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Digital Freedom: How responsible online citizens build a safer, stronger Philippines

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Why the next generation of Filipino freedom starts with digital responsibility

The digital world is no longer just an alternate reality for Filipinos. It is an extension of everyday life. From family group chats and online classrooms to digital wallets and small businesses, the internet shapes how we connect, learn, work, and participate in society.

But as our reliance on digital spaces grows, so do the risks. Misinformation, phishing scams, identity theft, and online fraud continue to threaten users—especially the most vulnerable to deception.

This Independence Day, as the nation honors the courage and sacrifices that shaped our nation, it is time to reflect on what freedom means in today’s connected world. In the digital age, true freedom is not just about access to platforms and opportunities. It is about having the confidence and security to go online without fear of being deceived, exploited, or harmed.

Today, protecting our fellow Filipinos is no longer limited to traditional symbols or historical remembrance. It happens on our screens—in how we verify information, safeguard our data, treat others online, and help build safer digital communities.

The Rise of Digital Bayanihan

At the heart of Filipino culture is bayanihan—the communal spirit of unity, cooperation, and helping one another in times of need. In today’s connected era, this timeless value is taking on a crucial new form: Digital Bayanihan.

Digital bayanihan is the collective commitment to building a safer, kinder, and more accountable internet. It shifts the idea of online safety from a personal responsibility to a shared community effort. In today’s digital landscape, one person’s online behavior ripples outward. A single unverified post can spread panic, while a single phishing link can lead to financial ruin for an unsuspecting netizen.

Building a resilient, digitally secure Philippines starts with simple, conscious daily habits:

  • Verify before sharing: Always check the credibility of sources before hitting “share” or “retweet.”
  • Protect personal data: Keep accounts secure with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and never share OTPs.
  • Look out for vulnerable users: Guide elderly family members and first-time internet users to spot suspicious links, fake promotions, and impersonation scams.
  • Report, don’t just scroll past: Flagging fake accounts, misleading posts, and harmful content helps clean up the digital ecosystem for everyone.

A truly free digital space is not one where people can say anything without consequence, but one where every Filipino can participate safely, responsibly, and meaningfully.

The Youth as Champions of a Safer Internet

While every online citizen has a role to play, young Filipinos are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. As digital natives, students and Gen Z internet users have the tech-savviness, adaptability, and social influence to shape healthier online cultures.

They are not merely passive users of technology; they are the ultimate advocates of digital bayanihan.

Recognizing this immense potential, Online AlerTour—an educational initiative by PLDT Home’s Online Alerto, in partnership with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)—delivers vital online safety education directly to university campuses. The tour equips students with practical knowledge to identify cyber threats, combat disinformation, and champion responsible digital behavior.

The initiative has already energized student communities across major campuses, including Far Eastern University, Universidad de Manila, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Through these campus caravans, students are empowered to become vigilant digital citizens and active protectors of their communities, demonstrating that the youth remain the fair hope of our digital motherland.

Freedom in the Digital Age

As the Philippines celebrates Independence Day, the definition of freedom continues to evolve. A truly free nation is one in which citizens can connect, learn, work, and express themselves online without fear of exploitation or abuse.

This is the long-term vision that drives Online Alerto, PLDT Home’s online safety advocacy platform. Launched in 2022, it has grown into a thriving Facebook community of more than 77,000 members dedicated to promoting digital awareness, responsibility, and safety.

Through ongoing education, strategic partnerships, and grassroots community-building, PLDT Home remains committed to fostering a secure digital environment for Filipinos nationwide.

True patriotism is not only about remembering the freedoms won in the past. It is about actively protecting the freedoms Filipinos enjoy today—including the right to live, learn, and thrive safely in the digital world.

This Independence Day, let us commit to practicing digital bayanihan because a safer, more responsible digital Philippines is a stronger, freer, and more united nation.

To learn more about online safety and responsible digital citizenship, join the Online Alerto Facebook Community and be part of the movement toward a safer internet.

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Community

Reload your PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid via Maya

by Contributor
written by Contributor

PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid users can now reload their internet faster and more conveniently through the Maya Shop on the Maya app and via nearest Maya Business Centers.

