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
SCG prioritizes efficiency, sustainable growth in Q3, 9M/2024 report
1:41 p.m. December 11, 2024
SCG (Siam Cement Group) reported a slight revenue increase to 609.9 billion PHP in the first nine months of 2024.
However, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, including dividends received from associates) amounted to 38,768 MB, a 10% decrease from the same period last year.
The company projects a three percent revenue increase for 2024 despite global economic turbulence, petrochemical downturn, geopolitical tensions, heightened domestic competition, and currency fluctuations.
To navigate these challenges, SCG is implementing cost-cutting measures, including a $144 million reduction by 2025 and a $287 million working capital decrease by Q1/2025.
The company is also streamlining operations, discontinuing unprofitable ventures like SCG Express and OITOLABS India, and exploring potential asset divestments.
To enhance efficiency, SCG is increasing alternative fuel usage in Thai cement plants and automating tile production.
While facing headwinds, SCG remains committed to its ASEAN expansion, with Vietnam and Indonesia driving 10% sales growth in the past nine months.
In the long term, green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth approach present business opportunities and advantages.
Therefore, SCG is accelerating its investment in the Long Son Petrochemicals ethane project, allocating $700 million to reduce costs and boost global competitiveness. This move aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth, contributing to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, SCG is driving innovation with its Generation 2 Low Carbon Cement, which has seen an 86% replacement rate, and expanding its SCGC GREEN POLYMER™ brand.
Meanwhile, SCG Chemicals faces ongoing challenges from global economic conditions and industry headwinds.
The company is investing $700 million to upgrade its LSP plant to utilize cost-effective U.S. ethane and mitigate possible challenges. The LSP plant has temporarily halted operations due to market conditions.
“For businesses, adapting to climate-related regulations is essential. Beyond our collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries on the Go Together project to enhance SMEs’ capabilities through eco-friendly innovation and technology, SCG has launched the NET ZERO Accelerator Program (NZAP) for small and medium enterprises, as well as young government executives. This program aims to equip participants with knowledge of public policies, trade mechanisms, and access to low-carbon business financing with the goal of reducing costs, increasing profitability, and fostering a green industry alongside a transition to a low-carbon society,” said Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG.
SCG Green Polymer™ continues to gain traction, with recent partnerships yielding eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The company is also advancing 3D printing technology in construction, collaborating with Samsung E&A to develop innovative solutions for the global market.
SCG’s cement and construction businesses are experiencing mixed results. While government infrastructure projects drive growth, the domestic market remains sluggish. The company focuses on sustainable solutions, such as low-carbon concrete and eco-friendly housing products.
For Distribution and Retail, the company aims to expand its retail footprint in Indonesia, mainly through Mitra10 stores. It also invests in digital platforms like Q-Chang to enhance home services.
SCG Smart Living is innovating in landscape decoration and promoting prefabricated solutions for efficient construction. SCG Decor is reducing costs and expanding its market in Vietnam, while SCG Cleanergy focuses on clean energy solutions and innovative grid technologies.
SCG is actively growing its consumer packaging and medical supplies businesses. The company also prioritizes cost management, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices. SCG’s ASEAN operations, particularly in Vietnam and Indonesia, drive significant growth. The company remains committed to social responsibility, supporting communities through scholarships and disaster relief initiatives.
NEWS
Atayde named Siklab’s Trailblazer of the Year awardee
3:49 p.m. December 4, 2024
FOR putting premium on grassroots sports development, Quezon City first district Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde will be honored with the Trailblazer of the Year award in the Nickel Asia Corporation Siklab Youth Sports Awards 2024 on Thursday at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls BGC in Taguig City.
Atayde’s efforts as a prime mover of the Youth Football League (YFL) will be recognized as well as for establishing the D1 basketball and volleyball leagues for the youth in Quezon City’s first district, where tournaments are shown live on Facebook everyday to inspire more kids to get into sports.
