DOE on Malampaya Maintenance: Ensure Supply and Consumer Protection

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi’s strong directive, the Department of Energy (DOE) has instructed industry participants to ensure supply during the Malampaya Maintenance Activities from 28 January- 16 February and possible implementation of price mitigation measures.

“I have directed Usec. Wimpy Fuentebella to closely coordinate and spearhead the power sector’s activities in light of the Malampaya shutdown, Cusi said.

“We’ve already conducted a series of coordination meetings, simulations and exhausting all possible measures that we can implement to ensure supply and avoid price shocks.”

Thus, the DOE is closely monitoring the readiness and execution of the following activities to ensure power supply:

Telco Sets Out to Conquer Homes, on Track at Deploying 2M Home Broadband by 2020

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom is on track to hit its target of rolling out 2 million home broadband with speed of at least 10 Mbps by 2020 in line with its commitment to improve fixed internet in the Philippines. Unlike its mobile internet rollout, the strategy of Globe for home broadband is to provide reliable and high speed fixed internet one area at a time. The company announced that to date, over 260,000 home broadband lines have already been deployed.

Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said, “We are catching up on the deployment of infrastructure for home broadband, after focusing on mobile for many years. Globe is accelerating home broadband deployment and plans to roll out 400,000 ultra-fast broadband lines by end 2017. Progressive rollouts will be done within the next 3 years until 2020 to serve at least 2 million homes.”

Cu emphasized that Globe intends to redefine home broadband experience for Filipinos, making Globe the preferred brand of choice for homes just as the brand has grown to be the most pervasive for mobile. “The quality difference and improvements on fixed internet will really be felt, we will transform every home using a Globe broadband into an ultimate entertainment hub as our customers enjoy high speed connection plus an unbeatable portfolio of exclusive content,” said Cu.

Cu expressed his desire for government to step in and do the necessary action to enable the telecommunications industry. Cu said that the company could have rolled out more lines this year had it not been for the permitting and right of way challenges that telcos are always facing at the local government level. “With our recent campaigns, our local government are beginning to hear us, and to some extent, some are more responsive than others. As we move forward, we have every reason to be optimistic that we can improve the quality of home broadband in as many areas as possible,” he said.

Making a Difference Through the Gift of Giving

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the children at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Pediatric Cancer Clinic and for those who lost their homes and belongings when Typhoon Nina hit the Bicol region last month, Christmas was certainly a challenging time which Globe Telecom turned into a chance to provide hope and courage.

“Christmas is a time for giving and spreading cheer. Thus, we at Globe take to heart the company’s purpose of creating a Globe of Good by encouraging our employees, customers, and partners to share their time, talent, and treasure to make positive changes in the lives of other people, in this case, young cancer patients as well as our kababayans who needed our care during disaster,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

A week into the holiday season, Globe already embarked on a campaign to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the PGH Pediatric Cancer Clinic to give its young patients a more equipped space ideal for their recovery. Through the campaign, Globe was able to cover the cost of renovation amounting to over P800,000.

But more than the monetary donations, Globe representatives and ambassadors also spent time and effort to treat the kids to a day full of surprises. From good food to exciting gifts, the company organized a fitting finale to its visit with the appearance of the 501st Legion dressed in full Star Wars Stormtrooper gear that provided entertainment to the children and their parents.