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Safer Internet, Safer Futures: Helping Young Users Navigate the Online World this Safer Internet Day

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

While today’s young people are digital natives, their familiarity with technology doesn’t always shield them from online threats. In the Philippines, users are 33 times more likely to encounter risks on unsafe platforms like pirate websites, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards. For children, the dangers are even greater. Their natural curiosity and frequent online activity make them prime targets for malicious content, online predators, and unauthorized data collection.

One alarming trend is the rise of AI-driven attacks, including highly convincing deepfakes enabled by generative AI. Last year, deepfakes impersonating prominent public figures in the Philippines made headlines and impacted reputations. This risk will only continue – in fact, Palo Alto Networks predicts that 2025 is the year deepfakes go mainstream in Asia Pacific. If high-profile individuals can fall victim to identity fraud, children and young people—who are increasingly active on social media and frequently share content—face even greater risks.

These growing concerns have led to efforts in the region to implement stronger digital protections. For example in Singapore, discussions are ongoing about age-based restrictions on social media access, with the country engaging with Australia to understand its approach following Australia’s proposal to ban children under 16 from these platforms..

Recognizing the urgent need to protect young users from online threats, Palo Alto Networks emphasizes the importance of fostering safer digital practices this Safer Internet Day. By promoting good online habits and building awareness, everyone can play a role in protecting young users from digital threats. Here are some practical tips to help families and schools create a secure online experience:

For Parents and Guardians:

Secure devices: Keep all devices updated with the latest software and strong, unique passwords to safeguard against cyber threats.

Teach safe internet habits by example: Demonstrate responsible online behavior to encourage children to adopt similar practices.

Create a safe digital space: Place computers in common areas and set up restricted accounts to ensure children’s online safety.

For Schools and Educators:

Teach cyber hygiene: Educate students, staff, and parents on recognizing phishing links and verifying email senders.

Encourage open discussions: Create safe spaces for students to address cyber mistakes, such as clicking on phishing links, without fear of judgment.

Promote secure communication: Promote the use of “safe words” to verify the authenticity of calls or messages and prevent impersonation scams.

While parents and educators play a crucial role in online safety, young users themselves must practice good online habits to protect themselves from digital threats. Here are some ways for them to stay safe online:

For Young Online Users:

Update devices regularly: Security updates protect devices from hackers.

Use strong passwords or passphrases: Combine four or more random words to create passwords that are hard to guess but easy to remember.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to log in.

Be cautious online: Avoid clicking on links or opening files from unknown sources.

Report suspicious activity: Inform a trusted adult or report to a cyber safety site if something seems unusual.

Nearly 70% of children and adolescents worldwide faced cyber risks, reinforcing the urgent need for stronger safeguards. These dangers take many forms, including exposure to inappropriate content, online exploitation, cyberbullying, and the impact of excessive screen time—growing more complex as young users become more active online.

"Children today face growing cyber risks with bad actors taking advantage of their digital habits, trust in online platforms, and lack of awareness,” said Oscar Visaya, Country Manager of Palo Alto Networks in the Philippines. "Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought in child protection—it must be a fundamental pillar. At Palo Alto Networks, we are committed to equipping parents, educators, and young users with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to these threats, ensuring they can explore, learn, and connect in a safer digital environment.”

Safer Internet Day is a powerful reminder of the growing risks young people face online. Palo Alto Networks supports this mission through its Cyber Safe Kids initiative, which provides families and schools with interactive tools, educational resources, and expert guidance. These resources help create safer digital spaces where young users can explore and learn with confidence.

As the digital world continues to evolve, protecting young users online remains a critical priority. By combining awareness, education, and proactive measures, we can equip young people with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital environment safely and responsibly.

Vista Land Makes Homeownership Easy for Filipinos Nationwide with MOVE

The Philippines’ leading integrated property developer, Vista Land, continues to bring the lifelong dream of homeownership to many Filipinos across the archipelago with its MOVE Program. True to its meaning of Making Ownership at Vista Land Easy, its objectives are to streamline the purchase process of select ready-for-occupancy (RFO) house and lot developments and condominium properties in 47 provinces and 149 cities and municipalities and encourage stronger affinity from prospective homeowners in a competitive market.

