As cyber threats, digital scams, infrastructure vandalism, and telecommunications disruptions continue to challenge the Philippines, a growing coalition of government agencies, industry leaders, and cybersecurity advocates is proposing a new solution: mobilizing ordinary citizens to become part of the country’s cyber and infrastructure defense efforts.

The Protect Technology-Telecom Alliance Pilipinas (PROTECTA Pilipinas), a coalition spearheaded by telecommunications leader PLDT and Smart Communications, is actively exploring the creation of a nationwide volunteer corps focused on protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure and improving cyber resilience across communities.

The initiative was among the key topics discussed during the recent forum titled “Citizens on the Frontline: Mobilizing a Volunteer Corps to Strengthen Infrastructure Security and Cyber Resilience,” which brought together representatives from government, law enforcement, defense institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

The forum highlighted an increasingly urgent reality: the security of telecommunications networks and digital infrastructure can no longer be left solely to government agencies and private companies.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Become National Concerns

Telecommunications networks serve as the backbone of the country’s digital economy, supporting everything from mobile communications and online banking to e-commerce, remote work, emergency response, and public services.

Yet these networks continue to face multiple threats.

Cable theft, telecom equipment vandalism, cyberattacks, phishing operations, and online scams have become recurring challenges affecting service reliability and public trust.

According to PLDT and Smart Communications, stronger coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders has contributed to a decline in cable and telecommunications equipment theft in 2025. However, industry leaders warn that the threat remains significant and requires a more sustainable and community-based approach.

PROTECTA Pilipinas believes citizens themselves can play a vital role in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

A Volunteer Corps for Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Resilience

One of the alliance’s most ambitious proposals is the creation of a volunteer corps modeled in part after military reserve programs.

The envisioned program would train volunteers across the country to identify, monitor, and report potential threats to telecommunications infrastructure and digital systems.

PLDT Vice President for Regulatory Affairs Roy Ibay described the concept as a nationwide network of trained citizens capable of acting as an early warning system against infrastructure and cybersecurity threats.

“We envision a volunteer corps, men and women across this country who are trained to recognize threats to critical infrastructure, who know how to report and respond and who to serve as the eyes, the early warning system and the resilience backbone of a nation that refuses to be caught unprepared,” Ibay said.

Under the proposal, volunteers could help identify suspicious activities involving telecom facilities, cable theft operations, infrastructure sabotage, cybersecurity risks, and other emerging threats that may affect network reliability and public communications.

Building a National Framework

PROTECTA Pilipinas is currently working with key government institutions, including the Department of National Defense (DND), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), to explore how such a volunteer program could be structured and implemented.

Stakeholders acknowledge that creating a nationwide cyber and infrastructure volunteer corps would require clear policies, training standards, legal safeguards, and coordination mechanisms.

Former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Gregorio Honasan emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting that executive action could accelerate implementation.

“Any presidential decree, administrative order, issuance from the most powerful, if not one of the most powerful presidencies among the remaining presidential democracies, would to me be more expedient because we are managing time,” Honasan said.

Industry observers believe that formal government backing could help transform the concept from a private sector initiative into a long-term national resilience program.

AFP Cyber Units and Reserve Forces Could Play a Key Role

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also sees potential synergies between the proposed volunteer corps and the country’s existing reserve force structure.

Brig. Gen. Danilo Dupiag, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserve Force Development, noted that the military has already established cyber-focused units within its organization.

“There are now units in the table of organization of the Philippine Army and even the Philippine Air Force called cyber units. So meron tayong ganoon. Finifill-up natin yun kasi bago ang units na yun. So we need those experts in cybersecurity, cyber warfare,” Dupiag explained.

The AFP’s growing cyber capabilities reflect a broader recognition that future security challenges will increasingly involve digital infrastructure, cyber defense, and information security.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Joey Fontiveros, Commander of the AFP Cyber Command, suggested that legislation could provide continuity and long-term sustainability for the initiative regardless of future changes in government leadership.

Cybersecurity Education Starts Early

Beyond volunteer recruitment, stakeholders also stressed the importance of integrating cybersecurity awareness into educational curricula.

Fontiveros argued that cyber hygiene, digital responsibility, and cybersecurity fundamentals should be introduced at an early age to help prepare future generations for an increasingly connected world.

Experts note that many cyber incidents begin with human vulnerabilities rather than technological weaknesses, making education a critical component of national cyber resilience.

Learning from Global Models

The forum also examined international examples where civilian participation plays an active role in national resilience and cybersecurity strategies.

Countries such as Estonia, Finland, Singapore, Israel, and Ukraine have implemented various forms of citizen engagement, reserve programs, cybersecurity education initiatives, and volunteer networks to strengthen their ability to respond to digital and physical threats.

These models demonstrate that resilience is not solely dependent on technology investments but also on community preparedness and civic participation.

A Shared Responsibility

Citizen Watch representative Carlo Ople welcomed the discussions, emphasizing that cybersecurity must be viewed as a collective national responsibility rather than solely a government concern.

“Cybersecurity is now a shared national responsibility and building resilience will require not only technology, but also trust, also operation, a lot of understanding, a lot of political will, and a lot of investment in our people,” he said.

That sentiment was echoed throughout the forum, where participants repeatedly emphasized that safeguarding critical infrastructure requires cooperation among government agencies, private sector organizations, educational institutions, local communities, and individual citizens.

