NEWS
Advocacy group: Filipinos must be responsible digital citizens to protect themselves from cybercrime
March 18, 2022 7:51 p.m.
FILIPINO consumers must become responsible digital citizens to protect themselves from internet-based crimes, and while there are existing laws against cybercrimes, the government and the private sector must work together to educate and empower the people against falling prey to cybercriminals, an advocacy group said.
“The pandemic has pushed most of us to shift our activities online,” said lawyer Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines. “We now do our banking, shopping, schooling, over the internet. We order food online and do our work from home. These have their benefits, of course, but they also carry great risk.”
Abejo said that while these internet transactions result in convenience and efficiency, they also bring the danger of abuse and exploitation in many forms. “There are many who are out to take advantage of unsuspecting internet users. We have to make sure that our people arm themselves against these online predators.”
During the pandemic period, the number of cyber tips received by the Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime tripled to 1.2 million in 2020 from just 400,000 the previous year. Most common among internet crimes are fraud, sexual abuse and exploitation, bullying, and identity theft.
Targeting the vulnerable
Abejo cited the UNICEF finding that prolonged lockdowns have made children and young people more vulnerable because these resulted in extended hours online.
“For two years now, they cannot go out to play or go to school or to meet their friends,” said Abejo.
“Instead, they are constantly online to study, play or socialize. This provides predators the opportunity to manipulate them for their own gains.”
Meanwhile, the public has also seen a rise in incidents of hacking of online bank accounts.
“Sure, there have been arrests. But these people are always one step ahead and they are bound to come up with newer, more sophisticated ways to launch cyber-attacks,” Abejo said.
The Bankers Association of the Philippines said more than P1 billion was lost last year due to cyber fraud.
“These criminals are so ingenious,” Abejo said. “They dupe people into disclosing sensitive information through innocent- or legitimate-looking emails, text messages, or even social media posts.”
He said that ransomware is becoming more prevalent in the Philippines, where malicious software – malware – gains access to a computer system, which would become inaccessible unless the user pays ransom.
Laws and public private partnerships
“To be sure, there is no dearth of laws protecting the public from cybercrimes,” Abejo said.
“The laws range from the broader Cybercrime Prevention Act to data privacy, to preventing online sexual abuse and exploitation, to those protecting the integrity of electronic transactions or strengthening financial literacy for consumers in the digital economy,” he said, citing that the real challenge is making the people aware that these laws do exist and enforcing them in this context.
Abejo proposed that, “Government should incentivize private initiatives to engage the education sector such as the Digital Thumbprint Program of digital solutions company Globe in partnership with the Department of Education that has integrated into the curriculum the training of young students to be knowledgeable in cybersecurity and responsible digital citizenship.”
“More public private engagements in digitally powered interventions can give free online access to workshop modules to arm people with the knowledge and attitude to responsibly and safely navigate the internet,” Abejo added.
A common concern
According to Abejo, empowering Filipinos to be aware of and fight online risks is a collective effort that must be undertaken by the government, the private sector, civil society, and the education sector.
“Specifically, telcos and ISPs should partner with the government to engage in an aggressive and sustained education program to raise awareness of online dangers,” Abejo said.
“Technology is good because it allows societies to be productive and innovative, and reach their potential,” he said. “We must manage the inherent risks and learn how to protect ourselves against those who think they can use the internet to advance their criminal interests.”
“As we are now in a highly digital world, we must choose leaders who can be digital transformation champions to address digital readiness gaps that can delay our recovery from the pandemic crisis,” Abejo said.
NEWS
BFAR cites success of annual fishing ban in increasing galunggong stocks
1:11 a.m. March 8, 2026
The annual closed fishing season for roundscad (galunggong) has been instrumental in ensuring sustainable yield and enhanced volume production, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said, citing the success of the science-based approach in Palawan.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said this fishing cycle, which has been enforced for over 10 years, allows the galunggong to thrive in Palawan waters, ensuring ecological balance and economic success for the local fishing industry.
Galunggong is a dining staple among Filipino families, known to be relatively more affordable than other options. In Palawan, it sells for between P150 and P200 per kilo.
“The success of the annual roundscad fishing cycle in Palawan shows what we can do together through science and discipline. It proves that science-based conservation is not a hindrance to the fishing industry, but its greatest ally,” said Salilig.
The National Stock Assessment Program has confirmed the positive impact of the annual fishing hiatus, said Salilig.
The annual fishing ban contributed to improved volume of roundscad production at 3,363.75 MT in the third quarter of 2024, a sequential increase of 55.1 percent. It was the top contributor to the total commercial fisheries production in MIMAROPA, accounting for 27.1% of the total fish catch.
