With more Filipinos falling victim to fraud, Globe has expanded the reach of its Digital Thumbprint Program, bringing lessons on digital citizenship, cybersecurity and ethical use of technology to 6,196 participants this year.

In November alone, Globe brought its award-winning learning program to a total 450 participants in Ilocos Sur, Pampanga, Rizal and Davao del Norte, imparting invaluable lessons on cybersecurity awareness to help students and parents protect themselves against prevalent fraud.

A recent study by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) found that 1 in 3 Filipinos were targeted by fraudsters over the past 12 months, often falling prey to offers that seemed too good to be true. This, even while 73% of respondents said they were confident that they could recognize scams.

Such findings underscore the urgent need to educate Filipinos about the perils that lurk online.  

“With the accelerated digital transformation comes growing online threats, particularly fraud, to which more and more Filipinos fall victim every day.  These threats rob online customers of their hard-earned money, impacting their mental and physical health,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.

“Globe believes the antidote is education, that’s why we are bringing DTP to schools across the country. If our young people are aware of what to look out for and how to protect themselves online, they will get to enjoy the benefits of technology safely, spared from becoming another scam statistic,” she added.

DTP Roadshow

For their first stop, the Globe team brought DTP to Sto. Niño Central Elementary School in Talingod, Davao del Norte, where over 150 parents took part in the cyber security workshop.

“The training is crucial for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving industry. It provides us with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the telecommunications landscape.” said Cornelio Bangoy, School Principal Assistant, Sto. Nino Central Elementary School.

Next, Globe brought DTP to the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, coinciding with the school’s Tech Week. A total of 200 ICT students attended discussions on AI ethics, where Globe emphasized the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.

This initiative was further enriched by the support of Globe brand TM, which included boosting campus connectivity, offering internship opportunities, and hosting interactive booth activities.

“I really appreciate Globe taking the time to reach out to us. It’s refreshing to see companies leading efforts to educate young people about such critical topics. Hopefully, we can continue this partnership to create an even bigger impact for our next generation of students of UNP,” said Maribel Tagla, Assistant Dean at the  UNP College of Communication – Information Technology,

One highlight of the event was when Zhynhel Catandijan, Computer Technology student, won a GFiber Prepaid plan. Globe promptly installed the service at a convent where he lived with his aunt, a nun serving there.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Globe Telecom sa pagbibigay sa akin ng tiyansa maranasan ang mabilis at reliable na Fiber internet. Salamat,” he said.

Meanwhile, at Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) in Pampanga, 70 student leaders attended Globe’s cybersecurity and online safety workshop, inspiring them to share their knowledge with peers.

Janaica Sus of the DHVSU Lubao Campus Student Council (Board Member on Public Information), said: “Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program was an eye-opener on how we can create a safer online environment, which highlighted the main objectives of the DTP. This really reminds us that it should start on us; it’s like a well-oiled machine that’s full of respect and mindfulness— making a kind space for everyone.”

Globe then extended its Digital Thumbprint Program to Rapha’s Ministry in Antipolo, engaging 10 parents and 20 teens in an interactive workshop. The session focused on responsible internet use, spotting fraud, and practicing proper etiquette on social media.

Fiona Maloles, Director at Globe’s customer experience team who volunteered at the Antipolo DTP leg, cited how engaged participants were during the session and how the program could leave a lasting impact on them.

“The engaging presentation sparked active participation and insightful conversations, especially with the first group. Our partners were incredibly impressed and eager to integrate these valuable sessions into their own outreach initiatives. It’s clear that this program empowers individuals with the knowledge and confidence to  navigate the digital world responsibly, and its ripple effects will be felt throughout the community as participants share these crucial lessons with their friends and families,” she said.

The DTP is part of Globe’s broader commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive digital space. In addition to its educational programs, Globe actively combats cyber threats, proactively blocking spam and scam SMS, as well as pirate and gambling sites, and malicious websites that threaten children.

By the end of Q3 2024, Globe blocked a total 162.7 million spam and scam SMS and 20,509 scam-linked SIMs reported via Globe’s StopSpam portal. Globe also blocked 167,408 URLs and 597 domains of child porn and malicious sites, along with 949 gambling sites.

With the Digital Thumbprint Program at the heart of its digital advocacy efforts, Globe remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering communities, protecting individuals from online threats, and creating a sustainable, ethical digital landscape for all.

For more information on Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program and its advocacy for digital safety, visit the DTP page on the Globe website.