Asticom wins triple honors at Stevie Awards
Asticom Technology Inc., Globe’s digital-first shared services and outsourcing arm, has secured three awards at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for outstanding tech and customer-focused initiatives.
Asticom was honored with a Bronze award in the “Innovation in Technology Management, Planning & Implementation (Other Service Industries)” category for its “Digital-First Solutions, People-Centric Approach.” This recognition highlights the company’s seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the human experience.
Acquiro Solutions and Tech Inc., Asticom’s staffing arm, was acknowledged with another Bronze in the “Most Innovative Tech Startup of the Year” category, underscoring Asticom’s commitment to nurturing innovative startups.
Acquiro also clinched a People’s Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Companies in the Tech Startups category.
Asticom’s groundbreaking tech and customer-centric initiatives include automation in project management tools, turnkey digital solutions, custom development, and NXT (www.nxt.com.ph), a talent tech platform featuring advanced recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding tools.
Cutting-edge innovations from PLDT-Smart TechnoLab
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. gave future tech mavericks from Siena College of Taytay (SCT) a glimpse into upcoming cutting-edge technologies housed inside the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab, that may one day find their way to everyday customers.
“PLDT and Smart continue to explore and test innovations that will revolutionize the telco and IT industry. These include pioneering technologies not yet available to the Philippine public but have the potential to vastly improve customer experience,” said Roy Reyes, senior manager and head of End-to-End Technologies, under the Network Strategy and Transformation Office of PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart are currently testing Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), Network Disaggregation, and Extended Reality. More than 80 students taking up Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Information Technology at SCT not only learned about these innovations at the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab but also had the opportunity to experience Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality.
ILAW, DOE explore solutions for
efficient, affordable electricity
Energy organization ILAW’s Palawan Chapter and other stakeholders held the People’s Power Summit last May 3 at the CityState Asturias Hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The summit served as platform for exploring solutions to help drive prices lower and address the supply gap through alternative energy sources.
ILAW Palawan lead convenor Dr. Tony Cabrestante led the summit alongside the Department of Energy (DOE) and 30 participants from the Puerto Princesa Chamber of Commerce, Palawan Alliance of Clean Energy (PACE), Palawan provincial government, Puerto Princesa local government unit, PALECO member-consumer-owners (MCOs), energy advocates, and Palawan expatriates.
Gerthie Mayo-Anda from the PACE Environmental Legal Assistance Center, recommended sourcing from a combination of hydropower and diesel power plants as the least-cost option for reducing electricity bills.
Former Palawan advisor for energy Cesar Ventura believes in utilizing complementary technologies such as battery energy storage systems for hybrid power systems to lower electricity bills and augment electricity supply.
DOE assistant secretary Mario Marasigan underscored the need for crucial support from private investors for alternative energy projects to succeed in the country.
The summit’s participants also called for transparency on the Emergency Power Supply Agreement agreements entered into by the power distributor in the province.
SiGMA Asia 2024 gets Pagcor seal of approval
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has written to officially extend its full endorsement of SiGMA Asia’s upcoming 2024 Manila show.
The event, which follows last year’s successful debut, takes place at the SMX Convention Center, in Pasay on June 3 to 5.
In their letter, they noted that they “recognize the immense potential of the gaming and financial technology sectors in the Philippines, and we believe the SiGMA Asia summit will play a pivotal role in further elevating these industries to new heights. By bringing together key stakeholders, thought leaders, and innovators, this summit promises to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and explore opportunities for growth and development within these dynamic sectors.”
They go on to emphasize their confidence that the SiGMA Asia Summit will not only showcase the Philippines as a hub for gaming and financial technology but also facilitate meaningful discussions and initiatives that will contribute to the overall advancement of these industries in this region.
PLDT Enterprise, PSHS to enhance learning in C. Mindanao
PLDT Enterprise has partnered with the Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus (PSHS-CMC) to equip the school with digital solutions, including iGate, Enterprise Broadband, and Smart Messaging Suite.
This collaboration aims to elevate the educational experience of its students and faculty by ensuring reliable connectivity and efficient communication across the campus.