This new loading option gives customers greater flexibility in managing their home internet, offering both cashless digital payments and assisted over-the-counter transactions within their communities. With just a few taps on the Maya app or a quick visit to a local retailer, users can stay connected for work, school, and entertainment hassle-free and on their own terms.

“By expanding our loading channels through Maya’s consumer app and Maya Business Center retailer network, we’re making PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid more accessible, flexible, and aligned with how Filipinos live and use digital payments today,” says John Y. Palanca, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business.

Reloading via Maya seamlessly fits into customers’ daily routines, especially for those who already use the app for bills payment, money transfers, and shopping. For households that prefer in-person transactions, Maya Business Center outlets can also process PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid reloads. This brings essential internet services closer to home while providing small business owners with additional income opportunities.

“Digital payments play an important role in expanding access to essential services,” said Renan Santiago, Head of Retail & MSME Maya Business. “Enabling PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid on Maya gives customers a simple, cashless way to manage their home connectivity while supporting our initiatives to make digital payments inclusive across communities, whether via online or Maya Business Centers.”

To buy PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid load, customers can easily go to the nearest Maya Business Center in their community or purchase via the Maya app:

  • Go to the Shop tile and click Broadband
  • Select PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid and choose your preferred Load
  • Enter your PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid account number and pay

Once payment is successful, the load is instantly credited, allowing customers to continue enjoying reliable and uninterrupted fiber internet. Customers may check their myHome account to view the purchase details.

PLDT Home continues to expand its digital and over-the-counter channels to make reliable and affordable home internet more accessible to Filipino families nationwide.

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News

Rise for Education Davao concerned over CHED’s policy allowing adoption of 100% online learning

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHEd) released Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson No. 117 on April 7, adopting 100% online learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) amidst worsening economic and transport crises.

While this may seem like a favorable setup at first glance, this blatantly disregards the realities of millions of Filipino students struggling under deep socio-economic inequalities.

Rise for Education (R4E) Davao coordinator Ali Cabrera raises concern about the impact this may have on the quality of learning for students

“As an alliance, we deeply worry about this policy as we have seen the effects of 100% online learning during the pandemic, which caused lower quality of education, as well as higher drop-out rates. We’ve also seen how less face-to-face interaction among peers negatively affected the mental health of students,” Cabrera says.

R4E Matina coordinator Roziel Saguin stresses the issue of inequality and access that flexible learning does not adequately address, given that a substantial proportion of Filipino households lack reliable internet or appropriate devices.

“As a working student struggling to finance my own personal expenses, flexible learning can actually create more barriers than benefits. Not all students are able to afford the internet or have access to devices. We bear the burden of data expenses, which wouldn’t be an issue if we were in school, where learning resources are readily available,” stresses Saguin.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, only around 49 percent of households in the Philippines had Internet access as of 2022. The Department of Information and Communications Technology also highlights persistent issues related to network reliability, uneven geographic distribution, and congestion, all of which undermine the stability required for continuous online learning.

Moreover, Saguin also emphasized the lessons from the pandemic, which have deeply affected the quality of education and learning among students.

“As per experience during the COVID pandemic, 100% online learning is not good. Learning at home does not provide a conducive learning environment–distracting, stressful, and unable to focus on your academics. Face-to-face school-based learning provides a better learning experience with accessible resources–classrooms, study hubs, and learning materials that are readily available inside the campus,” adds Saguin.

This band-aid solution only further legitimizes state negligence on education and youth, as the policy shifts the financial burden onto students and their families, who must shoulder the costs of connectivity, electricity, and equipment on top of high tuition fees in private universities, and a lack of quality services in underfunded public education.

Cabrera calls for solutions providing the needs and demands of students and people.

“The solution necessitates the government to answer the roots of economic and transport crisis, and providing the needs and demands of students and the people–increased funding in the education sector, declaring a tuition freeze in private institutions, regulating oil prices, removing VAT and excise tax, and providing financial relief to every Filipino,” Cabrera said.

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Community

PLDT Home is your new “BFF”Enjoy this connection for life with Broadband Free Forever!

