. “Technology can pave the way for good governance initiatives such as these. Let’s also explore other ways in which we can use technology for other DILG-led projects,” said Panadero.

Globe through its corporate social responsibility arm, Globe Bridging Communities, is very active in promoting good governance.  Thus, aside from ARTA, BridgeCom also brought Barangay Rule of Law Seminars (BRLS) to Northern, Central and Southern Luzon and in the Visayas to train barangay leaders as conflict mediators and to give them guidance on how to uphold the barangay justice system in their respective communities. Globe also supported the United Nations-led project, Tingog 2015, by providing an SMS-based citizen feedback which enables citizens to report on maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition services using the short code 2015 through their mobile phones.

Other Globe projects which promote good governance include “Sagot ka ni Kap”, an ongoing program which empowers barangay watchers with mobile communication tools for improved vigilance and support for online portal, Tao Po!, which promotes active citizenship and accountability by allowing readers to articulate their experiences and post solutions to governance-related issues.

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Globe Telecom reaps two awards from Frost & Sullivan

Globe Telecom was honored as Frost & Sullivan Philippines Mobile Service Provider of the Year for 2013 following its remarkable performance in 2012 despite intense competition in mobile markets.

“The strong performance of the company is the result of its ability to offer customizable and innovative service offerings, value-for-money promotions, handset and gadget launches as well as the boost from increasing demand for mobile browsing and voice services,” said Serene Chan, Senior Industry Analyst for ICT, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific.

The leading telecommunications company was also recognized by the business consulting firm as Philippines Emerging Infrastructure-as-a-Service Vendor of the Year.  The company began offering Globe Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), a comprehensive range of cloud solutions relevant to the needs of various small, medium and large enterprises in the Philippines a few years ago.  

“Our Cloud Solutions allow businesses access to the most advanced and relevant ICT solutions available in the market without the high costs of purchasing and maintaining hardware.  We are extremely proud that Globe continues to be recognized locally and internationally for delivering superior products and services,” said Jesus C. Romero, Head of IT-Enabled Services Group.

Romero explained that with Globe IaaS, customers can get network access and solutions on-demand, and pay only for what they use as equipment that support operations are outsourced to a virtual environment. “With the on-going transformation of our network, Globe will continue to enrich the ICT sector in the country,” he added.

The two awards were given at a ceremony held on June 4 at the Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila.

The Frost & Sullivan Philippines Excellence Awards is now in its third consecutive year and seeks to recognize companies and individuals that have pushed the boundaries of excellence - rising above the competition and demonstrating outstanding performance in the Philippines market.

A detailed study of each nominated company was based on actual market performance indicators that include revenue growth, growth in market share, leadership in new product introduction and innovation, business or market strategy, among others.

               

In the first quarter of the year, Globe outpaced the telecommunications industry with a revenue growth of 6%, totaling PHP21.4 billion driven by robust growth in its mobile business as subscribers reached 35.1 million following a net addition of 2.0 million.

The first phase of the company’s modernization program, involving a complete change-out of its cell sites nationwide, has already been completed.  Around 60% of its network is already is already on 4G HSPA+ providing faster mobile browsing experience amid growing preference for smartphone use.

In 2012, Globe Telecom garnered two awards from Frost & Sullivan Philippines. These are Telecom Service Provider of the Year and Broadband Service Provider of the Year.  The Frost & Sullivan awards program seeks to recognize companies that have pushed the boundaries of excellence and rising above the competition and demonstrating outstanding performance in the Philippine market.

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Globe Telecom launches “ImaginART” competition

Globe Telecom is launching ImaginART, an annual competition for an art exhibition proposal.

This year’s theme, “A Journey Through A Wonderful World”, seeks for a concept design for an exhibition that inspires the joy of exploration and discovery. With 2D and 3D artwork, the exhibition must transport the viewers into a world of boundless possibility.

“In Globe, we believe in the relentless power of the imagination which is the source of all our innovations for many years now. The competition also speaks of our company’s support for Philippine contemporary art and the people in the art community. We hope that this annual competition will further inspire artistic creations that will in turn spur enthusiasm for the arts and for creativity in general,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.

“This competition is about new artwork yet to be created. Imagination, the origin of artistic expression, is what makes Globe ImaginART different from the other art competitions out there. We want participants to stretch imagination, then create and inspire,” he added.

Interested artists, aged 24 to 39,  are required to submit a proposal for an exhibition of 2D and or 3D works of art, including painting, sculpture, mural and photography, which they must execute in the event of winning the competition.

