Globe, in partnership with the Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc. (CPN) and UNICEF, took another step towards the advancement of child protection as it provided vital internet connectivity with its WiFi modem and mobile devices to 55 hotspot barangays across Metro Manila and Cavite as a significant cornerstone of the TeleCPU Center sa Barangay project.
Left to Right: Dr. Marianne Naria-Maritana (CPN Telemedicine Project Officer), Marie Grace Bayona Glori (VAWC Officer, Brgy. San Jose, GMA, Cavite), Marilyn Dureza (Barangay Staff, Brgy. 649, Baseco, Tondo, Manila), Marlene Tumbokon (Kagawad, Brgy. 105, Happy Land, Tondo, Manila), Soledad Sala Tidalgo and colleague (VAWC Officer, Brgy. Santiago, General Trias, Cavite), Jim Akut II (Lead Expert, Stakeholder Community Governance, Globe Group), Dr. Bernadette Madrid (CPN Executive Director), Georgina Belardo (UNICEF Corporate Alliances Officer)
TeleCPU Center sa Barangay is revolutionizing the way support services are delivered to victims of child abuse in the country by bringing together technology, healthcare, and community engagement. It offers free teleconsultation follow-up services to patients from the Philippine General Hospital’s Child Protection Unit (PGH-CPU) through barangay telemedicine hubs, addressing geographical and logistical barriers.
UNICEF equipped each hub with a computer with the necessary software, webcam, headset, earphones and speakers, while Globe provided a WiFi modem and smartphone. For uninterrupted consultations, Globe will ensure that reliable internet connectivity is provided to partner barangay telemedicine hubs.
“We’re proud to partner with CPN and UNICEF on this important project. Our aim at Globe has always been to leverage technology for positive change, and with this initiative, we are doing exactly that— providing much-needed resources to vulnerable communities, making health and protection services more accessible, and aiding in the reduction of child abuse cases,” said Yoly Crisanto Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.
Dr. Bernadette Madrid of CPN also expressed her gratitude for the partnership, saying, “We’re looking at how to sustain this project. It’s really an effort ng iba’t-ibang sector. Marami naman tayong partners na very supportive sa ating ginagawa like Globe, ang ating bagong partner.”
This sentiment was echoed by Patricia Lim Ah Ken, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF.
“Globe Telecom and CPN are long-time, valuable partners of UNICEF. We are very glad that we have been able to bring them together to help protect women and children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. UNICEF is committed to tirelessly collaborate with business and service providers so no child in need of protection is ever left behind,” she said.
The value of the project was made evident by Marlene Tumbokon, a VAWC Officer from Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila. “Salamat po sa telepono na ibinigay ninyo. Sa aming barangay po kasi, dalawa kaming VAWC Officer. Ako po ang nakaduty kapag gabi. Mas marami po ang humihingi ng tulong kapag gabi. Mabuti po na meron ng isang number lang ang tatawagan ng mga nangangailangan. Ngayon po kasi, personal number namin ang binibigay naming contact number. Na-lessen na rin po ang mga cases dahil marami ng nakukulong,” she shared.
Through the combined efforts of Globe, CPN, UNICEF, and the LGUs, the TeleCPU Center sa Barangay project symbolizes a significant stride towards fostering a safer and more connected community. This initiative facilitates a swift response to the needs of children at risk
For more information on this initiative, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
