Book for children’s online safety launched
PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Department of Justice Interagency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), are promoting a #BeCyberSmart culture among children through the storybook ‘Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala’ (The Adventures of Tala).
In observance of Safer Internet Day 2025, the two telcos organized a storytelling session featuring Rey Bufi, founder of The Storytelling Project, who read ‘Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala’ to students from St. Alphonsus Ligouri Integrated School and Victorious Homeschool.
Developed in collaboration with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network, the storybook follows Tala’s journey through the metaverse, where she learns about online safety, her rights, and potential dangers. The book also includes activities designed to enhance children’s cybersecurity awareness, helping them identify and avoid threats such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
Launched during National Children’s Month in 2024, the book supports the DOJ’s efforts to combat human trafficking and violence against children. Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, emphasized the importance of equipping children with safe online habits through engaging storytelling.
Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who participated in the storytelling session, highlighted the importance of teaching children to discern between beneficial and harmful online content. DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz reiterated the DOJ’s commitment to partnering with organizations to create safer online environments for children, aligning with the Safer Internet Day theme – “Digital Bayanihan, para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online.”
Globe to prototype open radio access network
OREX SAI, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. have announced a partnership to conduct a demonstration experiment for Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) in the Philippines. This initiative is part of a program by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to explore the potential of Open RAN technology.
Open RAN is designed to allow for greater interoperability between equipment and systems from different vendors, promoting innovation and optimization within network infrastructure. This approach has the potential to create more flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient network environments.
The demonstration experiment will allow Globe Telecom to assess the feasibility and performance of Open RAN solutions within its existing network infrastructure. This evaluation will provide insights into the potential role of Open RAN in Globe’s future network development.
“The need for connectivity has been constantly increasing as the digital shift accelerates, fueling customer demand. As an innovation leader, Globe is taking this key step forward in exploring the potential of Open RAN, which is now in use in other tech-forward countries,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Head of Service Planning and Engineering.
Globe aims to gain a deeper understanding of Open RAN technology and its alignment with the company’s future needs. The demonstration experiment will contribute to the global conversation surrounding Open RAN, with trial outcomes informing future decisions on network evolution and infrastructure planning.
Sadayuki Abeta, Chief Technology Officer at OREX SAI and Chief Open RAN Strategist at NTT DOCOMO, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Globe Telecom. “We have successfully evaluated the performance of Open RAN in various countries in Southeast Asia and are delighted to collaborate with Globe Telecom, a leading mobile operator in the Philippines, in the field of Open RAN.”
AI masterclass to happen in March
In an era where artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity, professionals across industries are seeking to harness its power. Responding to this demand, the AI Masterclass, called the “Power of AI for Communications and Beyond” returns on workshop March 21, 2025, accessible both in person at The Holiday Inn & Suites Makati and online via Zoom.
Ana Pista, VP for Internal Affairs of PRSP and founder and CEO of ArdentComm, noted the increased demand for deeper insights into AI’s impact on communications was the reason for the learning event.
The AI masterclass is to be led by artificial intelligence and behavioral psychology expert Hemant Gaule. Based in Mumbai, India, Gaule has provided advisory services to various initiatives, including a role in Narendra Modi’s 2014 national election campaign. He is also the co-founder and director of SCoRe, an institution focused on public relations education and research.
The 2025 workshop will cover AI-powered content creation, audience targeting and personalization, sentiment analysis and reputation management, automation of content creation, and ethical considerations in AI communication. Gaule will present information on improving efficiency and streamlining processes in business and communications.
The workshop is intended for professionals in various sectors, including career professionals, government officials, business operations, and communication practitioners.
