Globe, UC hold PRISM digital literacy training program for teachers in the Visayas

Globe PRISM participants in Cebu

Globe Telecom, in partnership with the University of Cebu (UC), held recently the culminating activity for the Visayas leg of PRISM, a digital literacy training program designed to equip private school teachers with technological skills for effective classroom teaching.

This is in line with Globe Telecom’s sustainability commitment to empower every Filipino with world-class learning through technology in response to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 to “ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.”

“These days, it is imperative for teachers to learn how to use information and communications technology (ICT) tools in the classroom if they want to motivate students to learn and to help increase their skills for entrepreneurship and employment. The changing times mean that teachers need to continuously adapt to their evolving role. Through this program, we are assisting the teachers in discovering new ways in which they can foster creative and critical thinking among the students,” said Michelle Tapia, Globe Advisor and Head of Education Strategy & Innovation.

The partnership with the University of Cebu has proved to be a natural fit, sharing the same vision in technology’s critical role in the 21st century. Dr. Anna Liza B. Son, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UC said: “We are happy to host the Visayas leg of PRISM. UC, one of the leading universities in the region, continues to democratize quality education guided by the core values of innovation, camaraderie, alignment, respect and excellence (ICARE). As education becomes increasingly competitive, UC believes that ICT is a catalyst to respond effectively to society’s demands. This challenge has steered the university to implement a number of initiatives related to ICT. Our mission is to equip our teachers with knowledge, skills and desirable attitudes on technology utilization which will benefit the educational system. We firmly believe that if we train and develop our people, this will reflect in the quality of graduates that we produce.”

The pressing need for digital learning skills prompted Globe early this year to reach out to 1,000 educators from all over the country. Of the number, 140 teachers came from the Visayas region. The program was participated by representatives from the University of Cebu, Cebu International School, Holy Name University, Negros Mission Academy, Sacred Heart School- Ateneo de Cebu, Sacred Heart School- Hijas de Jesus, Santa Isabel International School, St. Joseph College, University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos, University of San Carlos, University of St. La Salle, St. Paul University Dumaguete, and Silliman University. 

Through PRISM, the selected teachers underwent a three-week professional development program conducted by Globe. It included a two-day immersive bootcamp, distance project-based learning, and personalized coaching. A key component of the program is the Brightspace Integrated Learning Platform where the teachers underwent distance learning for three weeks with access to the global Brightspace Community and multimedia resources to guide them through the learning process as well as a seamless platform to collaborate with learning coaches and teachers in real time. For the culminating activity, the teachers were invited to showcase various projects on technology-enabled instruction and content development.

PRISM is supported by Globe myBusiness whose mission is to help transform Philippine schools and empower every Filipino with world-class learning through technology. “We want to create a better education system through an ecosystem of enablers. We want to impact the lives of the students in the best way that we can. But first, we have to train the teachers on the effective use of technology to encourage 21st century learning in the classroom,” said Derrick Heng, Senior Advisor, Globe myBusiness Group.

Teachers who attended the PRISM Digital Literacy Program were nominated by both Globe and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC). The PEAC National Secretariat processed the nominations submitted by schools nationwide while a Vetting Committee, composed of two (2) representatives from the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), a DepEd Regional Director, and the PEAC Executive Director, was set in place to closely vet the nominated teachers.

PRISM was earlier conducted in Metro Manila and Naga City while Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro City will follow within the first half of the year. 

Technology alone can’t protect your business against cyber threats – ePLDT

Due to the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), information is being collected at an unprecedented rate, with much of it being highly personal and confidential. It is because of this that cybersecurity is of much greater importance today.

Angel Redoble

ePLDT, an industry-leading provider of digital business solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, is warning local companies that employing data security software and hardware is not enough to combat cyber-threats. This is according to its newly appointed head of cybersecurity.

“Companies that focus on data security technology alone unfortunately do not understand cybersecurity,” said Angel Redoble, Chief Information Security Officer of ePLDT. 

“Because a single attack can affect every department of a company, cybersecurity therefore should be approached holistically by integrating it in every aspect, not just in technology. To do this, a company must first focus on having a strict protocol or process and must have the right people who are skilled to combat different kinds of threats. Once these are integrated with the appropriate technology, a company can achieve business resiliency.”

