Globe Telecom Inc. has teamed up with Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and the local government unit to digitally transform the Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique.
“Digital inclusion is a huge undertaking because it requires cooperation from a broad set of stakeholders—private enterprises, local residents, and local government,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu.
“We are happy that the stakeholders have given their support so we can bring about change that would eventually result to a more progressive island community,” he added.
To improve voice and video communication, Globe teamed up with SMPC to upgrade all cell towers in the island with LTE technology.
As a result, better network connectivity serves as a bridge between Semirara Island and the outside world. Forecasts about typhoons become readily available for the fisherfolk community.
Mynt, a financial tech startup of Ant Financial, Globe, and Ayala Corp., meanwhile, is providing SMPC with a modern payroll solution that allows the company to easily disburse salaries, loans or allowances. SMPC is the single biggest employer in Semirara island and its nearby areas, providing jobs to over 3,300 individuals with over P1 billion in annual value.
Through GCash, SMPC employees can send money to other GCash users anywhere in the Philippines, or to their relatives in other parts of the country,for free and within seconds. It also allows them to pay bills at the comfort of their homes, and without falling in line at automated teller machines.
Globe is working closely with public and private high schools in the island to promote responsible online citizenship to the youth and teachers of Semirara.
Globe Bridging Communities will roll out the Digital Thumbprint Program to public schools Semirara National High School and Tinogboc National High School, and a private school Divine Word School of Semirara Island Inc. in June 2019.
Developed by Globe, Optus and Singtel, the program offers free workshops that educate students about their online behavior. Since 2016, Digital Thumbprint Program has reached over 1.9 million students across the Philippines.