As the Philippines accelerates its digital transformation agenda, initiatives such as the proposed volunteer corps could become an important part of protecting telecommunications infrastructure, strengthening cyber resilience, and ensuring the reliability of the country’s increasingly interconnected digital economy.

Why This Matters

For businesses, investors, telecommunications providers, government agencies, and consumers alike, resilient telecommunications infrastructure is no longer merely a convenience—it is a national necessity.

The success of digital services, online commerce, financial technology platforms, public safety systems, and critical government operations increasingly depends on secure and reliable networks.

By encouraging citizen participation alongside government and industry collaboration, PROTECTA Pilipinas hopes to create a broader culture of vigilance, preparedness, and shared responsibility—one that can help safeguard the Philippines against both physical and digital threats in the years ahead.

via The Philippines Herald

The post PROTECTA Pilipinas Pushes for Volunteer Cyber and Infrastructure Defense Corps as Telecom Threats Rise appeared first on CEBU CHRONICLE.

Sa mundo ng negosyo, iisa ang bagay na palaging kulang para sa karamihan ng mga negosyante: oras. Maraming may-ari ng maliliit at katamtamang laki ng negosyo o SMEs sa Pilipinas ang nagsisimula ng araw na may mahabang listahan ng mga kailangang gawin. Kailangan nilang asikasuhin ang operasyon, kausapin ang mga kliyente, mag-monitor ng empleyado, maghanda ng mga ulat, sumagot ng mga mensahe, at maghanap pa ng paraan upang mapalago ang kanilang negosyo.

Ang problema, habang lumalaki ang negosyo, mas dumarami rin ang mga administratibong gawain na kumakain sa oras ng mga may-ari at empleyado. Sa halip na makapag-isip ng mga bagong oportunidad o makapagtuon sa pagpapabuti ng serbisyo, maraming oras ang nauubos sa paulit-ulit na gawain.

Dito pumapasok ang Artificial Intelligence o AI. Ang teknolohiyang dating tila para lamang sa malalaking korporasyon ay mabilis nang nagiging abot-kaya at madaling gamitin kahit para sa mga SME. Sa katunayan, maraming negosyo sa Pilipinas ang nakakatipid na ngayon ng mahigit sampung oras bawat linggo sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng AI sa kanilang araw-araw na operasyon.

Ang AI Bilang Bagong Kasosyo sa Negosyo

Maraming tao ang nag-aakala na ang AI ay komplikado at nangangailangan ng malaking puhunan. Ngunit sa kasalukuyan, may mga AI tools na kayang gamitin ng kahit maliit na negosyo upang mapabilis ang trabaho nang hindi kinakailangang magdagdag ng empleyado.

Sa halip na tingnan ang AI bilang kapalit ng tao, mas mainam itong ituring na isang kasosyo sa negosyo. Ang layunin nito ay alisin ang mga paulit-ulit at nakakaubos ng oras na gawain upang makapagpokus ang mga tao sa mas mahahalagang responsibilidad.

Sa isang panahon kung saan mahalaga ang bilis at kahusayan, ang AI ay nagiging isa sa pinakamahalagang kasangkapan para manatiling kompetitibo ang mga SME.

Mas Mabilis na Content Creation at Marketing

Isa sa pinakamalaking hamon ng mga negosyo ngayon ay ang patuloy na paggawa ng content para sa social media, website, email campaigns, at iba pang marketing activities. Maraming negosyante ang umaamin na oras ang pinakamalaking hadlang sa kanilang digital marketing efforts.

Sa tulong ng AI, maaari nang makabuo ng mga draft para sa Facebook posts, blog articles, email newsletters, at product descriptions sa loob lamang ng ilang minuto. Ang dating inaabot ng kalahating araw upang matapos ay maaari nang magawa sa loob ng maikling panahon.

Para sa mga SME na may limitadong marketing staff, napakalaking tulong nito. Sa halip na mag-isip kung ano ang ipo-post araw-araw, maaari nilang gamitin ang AI upang bumuo ng mga ideya at nilalaman na maaari nilang i-edit at i-personalize ayon sa kanilang brand.

Dahil dito, mas nagiging tuloy-tuloy ang online presence ng negosyo at mas nagkakaroon ng oras ang mga may-ari upang pagtuunan ang ibang bahagi ng operasyon.

Pagpapabuti ng Customer Service

Isa pang bahagi ng negosyo na malaki ang pakinabang mula sa AI ay ang customer service. Araw-araw, maraming negosyo ang tumatanggap ng parehong mga tanong mula sa mga customer. Madalas itong tungkol sa presyo, oras ng operasyon, availability ng produkto, paraan ng pagbabayad, at delivery schedule.

Sa halip na mano-manong sagutin ang bawat mensahe, maaaring gamitin ang AI upang tumugon sa mga karaniwang katanungan nang mabilis at awtomatiko. Nagbibigay ito ng mas mabilis na serbisyo sa mga customer habang nababawasan naman ang trabaho ng customer support team.

Mas nagiging maganda rin ang karanasan ng customer dahil hindi na nila kailangang maghintay nang matagal para sa simpleng impormasyon. Samantala, ang mga empleyado ay nagkakaroon ng mas maraming oras upang tugunan ang mas kumplikadong mga concern na nangangailangan ng personal na atensyon.