This crucial insight follows on the heels of Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security Survey of 2016 and 2017 which reveals that 64% of 1,735 firms surveyed, which includes Philippine companies, admitted that they have zero or mere informal threat intelligence programs. Moreover, 42% do not have an agreed communications strategy or plan in place in the event of a significant attack.

A security process or program provides the framework for keeping a company at a desired security level by assessing the risks, deciding how to mitigate them, and planning on how to keep programs and practices up to date. ePLDT notes that this is where most companies fail because they only treat cybersecurity as technology or software.

“The hundreds of thousands of vulnerabilities that are recorded every day plus the evolving hacking methods just goes to show that like a process, cybersecurity is a never-ending journey and should be evolved to mitigate & manage new threats,” said Redoble.

Data security skills on the other hand are also crucial since a skilled workforce can identify and therefore understand how to handle the vast majority of threats to data, like malware or hackers seeking confidential information.

Redoble recognizes that some institutions do not employ cybersecurity because of financial constraints but also notes that this should not stop them because the tradeoffs are more than beneficial for a company’s performance and existence. 

“Thanks to growing trends, not deploying cybersecurity is and will become more costly in the future. Companies who are serious about surviving must place it as a business imperative as a single attack can break any business.”

Fortunately due to the current trends and developments in cybersecurity, businesses can now achieve the process, technology, and skills to uphold security through inexpensive means. By administering an assessment of their current capabilities, a company can already set certain protocols while the lack of skills problem can be addressed by teaching the staff how to recognize an attack.

With regards to technology, Redoble notes that there are various data security measures that are being offered subscription-based. However, applying these three may leave a company’s in-house I.T. department drained and will lead them to focus on security rather than boosting productivity. As a solution, Redoble recommends to partner with an end-to-end data security provider.

As a leader in data security services in the country, ePLDT’s Cyber Security portfolio is a suite of services that cover devices, systems, processes, and expertise, designed to defend enterprises from multiple security risks, evolving threats, and malicious software attacks. The portfolio is further boosted by ePLDT’s vast infrastructure network due to its 9 state-of-the art data centers and is recognized internationally through its ISO 27001:2005 Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification.

To know more about ePLDT’s cybersecurity offerings, visit www.epldt.com/solutions/cyber-security/.

BOC recognized by PDEA for its anti-drugs operations

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) received a plaque of appreciation from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for having the most number of significant drug-related operational accomplishments from January to November 2016.

The award was presented by Chairman Isidro S. Lapena, Chairman NALECC-SCDDCC/DG, PDEA at ceremonies held at the PDEA National Headquarters on 7 December. Chairman Lapena acknowledged the numerous apprehensions made by the Bureau, especially at the Customs unit stationed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

For the year 2016, the CAIDTF apprehended dangerous drugs amounting to more than P340 million as a result of 36 apprehensions which yielded cocaine, shabu, ecstasy, marijuana and other precursors.

Lt. Sherwin F. Andrada, Executive Officer of the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF), ESS of the BOC Enforcement Group, stated that the Bureau will continue to be on the look out for drug groups who would use our airports and customs border to smuggle drugs into the Philippines.

This effort is in line with the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to BOC to apprehend all drugs and drug related precursors that may pass thru the customs borders.

“The war on drugs is the priority of the present administration, and BOC is committed to fully support this challenging task,” Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Group Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.

BOC, PDEA, Chinese agents join forces to stop drug smuggling

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) tie-up with China’s Fujian Provincial Drug Law Enforcement Agency for a strong stance against the entrance of prohibited drugs into the Philippines.

In a meeting on Tuesday, 21 February, Director Neil Anthony Estrella of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) emphasized the need to talk about and address the illegal drug operations involving China and the Philippines. “This will be the start of the interaction and engagement of the customs of China and of Philippines,” he said.

Deputy Director for Operation Division of Narcotics Control Commission Shen Yu explained that this tie up is a response to the agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during President Rodrigo Duterte's four-day state visit to Beijing last October 18 to 21. The said MOU supports the Philippine government’s efforts in fighting against illicit drugs.

“We have come to our new relationship after President Duterte visited China. We can discuss how to enhance cooperation in terms of narcotics control between our nation,” Yu said.