Industry experts have observed that favorable macroeconomic conditions create a conducive environment for real estate investments, with key drivers such as interest reductions, a growing pool of skilled workforce, and increasing disposable incomes bolstering growth in the residential sector. The transition toward secondary cities and suburban areas—driven by the surge of hybrid work, a preference to settle in safer environments, and improved infrastructure—has redefined homeownership priorities among young professionals, growing families, and Overseas Filipinos (OFs). The demand for RFO properties has gained traction due to their immediate availability, addressing the needs of these evolving demographics.

Vista Land solidifies its role as a trusted leader in the industry by strategically anticipating and adapting to consumer demands and delivering high-quality, secure, and comfortable living spaces. By building master planned developments, horizontal properties, and vertical residences in prime locations and emerging cities, that seamlessly integrate retail, commercial, educational, and lifestyle components, the company enhances residents’ quality of life while contributing to sustainable national development for future generations.

With a current land bank of more than 3,000 hectares, Vista Land remains dedicated to building thriving communities in growth areas, redefining landscapes and setting new standards for living in the decades to come.

Simplifying the path to homeownership

MOVE demonstrates the dedication of Vista Land to making homeownership more accessible to Filipinos, removing the complexities often associated with purchasing a ready-for-occupancy home. From reservation to turnover, the initiative ensures a straightforward and seamless process, supported by a team of real estate professionals guiding buyers and investors at every stage.

With customized payment plans and promotional packages tailored to various financial objectives, MOVE enables more Filipinos residing locally or abroad to invest in their preferred homes. For an easy move-in at only three (3) percent down payment or up to 40 percent savings for spot cash payments, it empowers buyers and investors to take assured steps—from a young professional seeking independence from pakikipanirahan, a family in need of more space for their extended household, an Overseas Filipino building in a better tomorrow for their loved ones back home, to achievers seeking the solace of refined living in grand enclaves or homes in metropolitan skies. This Vista Land exclusive will run for a limited time only. Terms and conditions apply.

Ready homes when you are ready to make the move

Making Ownership at Vista Land EASY is part of a broader vision to transform thriving communities in the country. Each residence—the integrated master planned communities called Vista Estates, themed upscale residences of Crown Asia, Camella’s premium forever homes for Filipinos and their families, condominium properties of Vista Land, vertical villages of Vista Manors, and value-for-money starter models of Lumina—is carefully planned to offer residents access to essential services and establishments. From recreational areas and educational institutions to healthcare and wellness facilities and commercial hubs in a transit-oriented setting, Vista Land cultivates self-sustaining locations that ensure well-lived lifescapes.

Building a life worth living

As the demand for ready-for-occupancy properties continues to rise, MOVE positions Vista Land at the forefront of innovation in Philippine real estate. By providing efficient housing solutions to meet present-day buyers and investors’ needs and preferences, the company makes it possible for more Filipinos and their families to come home to a place they can call their own. Vista Land simplifies the path to homeownership and lays the foundation for lasting fulfillment, prosperity, and happiness—one home, one community, and one dream at a time.

An investment into a better way of living

Filipinos deserve the best—this driving belief has been integral to Vista Land, its day-to-day operations, and is the secret to its success. Creating better, expansive, and global-oriented offerings and experiences, the company capitalizes into these master planned developments, making good on its promise to homebuyers and investors to create superior offerings, and more importantly, deliver excellent long-term investment growth.

For more information on Vista Land developments nationwide and MOVE ready-for-occupancy (RFO) Program, visit www.vistaland.com.ph. Follow VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.

news

Schneider Electric named World’s Most Sustainable Corporation for a second time in Global 100 rankings

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, was recently recognized as the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation for 2025 by Corporate Knights and is the first-ever company to rank first in the Global 100 twice, having previously earned this distinction in 2021. This global recognition marks Schneider’s long-standing commitment to delivering the best environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts in advancing sustainability and innovation across emerging markets worldwide, including the Philippines.

“For many years now, sustainability has been at the heart of what Schneider Electric does. For an IMPACT company it's more than just a corporate goal, it's the driving force that shapes our business decisions and inspires our employees," said Olivier Blum, Schneider Electric's Chief Executive Officer. "This second title as the World's Most Sustainable Corporation from Corporate Knights, alongside other key ESG recognitions, is testimony to the valuable, long-term positive impact we have.”