One or more persons may work on a single entry and there is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted. This means an individual can join as an individual or part of a team per entry.

To qualify, an entry must include a CD containing the artist(s)’ portfolio of past works and CV, to include participation in other competitions, if any, the concept brief of the entry, visual mock-ups of exhibition concept in universal multimedia formats, a complete list of material, technical, installation and fabrication requirements, actual studies such as drawings or sketches for 2D works and scale models or marquettes for 3D works and a completed application form.

The exhibition proposal, as well as all the artworks to be displayed, should be original, unpublished and unused. All entries will be screened by the Ayala Museum and incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified. Deadline of submission of entries will be on July7.

The top three among all qualified submissions will be selected by Ayala Museum curators and announced on July 11. They will each receive a cash prize of PHP100,000.

Shortlisted artists/groups will then be given an opportunity to prepare their exhibition concept and they are expected to present their proposals before a panel of judges on July 19 at the Ayala Museum.  Judging and announcement of the top winner will be done in the presence of a third party juror.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: 50% creativity and originality, 25% relevance to theme and 25% feasibility in terms of production and display.

Winner of the competition will receive a PHP500,000 cash prize and will be provided with an exhibition grant of not more than PHP500,000.

The Globe Art Gallery, with the winning entry on exhibition, will be launched on September 17. It will be on display at the gallery until April next year. The winning exhibition will be installed by the Ayala Museum, with the artist.

Questions and clarifications may be sent to museum_inquiry@ayalamusum.org or may be directed to Spike Acosta or Jei Ente at Ayala Museum at 757-7117 to 757-7121 local 29.

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Globe is exclusive PH telco carrier of the new HTC One

Newest LTE-powered HTC smartphone to further boost telco’s device portfolio

As the preferred partner of the world’s leading device manufacturers, Globe Telecom sealed another deal to be the exclusive Philippine telecom carrier of the new HTC One, making it the lone telco in the country to offer the latest HTC smartphone under its best-ever MySuperPlan.

Touted as one of the best Android smartphones in the world, the HTC One is available for as low as P1,699 monthly under the best-ever MySuperPlan 999 with a monthly cashout of P700* over a 24-month contract period. The postpaid bundle comes with unlimited LTE surfing of up to 42 Mbps and free calls and texts.

With the best-ever MySuperPlan, subscribers can also avail of the HTC One for free or with minimum cashout under the contract period of their preference. Aside from the 24-month lock-up period, contract periods of 6, 12, 18, and 30 months are now offered, taking plan customization and personalization one notch higher.

“We are thrilled to add the HTC One to our most diverse device line-up and be the lone telco partner of HTC to offer this highly-anticipated smartphone to Filipinos who always want to be one step ahead when it comes to mobile technologies,” said Raul Macatangay, Head of Globe Postpaid. “The HTC One and its features are maximized with our best-ever MySuperPlan, our next-generation postpaid plan that gives subscribers the full flexibility to create a postpaid plan with their choice of consumable, combos, gadgets, and boosters, a perfect bundle that best fits their needs, lifestyle, and budget.”

On top of the new postpaid plans, postpaid subscribers are also eligible to avail of the Globe Guarantee that includes the No Billshock policy, assuring customers subscribed to Plans 999 and lower will not pay over P999 a month even if they go beyond their data subscription; the 7-day phone replacement; and 24/7 access to Globe customer service channels available on the mobile phone and landline, e-mail, online chat, Twitter, and Facebook.

“HTC One has finally arrived in the Philippines and we are happy to have Globe Telecom as our exclusive PH telco carrier to bring the device to tech-savvy Filipinos,” said Richard Javier, HTC Country Manager - Philippines. “The HTC One is packed with new and exciting features that users will love. With the best-ever Globe MySuperPlan and its fully-customizable components, all these features will be maximized, reshaping one’s smartphone experience.”

Available in Stealth Black and Glacial Silver, the HTC One boasts of a 4.7-inch Full HD 1080p, 468ppi display running on Android 4.1.2 JellyBean. The smartphone is housed in a sleek aluminum body with 32 GB internal memory and LTE capability. Key features include the HTC BlinkFeed^TM, a live home screen with an all-new user interface that delivers an intuitive live stream of news, social networks, calendars and apps services direct to the home screen; the HTC Zoe^TM, bringing to life one’s photo gallery via the HTC UltraPixel Camera which automatically captures up to 20 photos and a 3-second video – a picture that’s alive with the entire photo album turned into a living, breathing gallery, and the HTC BoomSound^TM which changes the way users listen to music with Dual Frontal speakers powered by Beats Audio^TM amplifiers delivering bigger, sharper, richer, louder sound with less distortion and more detail.