BOC, aside from its primary function of collecting the lawful duties and taxes accruing on the imported article, is also responsible for keeping all ports of entry free from smuggling in any forms.

According to reports from the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) for 2016, BOC intercepted 30 illegal drugs shipments, 14 illegal shipments of methamphetamine hydrochloride also known as shabu amounting to P30,093,990.50, five shipments of ecstasy valued at P15,363,000, nine shipments of cocaine pegged at P291,677,691; and one shipment of marijuana at P25,520 -- all totaling to P337,160,201.50.

Illegal drugs are transported to the country via fishing vessels and shabu laboratories. Last 17 February, BOC seized 320 drums of imported hydrochloric acid known as one of the components in making shabu at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), Tagoloan Sub-port, Cagayan de Oro.

Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno of the Enforcement Group said that the top priority of the government is drug enforcement. “We can establish a specific office or person to act as a liason officer of the Narcotics Commission of China. You can expect BOC’s full cooperation because this is our priority -to end illegal drugs smuggling,” he said.

China has partnered with Japan, Australia, and New Zealand in its intelligence sharing against crimes and drugs. Philippines and China agreed to enhance exchange of intelligence and technology in fighting against drug crimes, including the training of operatives and techniques in detecting illegal drugs

BOC raises alerts vs agri-products smuggling from India

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has raised alarm against smuggling of agricultural products with the discovery that unscrupulous traders have recently added India in its list of best sources of red onions and other farm yields.

Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon said that the uplifting of BOC’s vigilance on imports of farm products was triggered by the bust of a P15-million worth of smuggled fresh red onions contained in 11 40-footer container vans shipped from India through an Indian-registered vessel E.R. Felixstowe 032 to the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

“It is my first time to hear that onions were imported from India since I took office in July 2017,” Faeldon said.

BOC records, so far, bare that commonly-apprehended smuggled onions came from China and other Asian countries.

Faeldon underscored BOC’s fight against smuggling of agricultural products as a top effort between the agency (through point person Federico E. Laciste, Jr.) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), with full support of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. who heads the inter-agency committee on anti-agricultural smuggling.

BOC is a member of the inter-agency committee on anti-agricultural smuggling composed of the National Food Authority, DA, and the Office of the President through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.

“I have directed the officers of 17 ports and sub-ports to give due attention to importation of agricultural products and closely verify, authenticate, and double check its documents and required permits so that BOC and the inter-agency can and will be able to protect the interest and welfare of Filipino farmers and stop all forms of economic sabotage,” Faeldon said.

Faeldon noted that the seizure of the 11 40-footer container vans of fresh red onions was effected in compliance to the memorandum order of Assistant Secretary Laciste dated December 24, 2016, which cited that the filing of SPS permit validation for agricultural products was allowed until December 31, 2016 only. The onion shipments arrived on January 1, 2017, thus its previous import permit elapsed effectively violating the provisions of Republic Act No. 10845, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Neil L. Estrella, citing a report from MICP-CIIS Officer-In-Charge Teodoro Sagaral, said that the 11 40-footer CVs onion importations have two consignees namely: Mheriban Sales Corporation (MSC) with address Room 892 Artex Building, 435Juan Luna Street, Barangay 287, Zone 27, Binondo, Manila and Malaya Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC) with address at Mapaniqui, Candaba, Pampanga.

Of the 11 40-footed CVs, eight (8) were consigned to MSC and three (3) were named to MMPC.

Sagaral, in a report, said the 8 40-footer CVs of MSC were contained in import entry numbers: 2013-17, 1935-17, and 1963-17. The 3 CVs of MMPC were lodged under one import entry numbered: 1381-17.

The MSC onions were loaded in CVs numbered: TTNU8282130; GESU9594042; TTNU8280842; SZLU9154400; SZLU9174768; SZLU9174285; TEMU9033802; and TEMU9158271. The MMPC onion shipments were in CVs numbered: SZLU9175194; TTNU8282167; and TTNU8281160.

BOC to auction items at MICP, anticipates more than P16-M in revenue

Philippines -  The Bureau of Customs is expected to generate an additional P16,160,649.62 in revenue as one of its major ports bid out to the public twenty-three (23) lots of abandoned and/or seized goods.