Schneider Electric secured the top spot in this year’s Global 100 index due to outstanding sustainability initiatives, including promoting gender diversity in leadership, developing innovative solutions for energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization, and tying executive pay incentives to its sustainability targets. The company also earned strong scores for its success in decoupling energy consumption and carbon emissions from its business growth, alongside significant investments in sustainable research and development.

This global commitment to sustainability is also mirrored in Schneider Electric’s impactful initiatives in the Philippines. In recent years, the company has demonstrated leadership in sustainable development practices across the country, including being named the most Gender-Inclusive Workplace by the 2024 United Nations Regional Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards for its efforts in advancing gender equality and inclusion in the workplace, all while delivering energy-efficient solutions through the expansion of its Smart Distribution Center in Cavite.

With 98% of Philippine firms prioritizing sustainability according to the company’s Green Impact Gap Survey 2024, Schneider Electric continuously supports local companies by advancing energy-efficient technologies, digitalization, and solutions for supply volatility and price fluctuations.

“Digitalization is becoming increasingly crucial for Filipino businesses. While challenges still remain, we are making significant strides,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines. “Now, being recognized as the most sustainable corporation in the world twice in a row, it is high time to further accelerate efforts in transforming emerging markets in the Philippines into sustainable landscapes that drive progress and innovation.”

The Global 100 index by Corporate Knights ranks companies on sustainability using public data. Schneider Electric has made the list for 14 consecutive years, ranking in the top 10 seven times—a record in its category. Its recognitions mark the start and completion of the Schneider Sustainability Impact Program, tracking ESG progress toward 2025 goals.

business

EastWest Ageas’ ‘What’s Your Purple’ campaign bags two trophies at 60th Anvil Awards

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

EastWest Ageas Insurance “What’s Your Purple?” campaign wins double during the 60th Anvil Award.

EastWest Ageas Insurance scored a double win at the 60th Anvil Awards in the Public Relations Tools Special Events and Public Relations Programs Corporate Identity / Corporate Branding categories for its “What’s Your Purple?” campaign and launch party. The Anvil Awards recognize the most innovative, impactful, and inspiring public relations campaigns of the past year with over 500 entries from various organizations and entities across the country.

EastWest Ageas Insurance’s brand campaign “What’s Your Purple?” highlights the lengths people go through to pursue the best life for the ones who matter the most to them. This is summed up by the campaign color, purple, which communicates the philosophy of merging PURpose and peoPLE into one. 

This is the 2nd consecutive year EastWest Ageas Insurance was among the companies recognized for their work. 

“The Philippine insurance industry is a crowded field of players with their own identities. With ‘What’s Your Purple?,’ we at EastWest Ageas Insurance are standing out from the sea of sameness,” explains Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer, “And not just with a strong and unique color, but with our clear mission to help Filipinos secure their financial future that is aligned with their purpose and people. Most of all, this recognition only shows just how much potential EastWest Ageas has to be included among giants in various industries here in the country.”

“We are humbled to receive these awards. We are a growing company and to be recognized among the giants in the industry was made possible because of the hard work, passion, and dedication our people show, day in and out," adds Sjoerd Smeets, President and CEO. 

With this recognition, EastWest Ageas Insurance remains committed to helping its policyholders build a better tomorrow for all. 

For more information about EastWest Ageas, visit their official website and follow their Facebook page and LinkedIn.  Interested clients may also contact them through the official email AskMe@ewageas.com.ph.

digital

UnionBank champions AI-driven future at inaugural SONAI 2025

Monday, February 10, 2025

At the Philippine Global AI Council’s “State of the Nation in AI (SONAI)” congress, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) showcased its leadership in AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and strengthen cybersecurity.

SONAI 2025 gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to shape a national AI strategy for global competitiveness. Global AI Council founder Kate Hancock emphasized the need for AI education and accessibility to prevent disparities in the digital era.

