Globe beefs up presence in Semirara

Globe Telecom rolled out high-speed mobile internet and digital payment solutions in Semirara Island, the site of the country’s largest coal mine.

Globe said in a statement that it teamed up with the Consunji family’s Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and the local government unit to “digitally transform” the Western Visayan island, which has 19,000 residents.

Globe said it upgraded all cell towers in Semirara with LTE while unit Mynt, its financial tech venture with Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s Ant Financial, launched a payroll system for Semirara Power.

“Digital inclusion is a huge undertaking because it requires cooperation from a broad set of stakeholders—private enterprises, local residents and local government. We are happy that the stakeholders have given their support so we can bring about change that would eventually result in a more progressive island community,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said in the statement.

Globe is also working closely with public and private high schools in the island to promote responsible online citizenship to the youth and teachers of Semirara.

These initiatives are in line with the commitment of Globe to UN Sustainable Development Goals No. 9 (build a resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation), as well as No. 4 (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all). —MIGUEL R. CAMUS