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Reliable connections are built to last, just like the relationships they support at home. As a constant presence in Filipino households, PLDT Home continues to bring families closer with a new offer designed for long-term value and everyday digital needs.

PLDT Home introduces its Broadband Free Forever (BFF) Promo, giving new subscribers the chance to enjoy a free fiber connection for life, making PLDT Home’s internet a lasting part of the family across generations.

“With the Broadband Free Forever Promo, we’re making PLDT Home Fiber a long-term partner for Filipino families,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing. “This reflects our commitment to deliver reliable connectivity that families can depend on today and for the years ahead. Truly making connections last, just like a real BFF.”

The BFF promo will award four (4) lucky new PLDT Home Fiber subscribers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with the grand prize of free fiber broadband for life, while 60 additional winners will receive free fiber broadband for one (1) year. All winners will also enjoy free installation and modem activation, plus a free speed boost on their chosen plan.

The promo is open to new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber from January 15 to May 15, 2026. Eligible plans include Fiber Unli, Fiber Unli All, Fiber Netflix, and Fiber Home Biz, offering options for households with varying digital needs, from streaming and gaming to work and online learning.

For many Filipino families, home internet has become an essential presence at home, supporting learning, work, entertainment, and helping loved ones stay connected every day. The Broadband Free Forever Promo makes this essential service even more rewarding by offering long-term, reliable service and savings for families.

Through the BFF Promo, PLDT Home reinforces its commitment to enhance lives by helping families build connections that truly last.

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Featured

Globe and Nokia pioneer ultra-fast 5G mmWave technology in PH, reaching speeds up to 4.3 Gbps

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Globe has successfully demonstrated how 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) technology can deliver fiber-like internet performance, without the need for physical cables, using Nokia’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution combined with Wi-Fi 7.

This breakthrough marks a major step forward in next-generation connectivity, with speeds reaching up to 4.3 Gbps, fast enough to power critical operations, boost enterprise productivity, and elevate broadband experiences for Filipinos.

In partnership with Nokia, Globe is pioneering the commercial rollout of 5G mmWave in the Philippines. Field tests in Zamboanga City showed the technology’s strong performance even across difficult terrains. At the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 headquarters in Naval Station Rio Hondo, Globe achieved 4.3 Gbps at a 2.1-kilometer distance, while another test nearly 9 kilometers away still hit speeds close to 1 Gbps.

The Philippine Marines are the first to use the technology, relying on Globe’s 5G mmWave to strengthen communications for national security and public service.

“We are grateful to Globe, our long-time partner, for continuously supporting the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 with reliable communications solutions. Through Globe’s commitment to innovation, we have strengthened our connectivity even in the most challenging environments,” said Lt. Col. Nepthalie C. Papa, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team-1, Philippine Marines.

“At Globe, we’re always looking ahead, pushing the limits of what’s possible in connectivity,” said Gerhard Tan, Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations. “The success of our 5G mmWave and Wi-Fi 7 deployment with the Philippine Marines proves that advanced connectivity can transform mission-critical operations. Beyond defense, this technology lays the groundwork for a truly digital and connected Philippines.”

Globe’s 5G mmWave sites are now live in Zamboanga City, Quezon City, and Rizal province, with plans for wider rollout as compatible devices become more available. The technology opens new opportunities for enterprises, government, and communities—from high-speed broadband for urban and rural areas to private 5G networks that can support industrial automation and secure business operations.

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BusinessCommunity

Globe Expands Broadband Reach To Speed Up Digital Inclusion

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Globe is reinforcing its commitment to digital inclusion by expanding access to its fiber broadband services, strategically utilizing previously built network capacity.  Through targeted investments and customer insighting, Globe is enabling more Filipino households and small businesses to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital future.

“Fixed broadband continues to be a growth engine for the business.  We see user data consumption now surging past 30 GB/month per user.  We are fine tuning our fiber strategy to more than connectivity, it’s about empowering households, enabling SMEs, and growing the digital economy,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz.