Since the early days of their relocation to Nangka Balo-I Lanao Del Norte in 2008, PSHS-CMC has relied exclusively on PLDT Enterprise for internet connectivity. This long-standing partnership has enabled the school to evolve into a digitally advanced campus, equipping students and faculty members with the necessary tools to enhance learning experiences and teaching opportunities.
“PLDT Enterprise is committed to fostering the academic sector by enhancing digital access and capabilities which are fundamental for educational institutions today,” said Roberto Suzon, PLDT Enterprise CRB Northmin head. “Our partnership with PSHS-CMC is a testament to this commitment, as we provide them with robust connectivity and innovative communication solutions that support their mission to deliver superior educational outcomes.”
The services provided by PLDT Enterprise include dedicated internet lines through iGate and Enterprise Broadband, ensuring symmetrical upload and download speeds critical for the school’s operations. Additionally, the Smart Messaging Suite facilitates seamless communication, enabling the school to send informational advisories and updates efficiently to students and staff.
Aboitiz Foundation expands social impact
The Aboitiz Foundation, along with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify their collaboration across the Philippines.
Through this partnership, resources and efforts are being channeled to effect meaningful change in various sectors including leadership development, job creation, climate action through environmental conservation, and the provision of nature-based solutions. The joint programs are designed to build capacities, enhance readiness, and foster a spirit of resilience.
Under the agreement, the Aboitiz Foundation will source the necessary goods and provide financial support for the successful implementation and execution of the Planned Project Activities.
The Philippine Coast Guard will contribute manpower during the implementation of these activities and offer transportation assets as needed, facilitating the movement of goods from specified locations to their destinations or affected areas, subject to the approval of relevant offices.
The Philippine Coast Guard will provide security assistance to the project teams within its territorial jurisdiction during the execution of the PPAs. In areas where the Philippine Coast Guard is not the primary agency responsible for peace and order, it will coordinate with relevant agencies prior to implementing the PPAs, and if necessary, request additional assistance.
Pacific Cross Travelsafe enhanced
Pacific Cross Philippines has enhanced its Travel Insurance business by introducing MyTravelsafe, its revamped digital platform, to ensure that comprehensive protection is within easy reach of travelers.
Pacific Cross Travelsafe Plans offer a variety of benefits and options — local and international protection, Peso, Dollar and Euro Plans, benefits for single and multi-trips, as well as individual and family coverage, among others.
The new Pacific Cross MyTravelsafe portal allows travelers to access Pacific Cross offerings online, anytime, anywhere. With the process made more accessible and convenient, clients can be assured they have high-value travel protection at affordable rates right at their fingertips.
This increased accessibility also makes it possible for travelers to access the other key features of their travel insurance like medical treatment benefits, coverage for usual travel inconveniences such as flight and baggage delays, travel insurance for seniors aged 76 and above, more extensive coverage for loss of gadgets, loss or damage of sporting equipment, mobile phone charges, and trip cancellation, among others.
Pacific Cross announced these improvements as they are awarded the 2024 Gold Award for the Travel Insurance Category in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands.
Start a business with Pru Life UK
Pru Life UK ramps up its recruitment efforts to empower ambitious individuals from all walks of life to build a long-lasting business with the leading life insurer
Through a series of Build Your Business (BYB) sessions–held online and in person in key cities across the country–seasoned PRU business builders share their success stories and tips to encourage attendees to pursue their own business goals.
While BYB sessions are held year-round, the company leads an energetic approach to recruitment this May.
Themed Paint the Town Red: It’s PRUFiesta time, Recruitment Never Stops!, BYB sessions will be held in Metro Manila (Makati, Ortigas, QC), Pampanga (Clark, Sta. Rosa), South (Alabang, Lipa), North (Baguio), and VisMin (Cebu, Davao, CDO).
Attendees will receive mentorship on becoming a business builder with Pru Life UK’s 40,000-agency force, the largest in the industry.
A virtual BYB session will happen on May 22 featuring “Pambansang Wealth Coach” Chinkee Tan, who will talk about financial management and business development, further highlighting the importance of financial planning and empowering entrepreneurial mindset.
Pru Life UK also holds its weekly Facebook live Q&A sessions for budding and experienced business builders.