The Manila International Container Port (MICP) will hold on 30 January a public auction sale of various items, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1129 and 1139 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to CAO 10-2007 dated November 28, 2007, and other relevant Customs Memorandum Orders.

The shipments up for auction include four (4) units of Cadillac Escalade and one (1) unit of Lincoln Navigator with a floor price of P2,250,000.00; two (2) units of used car pegged at P600,000.00; two (2) containers of forty (4) footer bicycle parts and accessories pegged at P1,474,000.00; five (5) containers of forty (40) footer color sandwich panels color plate pegged at P2,963,438.62, and one (1) container of forty (40) footer e-bike parts and accessories priced at P1,000,000.00.

Other items up for bidding are forty-eight (48) containers of twenty (20) footer bunker/slop oil with a floor price of P1,096,035.00; two (2) units used Hyundai Starex Ambulance 2003 pegged at P600,000.00; two (2) containers of forty (40) footer Mizuno golf bags and shoes, pegged at P989,100.00; one (1) unit used Kawasaki motorcycle without key, and one (1) unit Valiant rescue boat with key, all valued at P130,000.00; and three (3) units IAC 250 series mini sound shelter pegged at P150,000.00.

Other merchandise includes damaged bags, wallets, and shoes; garments; foamboard; Chumpo e-bike; structural accessories for window covering; sacks of white salt; used household goods; sacks of Portland cement; donated medical supplies and religious books/leaflets.

Public viewing of merchandise and pre-bid conference for all qualified bidders is on 26-27 January at the MICP. Interested bidders may inquire with the said port at telephone numbers 245-4101 loc. 2283 or 247-0977, or through our website www.customs.gov.ph.

PH Embassy, Filcom reaffirm enduring PH-US ties on eve of US pres'l inauguration

(L-R) Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Minister Patrick Chuasoto; Philippine Presidential Communications Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar; Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.; and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State W. Patrick Murphy toast to the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States at a reception marking the inauguration of US President-elect Donald J. Trump, held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery on 19 January 2017.

WASHINGTON, DC — “We view transitions as opportunities to further relations. The US and the Philippines are treaty allies and we are ready to work on bolstering this alliance on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect. We believe friends help each other and utilize constructive engagement to achieve common goals of greater peace, progress and prosperity. We hope that the close ties between the Philippines and the US will continue to be strengthened in pursuit of common objectives, mutual interest and shared commitment to world peace,” said Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Philippine Embassy, in his welcome remarks at a reception marking the inauguration of US President-elect Donald J. Trump.

The reception was held at the Embassy’s Chancery Annex Building on 19 January 2017, a day before Mr. Trump would be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America. Most of the more than 120 attendees are Filipino-Americans from different parts of the US who traveled to Washington, D.C. to witness the historic event.

“The Filipino diaspora has a lot to account for the strong people-to-people ties that bind the Philippines and the US…. It is in this context that Filipino-Americans continue to be an important bridge between our two countries. All of you have the resources, skills and expertise to help perpetuate the conditions for a sustainable, symbiotic, and mutually beneficial engagement between the Philippines and the United States,” Minister Chuasoto remarked.

Philippine Secretary of Presidential Communications Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. were present at the reception. Both officials are in the US capital for the presidential inauguration. They expressed optimism about the future of Philippines-US relations under the Duterte and Trump Administrations.

“Wala po tayong dapat ikabahala, magiging maayos po ang relasyon natin, ang Pilipinas at Amerika. We have this long history of good relations, the United States being the big brother of the Philippines and with more than 3.5 million Filipinos who live in the US,” Secretary Andanar said.

“We join hands with the Americans in witnessing the assumption of office of President Donald Trump and we are honored by that. We look at the presidency as an opportunity for us to renew our ties, strengthen our ties with a long-term ally who has been supporting us since we got our independence up to now,” added Secretary Esperon.

Mr. W. Patrick Murphy, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State agreed and emphasized the shared democratic values, close cooperation, and rich people-to-people ties between the two countries.

“In 2017 we look forward to working with the Philippines for many reasons but one of the most important is that the Philippines has assumed chairmanship of ASEAN and ASEAN is pivotal, it is our keystone to our engagement with the entire Asia Pacific,” Deputy Assistant Secretary Murphy said.