Mas Organisadong Administrasyon at Dokumentasyon

Isa sa mga hindi napapansin ngunit pinakamalaking kumakain ng oras sa isang negosyo ay ang paggawa ng mga ulat, pag-oorganisa ng mga dokumento, at paghahanda ng mga meeting notes.

Sa maraming SME, ang mga manager at supervisor ay gumugugol ng ilang oras bawat linggo sa pagsulat ng reports at pagbuo ng operational updates. Sa pamamagitan ng AI, maaaring awtomatikong makagawa ng mga buod, draft reports, at meeting summaries na maaaring repasuhin at i-finalize ng mga tao.

Hindi lamang nito pinapabilis ang proseso kundi nakatutulong din itong bawasan ang posibilidad ng pagkakamali. Ang resulta ay mas maayos na daloy ng impormasyon at mas mabilis na paggawa ng desisyon sa loob ng kumpanya.

AI sa Human Resources at Workforce Management

Ang human resources ay isa rin sa mga departamentong nakikinabang nang malaki sa AI. Mula sa paglikha ng job descriptions hanggang sa pag-screen ng mga aplikante, maraming gawain ang maaaring mapabilis gamit ang teknolohiya.

Para sa mga kumpanyang gumagamit ng digital attendance systems at payroll software, nagiging mas madali rin ang pagsubaybay sa oras ng empleyado at pagbuo ng mga kinakailangang ulat. Ang AI ay maaari ring makatulong sa pagsagot sa mga madalas itanong ng mga empleyado tungkol sa leave policies, schedules, at iba pang HR concerns.

Dahil dito, nababawasan ang oras na ginugugol ng HR personnel sa mga paulit-ulit na gawain at mas nakakapagpokus sila sa employee engagement, retention, at workforce development.

Mas Matalinong Pamamahala ng Pananalapi

Para sa maraming negosyante, ang pagmomonitor ng cash flow at mga gastusin ay isa sa pinakamahalagang bahagi ng pagpapatakbo ng negosyo. Gayunpaman, maaari rin itong maging isa sa pinaka-matrabahong gawain.

Sa tulong ng AI-powered financial tools, mas madaling masubaybayan ang mga bayarin, gastos, at koleksyon. Maaari ring makabuo ng mga financial summaries at forecast na tumutulong sa mga may-ari ng negosyo na gumawa ng mas matalinong desisyon.

Sa halip na gumugol ng maraming oras sa pag-aanalisa ng mga spreadsheet, maaari nang makita agad ang mahahalagang impormasyon na kailangan upang mapanatiling malusog ang pananalapi ng negosyo.

Bakit Mahalaga Ito sa mga SME sa Pilipinas

Karamihan sa mga SME sa Pilipinas ay nagpapatakbo gamit ang limitadong tao at limitadong resources. Madalas, ang may-ari mismo ang gumaganap bilang manager, marketer, accountant, at customer service representative.

Dahil dito, kahit maliit na pagbuti sa productivity ay may malaking epekto sa operasyon. Ang sampung oras na natitipid bawat linggo ay katumbas ng higit apatnapung oras kada buwan. Sa madaling salita, para itong pagkakaroon ng isang dagdag na linggo ng trabaho nang hindi nadaragdagan ang payroll expenses.

Sa panahon kung saan tumitindi ang kompetisyon at mabilis magbago ang merkado, ang kakayahang gamitin nang mahusay ang oras ay maaaring maging malaking bentahe ng isang negosyo.

Konklusyon

Ang Artificial Intelligence ay hindi na lamang teknolohiyang nakikita sa mga pelikula o ginagamit ng malalaking kumpanya. Ito ay isa nang praktikal at makapangyarihang kasangkapan na maaaring gamitin ng mga SME sa Pilipinas upang mapabuti ang kanilang operasyon, mapabilis ang trabaho, at mapalago ang kanilang negosyo.

Mula sa marketing at customer service hanggang sa human resources at financial management, ipinapakita ng AI na posible ang mas mataas na produktibidad nang hindi kinakailangang magdagdag agad ng malalaking gastos. Ang mga oras na natitipid mula sa mga paulit-ulit na gawain ay maaaring ilaan sa pagpapalawak ng negosyo, pagpapahusay ng serbisyo, at pagbuo ng mas matibay na relasyon sa mga customer.

Sa mga susunod na taon, ang tanong ay hindi na kung gagamit ba ng AI ang mga SME. Ang mas mahalagang tanong ay kung gaano kabilis nila ito magagamit upang manatiling kompetitibo sa isang mabilis na nagbabagong mundo ng negosyo. Ang mga negosyong handang yakapin ang teknolohiyang ito ngayon ay may mas malaking pagkakataong maging mas produktibo, mas episyente, at mas matagumpay sa hinaharap.

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The post Paano Ginagamit ng mga SME sa Pilipinas ang AI Para Makabawi ng Mahigit 10 Oras ng Trabaho Kada Linggo appeared first on CEBU CHRONICLE.

