NEWS
Globe intensifies drive against piracy
April 1, 2022 9:21 p.m.
GLOBE has further intensified its drive against illegal streaming and downloading of content as the Philippines, together with Vietnam and Malaysia, again topped the list of Asian countries with the highest piracy rates.
Piracy has been a lingering problem around the world, posing a danger to the viability of businesses and the livelihood of content creators, and also exposing users to malware and other online threats.
“The ill-effects of online piracy cannot be underestimated. Globe continues to ramp up initiatives to mitigate, if not fully stop piracy, and make a positive societal impact. We also work with coalitions and partners like the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) and the IPOPHL to help address these challenges,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer.
The recent YouGov 2022 Piracy Landscape Survey commissioned by AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) revealed that 61% of local respondents have consumed pirated content. Their primary sources are social media and messaging platforms at 44 percent.
Movie snippets are usually shown on Facebook and TikTok, while pirated content is sold in the Facebook marketplace. People also share illegally downloaded materials via messaging apps such as Telegram.
Other sources of pirated content include streaming and torrent sites at 20% and illicit streaming devices and apps, also at 20%.While piracy continues to be a major concern in the country, there remains a high consumption of legal content. The survey showed that 81% of respondents said they consume content through legitimate platforms, although the figure is still the lowest in the region.
AVIA is now looking at commissioning YouGov to conduct the survey at the end of every year to help identify where, how, and why consumers are accessing illegal content and the impact of enforcement actions. It is also talking with social media platforms to discuss the possibility of taking down pirated content.
“The Philippines not only has one of the highest piracy consumption rates in the Asia Pacific region, but the lowest consumption rate of legitimate content from those countries surveyed.
However, there is hope. The Philippines also has the highest percentage of consumers who would use legitimate content if their access to pirate services was blocked, and the highest percentage of consumers in the region in countries that do not currently block pirate sites who believe that blocking pirate sites is the best measure to reduce piracy,” said CAP General Manager Matthew Cheetham.
“With these factors in mind, we encourage the Philippine government to urgently amend the current copyright legislation to allow for an efficient and effective regulatory site blocking regime,” he said.
On the other hand, Globe educates its customers on how to become responsible and intelligent custodians of content since the launch of the #PlayItRight campaign in 2017. The initiative cuts across several industries such as film, music, gaming, digital literacy, and education.
Aside from blocking confirmed illegal piracy sites, the campaign makes consumers aware that piracy websites can be hotbeds for illegal online activities, malware, and other cybersecurity threats.
Through its Digital Thumbprint Program, Globe has maximized its influence within the education and entertainment sectors. The advocacy has been integrated into the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education in 2019.
Globe supports efforts to modernize the country’s intellectual property law, with several bills pending in Congress that aim to boost protection of intellectual property rights. Among the amendments sought is granting greater power to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to take down or block online sites violating copyright laws and penalize violators with steeper fines.
In line with its campaign for a safer Internet, Globe also hopes to see the enactment of the bill amending the law which penalizes online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, which Congress is expected to ratify within the year. The measure aims to expand child protection against cyber threats and address gaps in existing laws such as the Anti-Child Pornography Act, the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discriminaton Act, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. It is committed to upholding the UN Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.
To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.
NEWS
SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability
9:31 p.m. September 5, 2024
SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023.
In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.
This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.
“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.”
The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.
“This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.”
The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.
SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.
SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.
NEWS
SCG reports P5.856B H1 net profit
11:14 a.m. September 4, 2024
SCG recently announced its operating results for Q2/2024, reporting a surge in its second-quarter profit, buoyed by economic upturns in Vietnam and Indonesia.
The company is implementing strategies to counter domestic economic headwinds and global uncertainties, including cost-cutting measures, AI integration, and a push into low-carbon cement.
Thammasak Sethaudom, SCG President and CEO, revealed that total revenue for Q2 reached P202.456 billion (US$ 3.542 billion), a three percent quarter-on-quarter increase.
Net profit surged by 53 percent to P5.856 billion (US$ 102 million) during the same period.
For the first half of the year, SCG generated a total revenue of P398.707 billion (US$ 6.976 billion), nearly matching the previous year’s figures.
The company’s revenue streams were diversified across its business units, with SCG Chemicals contributing the most significant portion at 39 percent.
Despite facing headwinds such as the petrochemical downturn, intense competition, and a sluggish domestic economy, SCG has managed to sustain its growth trajectory through a series of strategic initiatives.