Subscribers can order the HTC One via http://www.globe.com.ph/htc-one, the Globe Sales Hotline at 730-1010 or from participating Globe Stores nationwide.

*At 0% interest rate for a 24-month contract period via major credit cards except Standard Chartered, available at 3, 6, and 12 months only

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Globe Telecom alerts postpaid subscribers vs fraudulent text messages demanding bill payment

Globe Telecom is warning the public against a new modus operandi employed by fraudsters who demand bills payment from postpaid subscribers through text messages with instructions to deposit payment to a specific account or via GCASH.

 “We would like to inform and warn our subscribers not to heed fraudulent text messages alluding to non-payment of bills and demanding payment through certain accounts or via GCASH.  Instead of responding to such messages, subscribers should report such incidents to us,” said lawyer Froilan Castelo, Head of Globe Corporate, Legal Services Group.

Legitimate advisory from the leading telecommunications company should come from “GLOBE” while bill payment through GCASH could be undertaken using the GCASH app with a transaction confirmation from 2882, Castelo said.

“Subscribers are requested to validate unusual texts and calls with our customer service agents,” Castelo said, adding subscribers who wish to pay for their bills should do so in various Globe stores and through authorized payment centers nationwide.

PHOTO CAPTION: A sample of text message sent by fraudsters demanding payment from postpaid subscribers

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STI and GCASH Remit make college education dreams come true

It is every parent’s dream to see their children finish their education, and achieve their greatest potential. Now, GCASH REMIT in partnership with STI, one of the country's largest network of schools, makes every parent’s dream come true by sending five (5) OFW nominees to college with the Magpadala, Magka-diploma GCASH REMIT Promo.

OFWs sending money from abroad to the Philippines via GCASH REMIT will have a chance to nominate their child, relative or other family member to receive a full scholarship grant for any 4-year course at any STI campus nationwide.

“Education is definitely the best foundation for a successful future, and we at GCASH REMIT understand the need for young Filipinos to acquire a college diploma for a better life ahead. We are excited for this new promo as we are not only sending a deserving student to tertiary education, but we’ll also reward the beneficiaries of our OFWs abroad with cash prizes for the winning nominations,” said Paolo Baltao, President of G-Xchange Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe and operator of GCASH. “This is our simple way of honoring our overseas Filipinos using GCASH REMIT, who have worked hard for their families from a distance in order to send their kids to college and provide better lives for their loved ones. We hope that with the scholarships, we will be able to make a difference in their lives.”

To nominate a loved one, an OFW family member must send money to the Philippines via GCASH REMIT, which has outlets in 33 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Guam, and Saipan.

Every remittance sent entitles the OFW to nominate one deserving student for the scholarship grant via www.globe.com.ph/gcashdiploma. Beneficiaries of OFWs with winning nominees additionally get Php10,000 each. 100 pieces of Jollibee gift certificates would also be raffled away. Promo is from May 27 to August 27, 2013. Scholarship winners will be announced on September 20, 2013.

With GCASH REMIT, the cash pick-up service of Globe, OFWs now have an easier and more affordable option to send money to the Philippines. Overseas Filipinos can simply visit any of the more than 800 GCASH REMIT partner outlets outside the Philippines for fast, affordable, convenient and secure international remittance service. Partners include Xoom, Speed Remit, Xpress Money, MoneyGram, New York Bay Remittance, Lari Exchange, Czarina, Pinoy Express, Rustan’s Foreign Exchange, Kabayan Bilis Padala, IME, BHF Northern Remittance, Reliable Peso Remit, Kabayan Remittance, Lagura, Tres Marias, Calisons, Transfast, Mabini Express, RCBC, Metrobank, and many more.

Their families in the Philippines, on the other hand, can get their cash from any of the 7,000 GCASH outlets nationwide. Thus, even those living in far-flung areas can already get their money from outlets near their homes such as rural banks, pawnshops, retailers, load distributors, sari-sari stores, among others. The beneficiary also gets the remittance without any service charge. To know more about GCASH REMIT, visit www.globe.com.ph/gcashremit . Per DTI NCR Permit No.5364 Series of 2013.