At the heart of Little Chinatown is Dr. Robert H. Lo, founder and CEO of RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. Guided by his vision, every detail reflects his deep appreciation for food and heritage. Although his travels took him far, it was in the kitchens of Binondo—learning from his mother—that he discovered food’s true meaning: family, heritage, and responsibility. Driven to share Binondo’s flavors with Pampanga, where he built his businesses, Dr. Lo opened the first Little Chinatown in Angeles City two years ago. Each dish pays tribute to the traditions and values that inspired him and forms the foundation of the restaurant’s uncompromising standards for food safety and guest care.

Respect for heritage and commitment to food safety guide Little Chinatown’s operations. These principles influence every aspect of ingredient selection, with customer well-being always the top priority.

Pork and chicken come from company-owned farms, while beef is sourced from a trusted supplier in Pampanga. Everything—cutting, portioning, packaging, and careful inspection—happens at the central depot in Porac. Vegetables arrive fresh from a nearby farm also owned by RDF. Every item is fully traceable, enabling prompt responses to inquiries and helping maintain supply chain safety.

At the central depot, ingredients undergo thorough quality and safety checks, including visual inspections and temperature monitoring, before reaching the kitchen. To maintain safe temperatures throughout transport and storage, cold chain management is strictly enforced during meat delivery.

Little Chinatown follows international food safety standards, including ServSafe certification and HACCP guidelines. The restaurant maintains strict protocols for food handling, temperature control, and equipment sanitation to ensure food safety. These practices demonstrate a strong commitment to the health and safety of customers and staff.

Upon arrival in the kitchen, careful organization keeps food safe. Meats, vegetables, and seafood are stored separately, with prep areas designated for raw and cooked foods. All items are labeled and rotated. Little Chinatown uses FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) inventory systems, so older stock and items closer to expiration are used first, reducing waste and ensuring that only fresh, safe ingredients are served.

In addition to proper storage, precise temperature control is maintained to prevent risks. Equipment temperatures are checked hourly, and any item outside safe limits is immediately removed and logged to prevent problems.

Moreover, strict hygiene and cross-contamination prevention protect food safety at every stage. Chopping boards and cleaning cloths are color-coded, and tools are washed and sanitized after each use. 

Upholding these standards takes dedication every shift. Employees wear clean uniforms and protective gear, keep personal items away from work areas, and follow routines such as frequent handwashing, logging cleaning activities, and regularly checking equipment.

Cleanliness is practiced at all times. Only approved cleaning products are used; high-touch surfaces are disinfected frequently, and pest control is performed on a routine basis.

Regular hygiene and food safety training are mandatory. To reinforce safety standards, audits are held periodically—such as surprise kitchen inspections, thorough reviews of cleaning logs, and checks on food storage practices—to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.

To sum up, Little Chinatown’s commitment to safe food relies on careful coordination in sourcing, storage, preparation, and hygiene at every stage. Most cases of food poisoning do not occur during cooking but result from improper storage or contamination after preparation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

Research indicates that restaurants with strong safety cultures have fewer incidents of contamination and illness (Yiannas, 2009). According to Yiannas, training and empowering employees to follow food safety rules improve compliance, reduce errors, and lower the risk of foodborne illness. Prioritizing safety at every level protects customers and enhances an establishment’s reputation and long-term success. This underscores the importance of Little Chinatown’s rigorous standards and safety-first approach.

Little Chinatown is about tradition and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your food is safe. It’s a place where families and friends gather to enjoy classic Binondo flavors, confident that every dish is prepared with care. Whether it’s sharing a steaming basket of Xiao Long Bao, guests discover flavors, traditions, and moments you won’t easily find anywhere else. These make every visit memorable and help diners immerse themselves in both authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. Here, a meal isn’t just food—it’s about feeling welcome and safe.

Reserve your table today at 09479-9989875 (Clark City Front Mall) or 0919-0791654 (Plaza de Caypombo, Bulacan) to discover authentic Binondo flavors and experience Little Chinatown’s unwavering promise to food safety—a commitment you can taste and trust in every dish.

The post How Little Chinatown Puts Food Safety on the Table appeared first on CEBU CHRONICLE.

MANILA, Philippines — Copperstone Lending Inc., the SEC-registered company behind digital lending platform MocaMoca, has expressed full support for the recent public advisory issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warning consumers against fraudulent entities and fake digital platforms illegally using the company’s identity and branding.

The advisory, released by the SEC’s Financing and Lending Companies Department (FinLenD), cautioned the public against dealing with unauthorized websites, suspicious mobile applications, fake social media pages, and online entities falsely representing themselves as affiliated with Copperstone Lending Inc. and MocaMoca.

Among the suspicious platforms identified were:

• buklodservices.com
• flowforthventures.com
• jitsconstruction.com

According to the SEC, reports and supporting documents submitted by Copperstone revealed several online activities involving:

• Unauthorized use of the company’s corporate identity and branding
• Counterfeit or suspicious online lending applications
• Possible phishing activities and unauthorized collection of personal information
• Misleading representations to borrowers
• Alleged harassment and abusive collection-related activities
• Possible misuse of consumer data and unauthorized financial transactions

Copperstone Lending Inc. welcomed the SEC’s swift action and reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and strengthening cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital finance practices in the Philippines.

“We fully support the SEC’s efforts to protect Filipino consumers against fake lending platforms, online impersonation, phishing activities, and unauthorized digital transactions,” the company said in a statement.

“As digital financial services continue to expand, safeguarding consumer trust, personal data, and digital security must remain a shared responsibility among regulators, fintech companies, technology platforms, and the public.”