To mitigate rising energy costs, the company has boosted alternative fuel use in its cement operations, achieving a 47% utilization rate in Thailand. SCG also focuses on high-growth segments like solar energy solutions and has invested in technology to optimize its supply chain and distribution network.
Furthermore, the company has leveraged artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency by tailoring its product offerings to meet customer needs, such as CPAC’s compact concrete mixer trucks designed for urban construction.
SCG had robust sales in the first half of 2024, with new products and green initiatives contributing significantly to its overall performance. High-value-added products and services accounted for 39 percent of total sales, while environmentally friendly products under the SCG Green Choice brand made up 54 percent. The company also saw strong growth in its overseas operations, with 44 percent of total revenue generated outside Thailand.
By the second quarter, SCG had a strong financial performance, driven by robust economic recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia. However, the company cautioned that the overall economic landscape remains challenging, particularly in Thailand, where recovery has been slower.
To navigate these conditions, SCG has built up a substantial cash reserve of 124,616 Million PHP (US$ 2,180 million) and focuses on innovative solutions to meet customer needs. The company is also capitalizing on infrastructure development in Indonesia and Vietnam, where government spending is on the rise.
SCG is ramping up its global presence and product offerings. The company is aggressively promoting its Low Carbon Cement, with exports to the US surpassing 1 million tons. Expansion into Vietnam and Australia is underway. In addition to cement, SCG is diversifying its portfolio. Its distribution arm, SCG Distribution and Retail, is expanding its retail footprint in ASEAN, with Mitra10 leading the charge. SCG Smart Living is introducing new landscape materials and HVAC systems.
The company is also making significant strides in the construction materials sector, with a focus on high-value products and expanding into new markets like India. SCG Chemicals is recovering from plant disruptions but faces industry challenges. To mitigate risks, the company is investing in green innovations and plastic recycling. The upcoming Long Son Petrochemicals project is a key growth driver.
SCG Packaging is expanding its capacity to meet rising demand, especially in tourism and services. The company is also venturing into medical supplies and labware. SCG Cleanergy is focusing on solar energy solutions and energy storage.
Despite economic challenges, SCG’s ASEAN operations have shown strong growth, driven by the recovery in Vietnam. The company continues to invest in research and development, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
SCG’s commitment to the local market is evident through initiatives like the NATCON-CONEX 2024 exhibition and dealer appreciation programs. The company is poised to capitalize on growth opportunities in the ASEAN region and beyond.
NEWS
PH boxing prospect Martin takes on Mexican in overseas debut
9:35 p.m. September 3, 2024
BIGTIME Filipino boxing prospect Carl Jammes Martin will be debuting in the American continent on Friday against Mexican battle-tested Anthony Jimenez Salas in a non-title super bantamweight bout at Culican, Sinoloa, Mexico.
The 25-year-old Lagawe, Ifugao warrior will be bringing his unbeaten win-loss record of 23-0 with 18 knockouts to Mexican country to start his journey of becoming a world champion next year after moving to the United States six months ago.
“I feel this is the right time to fight and prove myself here abroad. This is the time to show that I am ready after being trained in the Knuckleheads Boxing Ranch training compound in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Martin said. “This is what I needed to take me to the world title in 2025.”
“I would like to thank Manny Pacquiao, Sean Gibbons, and then my team for all the help in my move to Las Vegas, the high rugged training and conditioning that I have been throughout my stay in the US to intensify myself,” Martin added.
Martin has been honing his skills in Las Vegas since a few months ago, taking on world class fighters Bruce “Shushu” Carrington and another Filipino-American prospect DJ Zamora, among others, in sparring sessions.
“He has been sensational training and working with the best boxers coming in the Knuckleheads gym everyday. They are seeing his diet and training workouts. By coming to the US, he’s there to improve more his craft and be a global boxing star, a world champion,” Sean Gibbons said.
Gibbons, the Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions president and international matchmaker, said that Martin is the last of the best prospects that were left from the Philippines and helped to train in the United States.
“Martin is a diamond in the rough or has a great potential to be a world champion. Just like the other Filipino boxers, he is a promising individual, has the talent, the attitude, and the skills to follow the footsteps of former world Filipino champions,” Gibbons added.
Martin is presently ranked No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
Salas, 28, is a very tough brawler from Mazatlan, Mexico. He is sporting an 18-9-1 win-loss-draw record with five knockouts.
“Carl Martin will be carrying the tradition of a great rivalry between Philippines versus Mexico. He looks forward to carrying on that tradition,” Gibbons said.
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SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability
SCG reports P5.856B H1 net profit