Minister Chuasoto then led the group in a toast to the Filipino-American community, the American people and US Government, and the longstanding partnership and friendship between the Philippines and the United States.

The program concluded with a screening of the video on the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year.

Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Minister Patrick Chuasoto delivers his welcome remarks at the reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy marking the inauguration of US President-elect Donald J. Trump in the evening of 19 January 2017. 

Philippine Secretary of Presidential Communications Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar (left) and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. (right), who are both in the US capital for the presidential inauguration, graced the reception.

Over 120 guests from the Filipino-American communities of the United States attended the reception marking the US Presidential inauguration held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery on 19 January 2017.

SC says gov't must return tax on PEACe bonds

Philippines, Manila - The Supreme Court (SC) has junked with finality the government's appeal to stop the return of nearly P5 billion in withholding taxes it charged on anti-poverty bonds and pay interest for failure to comply promptly with the court's earlier ruling.

The high court denied the government’s second motion for reconsideration filed by the Office of the Solicitor General for lack of merit.

It said no further pleadings will be entertained.

In August 2016, the Supreme Court ordered the Bureau of Treasury to pay P4,966,207,796 plus a six percent interest per annum from October 2011.

"It is a strong message that the government should not change rules midway to the prejudice of investors in our country," said Francis Lim, a lawyer for the banks.

Former President Gloria Arroyo's administration raised P10.17 billion from the issuance of 10-year Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificates (PEACe) bonds in 2001 and sold them at a discount to non-profit group CODE NGO.

The bonds were later resold, mostly to banks and insurance companies.

The bonds attracted investor interest due to representation that it was exempted from the 20 percent final withholding tax.

But the BIR lifted the exemption days before the bonds matured in October 2011.

The best travel deals for your next dream getaway

Globe Platinum customers get the best deals at the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair

Kick-start 2017 with wonderful travels to inspiring destinations. Now on its 4th year of partnership since 2013, Globe Platinum and Singapore Airlines bring theSingapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair to Manila starting January 20 to February 20, 2017. Globe Platinum customers can enjoy discounted round trip all-in-fares and other wonderful surprises during this year’s event.

The Globe Platinum & Roaming Team with Singapore Airlines Team during the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair press conference at Le Petit Soufle, Makati.

"Traveling is one of our customers’ biggest passions and our longstanding partnership with Singapore Airlines allows us to provide some of the best travel deals! This exclusive access is just some of the many privileges that only we can offer. Our partnership complements the already existing travel privileges of a Globe Platinum customer, such as access to over 800 international airport lounges and our worldwide concierge service. This is just the start of many exciting things and travel opportunities for our customers this 2017,” shares Kaisie del Carmen, Globe Platinum Head.

Kaisie del Carmen, Globe Platinum Head.

Wonderful travel destinations in Southeast Asia, North Asia, West Asia, Africa, Europe and USA, can now be accessed directly from the Philippines through Singapore Airlines (SQ) and SilkAir (MI) with the most affordable fares. Globe Platinum customers can exclusively enjoy year-round discounted flights to these destinations if they purchase their flights from January 20 to February 20, 2017 at any Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair. Customers can also book their flights to any of these said destinations using their BPI credit card through http://www.singaporeair.com/en _UK/ph/home.

Apart from good deals and discounted fares, customers are in for more treats when they drop by the Globe Platinum lounge during the fair and by simply subscribing to Easy Roam 149. Customers can get a chance to win Moto Z smartphones with Moto Mods by just registering in the lounge onsite. Travelers are also in for a treat as Globe Platinum will give away a Rimowa Hand carry luggage to one lucky customer from the Easy Roam 149 signups during the event. 

Easy Roam 149 is the latest roaming service of Globe that lets customers enjoy 5 cumulative days of data roaming in any of the 120 destination​s​ for only P149/month, charged to their bill. This is perfect for travelers who like to plan ahead for their travels, and save up in the process. To register to Easy Roam, customers just need to text​ Easy Roam 149 to 8080 before leaving the country. Should the customer still be on data roaming​ after the 5 allotted days, the regular rate of P599 for unlimited 24-hour data roaming will apply.

The Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair will be held in different malls in the Philippines nationwide. On January 27-29, the first run will be held in Ayala Center Cebu- The Gallery. From January 20-22, it will be in Glorietta Activity Center, on February 26-28 in Trinoma Activity Center, and the last and biggest leg within Metro Manila will be at the SMX Convention Center from February 10-12. Customers in Davao can also enjoy discounts and wonderful prizes from February 17-19 in Davao Abreeza Mall Activity Center.

Follow @enjoyGLOBE on Twitter and Globe Telecom on Facebook for more updates.

BOC to importers: Update your contact details or face suspension

Philippines, Manila - The Bureau of Customs reminds importers to be transparent and honest with the details that they are providing the agency.

BOC on Monday, January 16, published on its website and official Facebook page a list of more than 3,000 importers with outdated/incorrect phone numbers or email addresses in the agency's system. Upon verification, phone calls made to 1,206 importers reveal incorrect or non-working numbers, while emails to 2,365 importers bounced back.

Pursuant to Section 7 of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 11-2014, failure of the importers to update the Bureau's Account Management Office (AMO) of their updated email address and/or contact details within 30 days from the date of the list's posting will cause suspension of their accreditation. Their E2M CPRS access will also be deactivated in accordance with Section 8.b of the said CMO.

Importers identified in the list are required to submit the following documents to AMO:

· Letter request to BOC-AMO for the amendment of CPRS data/information on email addresses and/or phone number/s;

· Print out of importer’s CPRS profile as amended; and

· Print out of VASPS’s email notification of “STORED” CPRS profile.

Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon reminded these importers to inform BOC of their updated contact details to ensure effective communication between importers and the Bureau. "This is one of the ways to better serve the importers, so they should also do their duty by informing us of any changes in their phone numbers or email addresses," he said.

For further instructions and other details, importers may call AMO thru its hotline numbers 0921-2304-519 or 0915-0525-442.

SEA-US Cable System Secures FCC License

Cable is Targeted for Completion in 2Q 2017

HONOLULU, Hawaii – January 15, 2017 – Today the Southeast Asia – U S (SEA-US) Cable System publicly marked key milestones and closed in on others with the completion of the installation of its state-of-the-art undersea fiber optic cable network by the second quarter of 2017. Last week, the Hermosa Beach, California shore-end was successfully connected. On January 12, 2017, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted the SEA-US cable landing license. By the end of January 2017 the construction of California’s cable landing station will be completed. In February 2017 the installation vessel will arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii, after completing its main-lay construction between California and Hawaii.

Essential to the SEA-US Cable System’s reliability is the location and protection of mission-critical equipment on land. The SEA-US consortium members chose CoreSite (NYSE:COR), a premier provider of secure, reliable, high-performance data center and interconnection solutions across the United States, to house the SEA-US Cable System’s submarine line terminating equipment (SLTE) at CoreSite’s purpose built LA2 data center in downtown Los Angeles, California. The SEA-US Cable System’s unique design provides its users with additional protection between the Hermosa Beach, California landing and CoreSite’s LA2 data center over physically diverse dark fiber pairs.

The historic US $250 million SEA-US Cable System is being constructed by NEC Corporation. When completed, the system will deliver an initial design capacity of 20 Terabit per second (Tb/s) capacity, using NEC’s state-of-the-art 100 Gigabit per second (Gb/s) technology. This capacity will help to meet the exponentially growing demand for bandwidth between Asia and North America, while also enabling onward connectivity to existing and planned submarine cable systems.

The SEA-US Cable System investors consist of the following consortium members: Globe Telecom (Manila, Philippines), GTA (Tamuning, Guam), GTI (Los Angeles, California), Hawaiian Telcom (Honolulu, Hawaii), RTI (San Francisco, California), Telin (Jakarta, Indonesia) and Telkom USA (Los Angeles, California). More details can be found below.

PLDT, Smart, TV5 and Solar converge to bring the ultimate Miss Universe 2016 experience to more Filipinos

MANILA – Leading Philippine telco and digital services provider PLDT and mobile leader Smart Communications together with broadcast station TV5 bring the much anticipated Miss Universe 2016closer to Filipinos everywhere through the country’s most extensive and robust fixed line and wireless networks.

In partnership with the Miss Universe Organization and official Philippine broadcast partner ofMiss Universe 2016 Solar Entertainment, the PLDT Group will enable the best viewing experience of the pageant in the Philippines through its various terrestrial and digital channels, across multiple screens at home and on-the-go.