UnionBank’s AI Center of Excellence head, Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, highlighted the Bank’s customer-centric approach and the potential of AI to enhance and augment cybersecurity measures. “Currently, we are using AI to analyze our customers’ transactional behavior so that we can catch early on any suspicious activity. This also helps increase operational efficiency by giving us insights around process optimization. For example, there can be so many false positives in suspicious transaction reporting, but because we have an AI model in place, we’ve brought these findings down significantly. This gives investigators more time to focus on the real critical cases.”

“Choosing not to move forward and adopt AI will not stop bad actors from using that technology for their own means. So for us, we anticipate, adapt, learn about AI and its advancements, and wield it proactively,” concluded Dr. Heinrich as she stressed how AI is transforming, not eliminating, jobs—similar to how ATMs initially and mobile apps eventually reshaped banking roles.

Dr. Donald Lim, President of Global AI Council Philippines, urged the country to lead in AI adoption rather than just be users. Global AI Council Philippines Chairman Brian Poe Llamanzares reinforced the importance of AI in driving economic growth and ensuring the country remains competitive.

UnionBank remains committed to responsible AI adoption, championing ethical and inclusive technological advancements that drive security, innovation, and economic progress.

For more information on UnionBank’s next-generation banking initiatives and its commitment to AI-driven innovation, visit the UnionBank website, or follow for updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube. For any concerns, you can contact us through our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600. Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas .

business

Intergenerational Empowerment for Our Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Stories from Philippines and Indonesia

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are considered to have an important role in driving the economy of countries in Southeast Asia. According to data from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), there are currently more than 70 million MSMEs in Southeast Asia employing more than 140 million people and representing 99 percent of all businesses in the region. However, Southeast Asia continues to face challenges in building a sustainable MSME ecosystem, particularly in helping small businesses navigate an evolving landscape.

In the Philippines, efforts to empower MSMEs that preserve traditional crafts are gaining momentum in Iloilo, a region renowned for its hand-loom weaving. Once a thriving industry in the late 18th century, it struggled due to a decline in skilled artisans. To sustain the craft, the Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office, has initiated programs like the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair. This event has since evolved into a partnership with ISAT-University’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program, offering a platform for emerging designers.

In 2024, six designers—John Patrick Tajo, Jeraldine Nofre, Donato Peniero, Wendy Tanaleon, Kim Ivan Delgra, and Jerico Labata—showcased modern interpretations of Ilonggo craftsmanship. Using locally hand-woven fabrics created by artisan weavers, their work highlights the power of intergenerational collaboration in sustaining traditional industries, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening the local economy.

Intergenerational empowerment to boost local businesses

In Indonesia, intergenerational empowerment also exists to support local entrepreneurs. The Siak Sustainable Creative Center (Skelas) through its incubation program, Siak Sustainable Business Incubation (Kubisa), offers innovative and sustainable solutions in the Siak area, Riau, which is known to have great local economic potential, one of which is by building intergenerational collaboration.

Since its inception in 2023, the Kubisa program has involved young people from Skelas to support the development of MSMEs. The program trains business owners, who are often their seniors, on how to create designs with Canva, implement digital marketing strategies, and create product innovations that meet market needs. Kubisa also ensures that each product is tested in the laboratory to ensure its quality before being marketed.

One of those innovations is the sustainability aspect of the product. Skelas and Kubisa emphasize using locally grown products and working with local farmers to ensure that the products have a low environmental impact and empower the participants and the surrounding communities in Siak.

Enthusiasm for this program continues to increase. In 2024, the number of registrants has almost tripled, from 23 to 62 people. After going through the selection, 20 participants, consisting of 17 culinary entrepreneurs and 3 from the fashion sector, were selected. Six young participants were actively involved in this training, playing a major role in helping other participants understand the material more effectively.

"I feel helped by participating in the Kubisa program, through this program I not only get practical solutions to produce my creations but also assistance in marketing and packaging the products," said Santi Lestari, owner of Dapur Mempura, one of the MSMEs that created the gluten-free Bolu Kemojo pre-mix flour and Kubisa participant of 2023.

Most of the participants have now used digital platforms to market their products, assisted by promotional materials they developed during the training. By combining the expertise of the younger generation in technology and the experience of the senior generation in management and business networks, MSMEs are able to overcome challenges such as digital transformation, market adaptation, and resource management.