The company also emphasized that several complaints involving suspicious transactions, collection-related concerns, and alleged harassment were internally verified and found to be unrelated to Copperstone’s official systems and authorized channels.

Copperstone likewise issued a strong public warning against unauthorized individuals and companies falsely claiming affiliation with the company.

In particular, Copperstone clarified that it has NO affiliation, connection, or relationship of any kind with HPR Lending Services, Inc. The company stressed that HPR Lending Services, Inc. is NOT authorized to use Copperstone’s name, address, branding, or any company-related information.

“Their actions are being carried out entirely without our knowledge or consent,” the company stated.

Copperstone also reminded the public that it does NOT and will NEVER solicit money from the public in the form of:

• Investment capital
• Placement fees
• Processing fees
• Upfront payments of any kind

“If anyone approaches you claiming to represent Copperstone Lending Inc. and asks for money, that is a scam,” the company warned.

Copperstone further clarified that:

• All legitimate MocaMoca transactions are conducted only through official authorized platforms
• The official MocaMoca mobile application is available only on Google Play Store
• Consumers are strongly advised to avoid dealing with unverified applications, websites, social media pages, or individuals claiming to represent the company outside official channels

The company encouraged consumers to remain vigilant and verify all communications directly through its official customer support channels.

Copperstone Lending Inc. also reaffirmed its commitment to:

• Strengthening digital security measures
• Enhancing consumer awareness campaigns
• Supporting responsible lending and fintech innovation
• Cooperating with regulators and law enforcement agencies in combating cyber-enabled financial fraud

The SEC likewise reminded financing and lending companies to continuously monitor and protect their digital platforms and immediately report unauthorized use of their identities, trademarks, applications, websites, and social media accounts.

Industry observers note that the rise of fake lending applications, phishing schemes, fraudulent digital financial platforms, and unauthorized entities highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity, consumer education, and stronger collaboration between regulators and responsible fintech companies.

Copperstone Lending Inc. remains committed to working closely with regulators and relevant authorities to help ensure a safer, more transparent, and more secure digital financial ecosystem for Filipinos.

Official Verification Channels

Website: https://www.copperstoneph.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/copperstoneph
Email: help@mocamocatech.com

Copperstone Lending Inc. SEC Registration No. 2021050012959-04

via The Philippines Herald

The post Copperstone Lending Supports SEC Campaign Against Fake MocaMoca Platforms, Warns Public vs Unauthorized Entities and Investment Scams appeared first on CEBU CHRONICLE.

On February 27, 2026, the High School Class of 1977 (HS-77), in preparation for their Golden Jubilee in 2027, successfully organized the CHS Golden Golf Cup at South Forbes in Silang, Cavite.

The golf tournament was chaired by Dada Miranda-Cua and co-chaired by Viqui Torres-del Rosario.  Other members of the golf committee were Susie Achacoso-Cruz, Connie Santos-Toledo, Chinggay Cabrera, Issay dela Rosa-Padilla, Brigitte Ignacio, Mace Mendoza, Belle Tiongco and Jingay Guevara-Facuri.

Classmates turned up in full force early that morning—some even staying overnight—to ensure everything was in place before the players arrived. Their dedication set the tone for a smooth, well-run event.

Months of preparation ensured the tournament’s success. These included securing sponsorships in cash and in kind, inviting friends to participate, selling raffle tickets, organizing prizes, planning the food, coordinating sponsor booths, and managing registration.

Close to 100 players joined the CHS Golden Golf Cup, including notable personalities such as Michael V and his wife Carol, Vince Hizon and his wife Patricia Bermudez, and Ronnie Henares. The program was hosted by Kat Abano, with Vince and Patricia Hizon adding warmth and ease as emcees during the awards ceremony.

The turnout was strong, the games proceeded smoothly, and the competition showcased the players’ skill and sportsmanship. Trophies were awarded, and raffle prizes were distributed, marking a successful fundraising event for HS-77.

The success of the CHS Golden Golf Cup was made possible by the collective effort and commitment of the HS-77 classmates.

PLATINUM SPONSORS of the event were METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS, SOUTH FORBES GOLF CLUB, MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, HONORABLE SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR., STELLA TANSENGCO-SCHAPERO & PARIKIT MANILA.  GOLD SPONSORS were MIKE & CONNIE TOLEDO, SPES CONSTRUCTION INC, ASIA LINK FINANCE CORPORATION, SNAP FITNESS, HOME BEAUTIES & GALLERIE GENESIS.

SILVER SPONSORS were Belmont Agricorp, Skin Station, Bueno Group of Companies, Fundador, Over Doughs, Magsalin Law, CEL Logistics, PAL Mabuhay Miles, Dr. Gil Soap & Julie Santos-Gil. BRONZE SPONSORS were 3 Strokes, Timberpro, DBP, BDO Capital, Gourds & Lentils, Minoxiplus, Viqui & Noli del Rosario, Dada & Jimmy Cua, MCC Space, StratEdge.Ph, Sta. Lucia Land, Inc, Mileage Asia, Rhic Rhic Clinic & Dental Laboratory, Beyond Dreams, Vital Water, Mike del Carmen, Yebisu Ramen & Purr Delight.