“With the Miss Universe crown currently in our homeland, the enthusiasm for and connection of Filipinos to the global pageant is now stronger than ever,” PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan said.

“With the combined reach of PLDT, Smart and TV5, we are providing our countrymen more ways to enjoy the pageant. We are giving them exclusive access to behind-the-scenes and key events such as the very popular swimsuit and long gown competitions, and of course, real-time viewing of the much-awaited coronation night. With our robust network capabilities and the largest consumer base of over 75 million Filipinos, millions of fans can watch the pageant events via multiple platforms, whether on TV, laptop or mobile—whenever they want, wherever they want. For years, we have been revolutionizing the way entertainment is consumed in the nation, offering our subscribers an extensive entertainment portfolio featuring top digital entertainment partners. Miss Universe is one platform we would not miss out on.”

PLDT and Smart will provide fixed broadband and mobile connectivity to power the Miss Universe pageant throughout their stay in the Philippines. With the country’s widest Fibr broadband network which delivers symmetrical speeds of up to 1Gbps and Smart’s superior mobile LTE network, consumers can be assured of the best real-time Miss Universe experience. 

“The Internet and social media will undoubtedly play a substantial role in Miss Universe in the Philippines,” PLDT and Smart Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto said. 

“We are ready to contribute our top notch products and services to make it a more engaging experience for everyone. Miss Universe 2016 will be using PLDT and Smart’s services throughout their entire journey, while fans will be able to immerse themselves in not only the coronation night, but also on all the exciting events leading up to it. True to our promise of bringing the ultimate Miss Universe experience, our subscribers will get a chance to witness the coronation night live via free ticket promos.”

On top of the complete broadcast coverage of the coronation night, TV5 will give viewers access to the preliminary show, specifically the swimsuit and long gown rounds. 

“Filipinos can look forward to watching their favorite contestants compete even before the grand finale, which is something only TV5 can offer,” TV5 President and CEO Chot Reyes said. “We aim to bring the pageant to life by bringing it closer to the hearts and enthusiasm of every Filipino.”

TV5 signed with Solar for the partnership which encompasses on-air, on-ground, and PR values—the blocktime airing of the Coronation Night on January 30, the exclusive airing of the long gown and swimsuit preliminary competitions on January 28 and 29 which will also be available online on the same day, powered by PLDT and Smart.

Solar Entertainment takes pride in collaborating with TV5, PLDT, and Smart in the hope of delivering the optimum broadcast quality coverage of this momentous event, showcasing the wonders and beauty of the Philippines, and giving our fellow Filipinos the ultimate Miss Universe experience.

“Bringing Miss Universe to the Philippines is one of the top events that we have ever invested in. It is an opportunity that we did not want to miss,” said Mr. Wilson Tieng, President and CEO of Solar Entertainment Corporation. 

“For Miss Universe, we have jam-packed activities that will be happening at the same time and we’re excited to share it with the viewers.”

For more information, visit http://www.solarentertainmentcorp.com/,http://www.tv5.com.ph/,http://pldthome.com/, and http://smart.com.ph/.

Strict social media membership rules pushed to curb cybercrime

Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is proposing the mandatory authentication of online and social media memberships in the country to address cyber bullying, illicit drug trade, and prostitution.

He filed House Bill 4093 seeking the registration of online and social media accounts using any valid government-issued identifucation and/or barangay certificates.

“It aims to address cyber bullying, harassment, online scam and libel and even illicit drug trade and prostitution by holding individuals, private and public entities accountable for their online interactions,” Teves said.

“To verify identities, online social networking services will be obliged to require their users, whether resident or non-resident, to supply and link their accounts to the valid identification numbers provided by the government,” he said.

The neophyte lawmaker laments that the social media has been used as a mode to bully and harass individuals and institutions.

In a 2015 Stairway Foundation, Inc. survey, 60 percent of Filipino children aged 7 to 12 and 80 percent of teenagers aged 13 to 16 revealed that they were bullied through social media.

“The Cyber Crime Act has not curbed cyberbullying and harassment because it is in spirit libel law extended to the realm of the Internet. The law does not address the issues of traceability and accountability that should be inherent in social media accounts from the point of registration,” Teves said.