The QC District 1 Warriors, the team formed and supported by Atayde, crowned themselves champions of the 2024 CLS Cup in Indonesia last June after beating ACBA Tigers Sydney in the final.
The actor-lawmaker is also a staunch supporter of the QCSEP fencing team of City Councilor Joseph Juico that produced the likes of Paris Olympian Samantha Catantan, while giving life-changing opportunities through the YFL with his uncle YFL president Mike Atayde in discovering and developing 18-and-under talents through the years.
Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Paralympic Committee-Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, the Siklab Youth Sports Awards’ Trailblazer of the year plum is awarded to outstanding individuals who promote quality grassroots sports development that created massive impact to the sporting community.
Three more special awards will be presented to Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio as this year’s Sports Idol, longtime sports manager Agapito “Terry” Capistrano as Godfather of the Year and noted youth sports supporter Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong’’ Go as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A total of 80 youth and junior athletes from 37 sports will be recognized in the fourth edition of the awards night supported by Nickel Asia Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MVP Sports Foundation, CEL Logistics, Go For Gold, Barley + WHEATGRASS Entrepro, Pacquiao Coffee, Milo, San Miguel Corporation, PLDT and powered by Smart.
World junior champions Tachiana Mangin of taekwondo, weightlifters Angeline Colonia and Lovely Inan headline the Young Heroes Awards together with 2024 US Junior Girls champion Rianne Mikhaela Malixi of golf and wushu’s Alexander Gabriel Delos Reyes.
Joining them are Asian junior gymnastics gold medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo, world youth champion Isabella Butler of ju-jitsu, Asian age-group swimming gold medalist Jamesray Mishael Ajido and table tennis youth champion Kheith Rhynne Cruz.
Muay thai world champions Janbrix Ramiscal and Lyre Anie Ngina, chess Olympiad gold medalist Ruelle Canino will likewise be honored in the Super Kids Award category.
Three-time jiu-jitsu world champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar, Palarong Pambansa multiple gold medalists Albert Jose Amaro II (seven golds) of swimming, Mitchloni Dinauanao and Francis Dave Sombal (five golds each) of dancesports will banner the Rising Stars Award category.
Also leading the list are world youth muay champion Royeth Rosa, fencers Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez, Hagia Del Castillo and Nicol Amethyst Canlas along with golfers Francesca Nicole Gaisano Gan, Geoffrey Drew Ong Tan, swimmer Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh and figure skater Dawn Jasmine Gothong.
Thirty awardees have been lined up in the Youth Heroes Award including Ana Bhianca Espenilla (athletics), John Andre Aguja (cycling), JR Pandi (badminton), Brandon Sanchez (baseball), Kieffer Alas (basketball), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Nick Anjelo Payla (boxing) and Naina Dominique Tagle (archery), Gavin Moses Bangayan Ti (obstacle course racing), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (swimming), Jonathan Reyes (squash), Jeniva Consigna (sambo) and Joseph Godbout (modern pentathlon).
Meanwhile, Ella Olaso (wrestling), Danielle Escolano (bowling), Xian Baguhin (boxing) Elaiza Yulo (gymnastics), Sebastien Mañalac (karate), Julia Claret Bintulan (karate), Zyche Mae Cruz Jizmundo (pencak silat), Shai Nitura (volleyball), Mariam Grace Balisme (wrestling), Paul Sondrei Capinig (wrestling), Andreas Lucho Aguilar (wrestling), Johanna Jeiel Barbero (wushu), Mark John Lazo (wushu), Carlstein Jade Dulay (sailing), Josa Gonzales (sailing), Marvin Mandac (cycling) and Thirdy Mana-ay (cycling) complete the roster for the Super Kids accolade.
NEWS
Shop local at DTI’s Christmas Village Fair in SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall
3:36 p.m. December 4, 2024
Celebrate the holidays at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 2 and 3, happening from November 30 to December 4.
Discover unique gifts, festive treats, and handcrafted treasures created by talented local entrepreneurs. Shop local and make this Christmas truly special!
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