Minor Sponsors were The Chandelier Events Place, Mang Inasal, Lorraine Sylianteng, Smart Communications, Dra. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda, Marivic Panis-Nisce, Relax Reflexology, Carole Mendoza, Yvette Marcaida-Poe, Mercury Drug, Sugi Makati, Casa Prime, Santinos Pizza, and ENI Lubricants.

On February 27, 2026, the High School Class of 1977 (HS-77), in preparation for their Golden Jubilee in 2027, successfully organized the CHS Golden Golf Cup at South Forbes in Silang, Cavite.

The golf tournament was chaired by Dada Miranda-Cua and co-chaired by Viqui Torres-del Rosario.  Other members of the golf committee were Susie Achacoso-Cruz, Connie Santos-Toledo, Chinggay Cabrera, Issay dela Rosa-Padilla, Brigitte Ignacio, Mace Mendoza, Belle Tiongco and Jingay Guevara-Facuri.

Classmates turned up in full force early that morning—some even staying overnight—to ensure everything was in place before the players arrived. Their dedication set the tone for a smooth, well-run event.

Months of preparation ensured the tournament’s success. These included securing sponsorships in cash and in kind, inviting friends to participate, selling raffle tickets, organizing prizes, planning the food, coordinating sponsor booths, and managing registration.

Close to 100 players joined the CHS Golden Golf Cup, including notable personalities such as Michael V and his wife Carol, Vince Hizon and his wife Patricia Bermudez, and Ronnie Henares. The program was hosted by Kat Abano, with Vince and Patricia Hizon adding warmth and ease as emcees during the awards ceremony.

The turnout was strong, the games proceeded smoothly, and the competition showcased the players’ skill and sportsmanship. Trophies were awarded, raffle prizes distributed, marking a successful fundraising event for HS-77.

The success of the CHS Golden Golf Cup was made possible by the collective effort and commitment of the HS-77 classmates.

PLATINUM SPONSORS of the event were METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS, SOUTH FORBES GOLF CLUB, MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, HONORABLE SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR, STELLA TANSENGCO-SCHAPERO & PARIKIT MANILA.  GOLD SPONSORS were MIKE&CONNIE TOLEDO, SPES CONSTRUCTION INC, ASIA LINK FINANCE CORPORATION, SNAP FITNESS, HOME BEAUTIES & GALLERIE GENESIS.

SILVER SPONSORS were Belmont Agricorp, Skin Station, Bueno Group of Companies, Fundador, Over Doughs, Magsalin Law, CEL Logistics, PAL Mabuhay Miles, Dr. Gil Soap&Julie Santos-Gil. BRONZE SPONSORS were 3 Strokes, Timberpro, DBP, BDO Capital, Gourds&Lentils, Minoxiplus, Viqui & Noli del Rosario, Dada & Jimmy Cua, MCC Space, StratEdge.Ph, Sta. Lucia Land, Inc, Mileage Asia, Rhic Rhic Clinic & Dental Laboratory, Beyond Dreams, Vital Water, Mike del Carmen, Yebisu Ramen & Purr Delight.

Minor Sponsors were The Chandelier Events Place, Mang Inasal, Lorraine Sylianteng, Smart Communications, Dra. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda, Marivic Panis-Nisce, Relax Reflexology, Carole Mendoza, Yvette Marcaida-Poe, Mercury Drug, Sugi Makati, Casa Prime, Santinos Pizza, and ENI Lubricants

The post HS-77 Stages CHS Golden Golf Cup Fundraiser appeared first on CEBU CHRONICLE.

The company said the recent advisory issued by the SEC highlights a growing problem involving fraudulent online entities that misuse established lending brand names to deceive borrowers and collect sensitive personal information.

Among those identified in the advisory were several fake Facebook pages and unauthorized websites using variations of its “MocaMoca” brand name, including pages labeled “Moca Moca – fast peso loan app,” “Moca Moca – Online Loan App,” “MocaMoca – Quick Cash Loan App,” and “MocaMoca – Loan app philippines.”

Copperstone Lending clarified that these pages and websites are not connected to the legitimate MocaMoca mobile application available on the Google Play Store and warned that impersonation schemes can damage both consumers and duly registered lending companies.

“The proliferation of fake pages and copycat online lending entities creates confusion among borrowers and unfairly affects legitimate operators that comply with Philippine regulations,” said Copperstone Lending Inc. CEO, David Balamon.

“We support the SEC’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and crack down on unauthorized operators abusing legitimate brand names,” he added.

“Responsible and compliant lending platforms should not be associated with fraudulent actors seeking to exploit borrowers online,” Balamon stressed.

Copperstone Lending urged the public to verify whether an online lending platform is authorized before submitting personal information or downloading applications. Borrowers were also advised to transact only through official websites, verified social media pages, and legitimate app marketplace listings.

Consumers may verify and follow the official Copperstone Lending and MocaMoca channels through the company’s verified @CopperstonePH Facebook page and official customer support channels. The public is likewise encouraged to confirm whether an online lending platform appears in the SEC’s official list of recorded Online Lending Platforms (OLPs).

The company emphasized that stronger industry cooperation between regulators, technology platforms, and legitimate lending firms is necessary to combat online impersonation, fake advertisements, and financial scams proliferating on social media.