Enforcement of the fishing cycle has also led to a decrease in fishing mortality and the amount of immature galunggong in the catch. The roundscad also showed an increase in average length from 16.8 cm in 2015 to 17.6 cm in 2024, suggesting “improved growth and a healthier, more mature population.”
The closed season for commercial fishing of roundscad in Northern Palawan takes effect every November 1 to January 31 and is lifted between February 1 and October 31. This fishing cycle, implemented via a 2015 administrative order, covers the West Philippine Sea and the Northern Sulu Sea.
This policy leaves the galunggong breeding ground largely undisturbed during the closed season, protecting the species during its peak spawning period.
Salilig thanked the Palawan fishing community for continuing to comply with the annual fishing cycle.
“By respecting the natural spawning cycles of the galunggong, we are not just protecting an ecosystem; we are securing the food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino fishers for years to come,” he said. #
NEWS
Converge hosts Project PIGLET in Baclayan, donates learning tablets for Mangyan children
8:26 p.m. March 7, 2026
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has come back to Brgy. Baclayan in Oriental Mindoro in celebration of Safer Internet Month, bringing its online safety campaign at the Baclayan Mangyan School, while strengthening the digital capabilities of its students.
Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge engaged pupils in Grades 5 and 6 in its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), a program that aims to enhance digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children.
Converge AVP and Head of Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Team Eumir Paolo Espiritu highlighted that kids nowadays are more susceptible to cyber threats such as deception, fraud, identity theft, malware and computer viruses.
He noted that as early as possible, children should be educated on ways to protect themselves against these, which was why they launched Project PIGLET in 2024.
“Converge intends to visit different regions across the country to reach the unserved and underserved and increase the awareness of kids when it comes to data privacy and information security. At Converge, we leave no one behind, so this Safer Internet Month, we visited the indigenous children here in Mindoro to also promote the more responsible and positive use of digital technology,” he said.
Converge hosted a story telling session, and distributed school supplies and snacks to the kids.
The company also strengthened the school’s digital capabilities as it donated learning tablets and a smart TV at the Stairway Foundation ICT Learning Center, which has been supporting the students’ learning activities, through the help of Mindoro-based child-care organization Stairway Foundation.
“Dahil nga Mangyan school ang aming paaralan, kaunti ang access namin sa equipment kaya malaking tulong ang mga dagdag na kagamitan para sa pag-aaral ng mga bata. Mahalaga rin ang ganitong mga initiative para maging aware ang mga estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran at hindi lang sila gumagamit ng gadgets basta-basta,” said Baclayan Mangyan School Head Teacher III Noemi Bonquin.
The Baclayan Mangyan School provides education to nearly 250 pupils from the different Mangyan tribes in Puerto Galera.
Converge first engaged with the Mangyan community in Brgy. Baclayan in 2023, in collaboration with Stairway Foundation. The team up paved the way for the powering of free fiber internet by Converge at the said ICT learning center and its donation of learning tablets to support the students in honing their digital skills.
Moreover, the company has also worked with the nonprofit in its online safety advocacy in an effort to combat cyber threats, particularly online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
NEWS
Maxim launches motorcycle taxi services in Iligan
7:11 p.m. March 6, 2026
Iligan City — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery is now authorized to operate motorcycle taxi services in Iligan, offering residents a convenient new way to get around the city.
With fares starting at Php 20, the service provides an affordable commuting option for daily travelers. The launch also creates new income opportunities for local driver-partners, enabling more residents to earn through a flexible platform.
Driver-partners operate from a commission scheme designed to be more favorable than many platforms in the market–helping them keep more of what they earn. Whether performing full-time or part-time, driver-partners can earn based on their availability and goals. All motorcycle taxi driver-partners undergo proper onboarding and an orientation on motorcycle taxi guidelines to ensure safety and service quality for every ride.
“Our goal in Iligan is to make daily travel easier for everyone while helping local residents earn extra income through flexible timetables,” said Myrrh Ornopia, Head of Maxim Iligan. “We want our service to benefit both riders and the community.”
Maxim continues to strengthen its motorcycle taxi operations in key cities, including Metro Manila, Batangas, and Cagayan de Oro. Through close coordination with local government units and transport authorities, the company remains committed to developing safe, reliable, and well-regulated motorcycle transportation services nationwide.
BFAR cites success of annual fishing ban in increasing galunggong stocks
Converge hosts Project PIGLET in Baclayan, donates learning tablets for Mangyan children
Maxim launches motorcycle taxi services in Iligan