Capacity and capital enhancement for business actors

In addition to increasing the capacity of business actors, Skelas also connects them with investors and governments at the local and regional level to support business development. One form of this collaboration is the implementation of Demo Day and business matching for MSME actors, especially in the fashion and culinary sectors.

Skelas also collaborates with the national charity platform, to provide funding of IDR 60 million to 12 selected Kubisa participants. This funding is used for training and developing their businesses, as well as several production tools that have been ordered. The selection process emphasizes participants who have incomes below IDR 5 million. With support from various government institutions and investors, the Kubisa program increasingly provides great opportunities for MSMEs to develop and reach a larger scale.

“We are optimistic that the collaborations that have happened in Siak, either intergeneration or between the public and private sector, can become a catalyst for a broader restorative economy activity in the regions. By growing businesses that are based on local wisdom, we can be assured that we are making an impact not only in the economy but also in the environment sectors,” said Cerli Febri, from Skelas

About SKELAS

The Siak Sustainable Creative Center (Skelas) is a place and a forum for creative young people to pour out ideas to explore the superior potential of Siak Regency while maintaining the sustainability of its nature. Currently, Skelas has mentored 26 businesses from various sectors, such as three from fashion, 22 culinary businesses, and one education service, and continues to support the vision of green Siak in achieving the target of 1000 MSMEs/year and increasing creative economic efforts, which are the Regional Development Performance Indicators plan of the Siak Regency Government.

For more information, please visit https://skelas.org/

news

Schneider Electric has contributed to restoring Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Schneider Electric contributed, by means of donations, to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The donated solutions have made it possible to secure and monitor the site's electrical facilities.

The fire that severely damaged the cathedral on April 15, 2019, sparked an incredible wave of solidarity that Schneider Electric wanted to be a part of. "It's an obvious move for Schneider Electric to support actions of this type for symbolic and prestigious sites, as we have done in the past for the Comédie Française state theater and the Antarctic station," highlights Gilles Vermot Desroches, Director of Citizenship, and Institutional Affairs at Schneider Electric.

Innovations for the Future

Schneider Electric provided expertise, products, and solutions thanks to a donation agreement. As such, the Group supplied all the equipment required to supply power to the site and for its security (20 kV HV cells, a 20 kV/410V 1250 kVA transformer, general and divisional electrical switchboards, inverters, safety lighting, devices etc.), as well as the tools for the technical management of the building, making it possible to monitor the functioning of the network and control its power consumption (automatic control systems, sensors, controllers, communication buses etc.).

In addition to the equipment, Schneider Electric is carrying out some of the maintenance of the electrical distribution equipment, providing some of the engineering, studies, commissioning, and programming of the installed systems, as well as the training of future users.

The old electrical installation was inoperable due to the fire and without electricity, reopening was impossible. The new network ensures the distribution and security of the energy supply, incorporating innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies that optimize the management of its electricity consumption and help ensure the safety of the cathedral.

A Shared Commitment

The project team had to deal with a large number of technical issues demanding ingenuity and preparation.

One such issue was the delivery and installation in early 2024 of the connected TRIHAL transformer, a key element of the cathedral's power supply. Delivered by truck and then raised onto the site above the construction area, this 3.2-ton block was then lowered via a hoist into position in the basement of the presbytery. A specific study had to be carried out for the lifting operation.

Installing the high-voltage substation in an underground vaulted cellar with considerable access and space constraints was also an issue resolved with customized equipment and support.

"This is a project for which the logistics have been quite tricky and required excellent coordination with the other players on site," said Cédric Larcher, Regional Manager of the Electrical Distribution Application Center at Schneider Electric France, responsible for management, performance, and monitoring on site.

In addition to providing infrastructure, around 60 Schneider Electric employees (from factory workers to the site’s network designers) contributed knowledge and expertise as part of a skills transfer program. Schneider Electric’s support also included training partner companies such as the panel builder Ateliers Electriques de France (based in Val-de-Marne) to install the main low-voltage cabinet, FBS Electricité (based in Seine-Maritime) to install the high-voltage substation, ERM (based in Eure) to create specific support structures and Transport Avex (based in Val-de-Marne) to carry out the extremely tricky handling operations in the basement of the presbytery.

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