The SEC has repeatedly warned the public against dealing with unauthorized online lending platforms and encouraged consumers to report suspicious pages, applications, and websites involved in illegal lending activities through the SEC iMessage Portal, the SEC official website, or hotline 14732.

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Three students from the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Astronomy Camp (AAC) 2026 held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from March 9 to 13. The delegates — Jacob Miguel Flor, K. Leon, and Venice Maye Castañaga — joined fellow youth participants from across Southeast Asia in an intensive program focused on astronomy, scientific learning, and cultural exchange.

Organized annually by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, the ASEAN Astronomy Camp gathers students aged 15 to 19 to encourage deeper interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while fostering regional cooperation among ASEAN youth.

Beyond classroom sessions and astronomy workshops, the camp exposed participants to how scientific collaboration among ASEAN nations can support innovation, education, and long-term regional development.

“For me, the most meaningful lesson was the collaboration among different countries,” Castañaga shared.

“Through collaboration, we learn new ideas and solutions that we can also apply in the Philippines. The experience inspired us to become future leaders, innovators, and scientists who can contribute to the country’s development.”

She added that greater access to international STEM initiatives could help improve scientific literacy and expand opportunities for Filipino youth interested in research and innovation.

During the program, the Filipino delegates also toured some of Thailand’s leading scientific facilities, including the Thai National Observatory, radio telescope stations, and advanced engineering and astronomy laboratories.

For Flor, who has long pursued astronomy and astrophotography, joining the ASEAN Astronomy Camp marked the fulfillment of a personal goal after previously attempting to qualify for the program.

“Seeing how Thailand invests in science and research inspired me even more to pursue a STEM-related career,” he said.

“It motivated me to continue learning how science and technology can help improve our country.”

The students said the international experience also strengthened their communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration skills — capabilities increasingly important in a more interconnected ASEAN region.

Special Science Teacher V Sharon Palomares, who accompanied the students during the camp, said the experience has already contributed to improving STEM education initiatives at PSHS-IRC. After participating in AAC 2025, Palomares developed a new elective course titled Selected Topics in Physics and Earth Science (STEEP), incorporating lessons and activities inspired by the program.

“I wanted students to experience the activities and applications we learned from the camp, even if they were unable to attend,” she said.

Palomares also emphasized the school’s efforts to make astronomy education more accessible to local communities through public science engagement activities. This year, the school organized astronomy-related programs such as public stargazing activities during the March blood moon and regular moon-viewing sessions for students.

The campus also plans to expand community outreach initiatives through livestreamed astronomy sessions and the use of its planetarium and mobile planetarium facilities.

“We want to bring astronomy closer to more communities and inspire more students to become interested in science,” Palomares said.

The school is also exploring the acquisition of additional telescopes and the expansion of hands-on science learning programs to further improve STEM accessibility for students.

The participation of Filipino students in international STEM initiatives such as the ASEAN Astronomy Camp reflects the country’s continuing commitment to developing globally competitive scientists, innovators, and researchers capable of contributing to both national progress and regional advancement across Southeast Asia.

via PIA | The Philippines Herald

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Speaking at the post-summit briefing, President Marcos highlighted the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, a key document reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to deeper collaboration on maritime concerns across Southeast Asia.

According to the President, the declaration underscores the “multi-dimensional nature of maritime issues” and includes a Philippine proposal to establish an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the country.

“The Declaration also includes the proposal for the establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines,” said the President.

ASEAN leaders also adopted the ASEAN Declaration on the Empowerment of Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience, recognizing the growing role of young people in climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction initiatives throughout the region.

Another major development during the summit was the approval of the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the ASEAN Convergence on Disaster Response: the ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework. The framework is expected to strengthen coordination among member states during emergencies and large-scale disasters.

The summit also emphasized the importance of innovation and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital tools, in improving regional development strategies. ASEAN leaders acknowledged the role of AI in enhancing energy forecasting, food system monitoring, and social protection delivery, while stressing that these technologies must remain guided by human accountability and international standards.

President Marcos also cited the continued support of the Asian Development Bank for ASEAN programs involving regional connectivity, capital markets, AI readiness, energy and food security, social protection, healthcare, and the blue economy.

“We look forward to enhancing our cooperation with ADB through its planned support for major ASEAN initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, ASEAN Capital Markets Initiative, AI readiness, blue economy, and resilient rivers,” said the President.

One of the summit’s most significant outcomes was the adoption of the Cebu Protocol to Amend the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It marks the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since it was signed in 2007.

President Marcos described the amendment as an important milestone that supports Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN while reinforcing the organization’s broader goal of becoming a stronger and more inclusive regional community.

Leaders also acknowledged ongoing progress across ASEAN’s Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural pillars as the regional bloc entered the first year of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the long-term roadmap that will guide Southeast Asia’s development over the next two decades.

via PIA | The Philippines Herald

#oona #darama

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For many Filipinos, mobile phones are lifelines for work, school, family communication, and emergencies. But running out of load during critical moments, especially today’s global energy crisis, remains a crippling challenge.

Through its Promo and Load Loan for Globe Prepaid and Utang Load/Promo for TM, Globe enables customers to borrow load or promos instantly and pay later, helping them stay connected when it matters most.

These services provide immediate access to call, text, and data offers, even with zero balance, removing barriers to communication during urgent or everyday situations. From urgent needs to everyday connectivity, Globe’s loan services are designed to support customers across different moments of need.