According to the Digital 2025 Report, Filipinos spend almost nine hours online daily.   This shows digital services are now integral to everyday life, making high-quality broadband more crucial than ever. Despite this, fixed broadband access is still inconsistent, with only 33% of households connected as of 2024, based on the latest figures from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Globe’s expanding GFiber portfolio anchored on postpaid plans and the contract-free, reloadable GFiber Prepaid are responding to the increased demand. As of the first quarter of 2025, Globe has 1.83 million broadband subscribers, with GFiber Prepaid alone growing 53% quarter-on-quarter to serve 400,000 Filipino homes.

“We’re building more than infrastructure, we’re enabling opportunity,” Cruz emphasized. “By expanding access to reliable broadband, we’re opening doors for millions of Filipinos to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”

Focused Expansion

Globe’s network strategy is aligned with national digital goals, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) National Broadband Plan and programs for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). By focusing on high-need and high-impact areas, Globe is helping advance digital equity while supporting inclusive economic participation.

Through ongoing migration from legacy fixed wireless and wired to fiber in targeted regions, as well as participation in shared infrastructure initiatives, Globe is addressing coverage gaps while ensuring network scalability and operational efficiency.

Globe has successfully migrated over 600 towns in at least 70 provinces nationwide to full fiber connectivity, increasingly eliminating copper from its network. This transition provides faster, more reliable internet for residents and supports Globe’s sustainability agenda of reducing environmental impact and discouraging illegal salvaging.

“Modernization is one of Globe’s key success factors. When we made the leap from 2G to 4G, it unlocked massive gains. Now, we’re continuing that momentum not just for speed, but for service equity and sustainability,” Cruz said.

Investing in Long-Term Growth

Globe has invested ₱228 billion in capital expenditure and ₱236 billion in operational expenses over the last three years to modernize its network. These investments are not just about infrastructure, they are about economic empowerment, digital resilience, and long-term national competitiveness.

“We are not just building faster networks, we’re building a more connected society,” Cruz said. “Fiber broadband is the backbone of digital life. And as the digital economy continues to grow, Globe is committed to expanding our reach strategically, sustainably, and always with the customer at the heart of it.”

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Community

Globe Powers Over 600 Towns with Fiber, Urges Public to Help Prevent Cable Cuts

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Globe has successfully migrated more than 600 towns nationwide to full fiber connectivity, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve customer experience by providing Filipinos with faster, more reliable internet. These areas are now completely copper-free, enabling residents to enjoy high-speed broadband built for today’s digital lifestyle — whether for remote work, online learning, small businesses, or government services.

This transition is not only a network achievement but also a win for sustainability.

By eliminating copper from its network, Globe is reducing its environmental impact, supporting its greater sustainability agenda as part of its green network strategy, and discouraging illegal salvaging that has historically disrupted connectivity.

“We’ve built the infrastructure, now we need to protect it,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Head of Service Planning and Engineering. “Fiber has no copper, no resale value, and cutting it only harms the communities that rely on it. That’s why we’re asking residents to help us safeguard these lines. Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline.”

No financial gain

Despite the shift to fiber, incidents of intentional cable cuts continue to be reported, often due to misinformation or the mistaken belief that fiber can be sold like copper. Of the initial 425 towns that transitioned early to fiber, 170 or 40% experienced intentional cuts historically. Even in areas where copper theft was common, 63% still saw fiber-related incidents, highlighting the need for greater public awareness.

Globe stresses that cutting fiber lines brings no financial gain, but can cause widespread harm. A single cable cut can disconnect entire communities, affecting homes, schools, businesses, and government offices for hours or even days.

Protect connectivity

To help protect connectivity, Globe urges residents  to:

  • Report any suspicious activity near fiber lines or utility poles to the nearest barangay or police station;
  • Support barangay patrols and community watch programs;
  • Work with local officials to include infrastructure protection in ordinances and local plans

These efforts support Globe’s collaboration with local government units and national agencies, focused on education, prevention, and rapid response.

As Globe brings pure fiber connectivity to more towns across the country, it calls on Filipinos to play an active role in protecting the infrastructure that powers digital life — while also supporting a more sustainable future.

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