At its core are bite-sized emergency offers, which are available to all subscribers and provide instant access to small amounts of data, calls, or texts, ideal for urgent situations such as reaching loved ones, sending a message, or quickly going online when balance runs out.

At the same time, eligible customers can also access higher-value loan offers, including load loans and popular promos such as Go59 and EZ50. These provide more data, calls, and longer validity, helping customers stay connected not just in emergencies, but for their everyday digital needs.

Simple, Seamless and Flexible Repayment

Repayment is designed to be simple and seamless, with loan amounts automatically deducted upon the user’s next reload. To better match how customers use mobile today, Globe has enhanced repayment by enabling collections through promo purchases. A portion of the open-access data from a customer’s promo top-up is automatically allocated toward settling their existing loan, helping them repay gradually and regain access to the service faster.

Globe collects up to 50% of the open-access data from a purchased promo, ensuring customers still retain at least half of their data for their own use. If the allocated data is not enough to fully cover the loan, a partial payment is applied based on a data-to-peso conversion, with any remaining balance collected in the next transaction. This enhancement makes repayment more flexible and aligned with evolving customer behavior, especially as more users purchase promos directly instead of regular load.

“This is about understanding the real, everyday moments our customers go through,” said Eric Tanbauco, Vice President and Head of Globe Consumer Mobile Business. “Whether it’s an emergency, work, or staying connected to family, we want our customers to have the confidence that they can keep going. By making access to load and promos more flexible, we’re helping remove the friction that can interrupt those important moments.”

With loan offers accessible via the GlobeOne app, Facebook, *143#, and SMS, Globe Prepaid and TM users can conveniently get the connectivity they need anytime, anywhere, without the immediate need to top up.

This initiative reinforces Globe’s broader commitment to deliver reliable, always-available connectivity, aligned with its brand promise of helping Filipinos move forward in a fast-changing world.

Globe continues to support customers not just with products, but with solutions designed around real-life behavior, ensuring that even in small but critical moments, no one gets left behind.

For more information, visithttps://www.globe.com.ph/go-forward-together. 

Via: Thephilippinesherald

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Cruz took part in the Digital Nations Summit, where global telecom and technology leaders discussed the evolution of 5G-Advanced and the path toward 6G. He also joined industry discussions on combating digital fraud, including efforts under the United Against Scams initiative, reinforcing the need to embed trust and security at the core of the digital ecosystem. Cruz is also among global telecom leaders who signed the Tokyo Accord alongside representatives from NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile, LG Uplus, the XG Mobile Promotion Forum, the 6G Forum, the Bharat 6G Alliance, and the GSMA, committing to the development of secure, inclusive, and resilient digital ecosystems.

“Connectivity today carries far more than data. It carries trust, livelihoods, and the ability of people to stay connected in moments that matter most,” said Cruz. “As we look toward 6G, the priority is clear. We have to build networks that are resilient, secure, and dependable in everyday life, especially when conditions are most challenging.”

From speed to stability

At the Digital Nations Summit, Globe emphasized that the future of connectivity must move beyond peak performance metrics and focus on consistency. While 6G is expected to unlock new capabilities through AI-native infrastructure, Cruz underscored that what matters most to customers is a connection that works when they need it.

For the Philippines, where geography and natural disasters continue to challenge infrastructure, this approach is critical. Globe highlighted the importance of hybrid connectivity models that combine terrestrial networks with satellite technologies to ensure continuous service across more than 7,000 islands.

“Resilience is no longer optional. It is the standard people expect,” Cruz said. “A stable connection that holds under pressure is far more valuable than speed that cannot be sustained.”

Strengthening trust in a high-risk digital environment

In a separate engagement focused on online security, Globe underscored the urgency of strengthening digital trust as scams and cyber threats escalate globally. The company noted that in the Philippines, suspected fraud rates have reached 13 percent, more than double the global average of 5 percent, while 34 percent of users have experienced scams.

These risks are rising alongside the rapid expansion of the digital economy, which is projected to reach $36 billion. Globally, scams have already resulted in an estimated $1 trillion in losses, reinforcing the need for stronger safeguards across networks and platforms.

“Trust is the backbone of the digital economy,” Cruz said. “If people do not feel safe, they disengage. That is why security, privacy, and accountability must be built into the network from the start.”

Globe shared that it has taken an active role in strengthening protection at scale, blocking 967 million scam and spam messages and more than 17,000 malicious domains in 2025 alone, alongside programs that engaged nearly 17,000 users to build digital safety awareness.

A disciplined path to 6G

Across both engagements, Globe maintained that innovation must translate into real-world value. As the industry begins shaping the 6G roadmap, the company is advocating for early engagement while remaining grounded in practical use cases and sustainable investments.

Cruz highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, noting that Asia-Pacific’s diversity offers a unique opportunity to develop and scale solutions across different environments, from dense urban centers to remote communities.

“We are not chasing technology for its own sake,” he said. “We are focused on what it enables. Better services, stronger economies, and a more secure digital environment for everyone.”

As the telecommunications industry moves toward the next phase of innovation, Globe emphasized that progress must be guided by responsibility, ensuring reliable connectivity across both urban centers and hard-to-reach communities as digital transformation accelerates.

Via: Bravofilipino.com/

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