Converge nets P8.2B income for Q3, consolidated revenues at P29.9B in 2024

CEBU CITY – Converge ICT Solutions Inc. reported a net income of P8.2B for the 3^rd quarter of the year with consolidated revenues going up to P29.9B for the first nine months of 2024 driven by the consistently strong performance of its residential, enterprise, and wholesale businesses.

“This sustained upward growth trend is reflective of our effort to make internet access more affordable and inclusive for a broader segment of the market. We are encouraged that our initiatives continue to bear fruit, with our partnerships with tech companies empowering us to strengthen our capabilities and our projects with the government contributing to bridge the digital divide,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy said, in a nationwide virtual media briefing on November 13.

Uy said that Company’s net additional residential subscribers hit more than 330,000 in the first nine months of the year, with more than 108,000 from the third quarter.

FiberX gross adds during the third quarter was the highest of the last 10 quarters with churn rate maintained at around 2%. Surf2Sawa recorded its highest quarterly gross and net adds, showing the continuous demand from the broader underserved market.

Converge wrapped up the period with a total of 2.46 million subscribers, logging 13.2% growth in residential revenues to Php 25.4 billion. 

“This is a result of our customer-centric approach, which emphasizes meeting the needs of our subscribers. For the remainder of the year, our focus is to continue exploring innovative ways to enhance satisfaction across our diverse customer base,” Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus Romero said.

For its enterprise business, meanwhile, revenues improved by 19% to P4.5 billion, as all segments registered double-digit growth during the period, including the wholesale segment which remained strong with 16.6% growth year-on-year. 

Converge Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada mentioned that with the Company’s innovative mindset, Converge intends to support growth by fully leveraging its extensive network to roll out cloud-based technologies and value-added services.

“What sets us apart is, we align ourselves with the future requirements of our customers. Looking ahead, part of our strategy is to complement our core products with more seamless integrations and value-added services so we can retain our customers and potentially tap into new market segments,” Azada said.

Recently, Converge unveiled its collaboration with streaming giant Netflix to offer its newest residential subscription plan, Converge Netflix Bundles.  With the entry-level plan starting from P1,798 monthly, the solution extends customers a holistic entertainment experience, featuring a boosted FiberX plan with specific Netflix subscription tiers.

For hotel and lodging firms, the company also introduced Converge Sky+++, an innovative smart TV solution that includes an in-room entertainment and information hub as well as a high-definition internet protocol television (IPTV). 

Converge also made permanent its minimum 100 Mbps speed boost to all its FiberX subscribers, which was initially launched in February this year in celebration of its back-to-back wins at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards. Its basic FiberX 1500 plan now has up to 300 Mbps speeds while FiberX Plan 3500 subscribers now experience speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

“We’re encouraged by the steady rally of the Company. With this, all signs point to us hitting the 12-14% revenue guidance for 2024,” Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Uy noted. (Photos: Converge FB/Google Images)

 

 

Mayor Garcia pledges to ease burdens of some 2,000 delivery riders in Cebu City

CEBU CITY – Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia pledged to ease burdens of some 2,000 motorcycle delivery riders by covering their accident insurance, waive their business permit fee for 2025 and grant an amnesty on unpaid penalties required to obtain a transportation license to operate in the city.

“I’m happy to provide an immediate relief for the delivery riders while their legal victory is on appeal.  These are hardworking individuals trying to make an honest living on their motorcycles, most of whom are the sole breadwinners in their families. These are small tokens of appreciation,” Garcia announced in a dialogue with over 250 motorcycle riders of food delivery app Grab and Food Panda, who had reached out to his office on November 13 to intervene on their working conditions.

The accident insurance and the business permits waiver were among the requests of delivery riders who have recently won a PHP7.4-million suit before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) against the food delivery app Food Panda. The compensation, however, is now on hold after the delivery company filed an appeal with a higher court.

Garcia also let go the payment of any outstanding penalties needed to obtain an ID from Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), which is a requirement for all motorcycle-based business in the city but deemed by riders as an additional financial burden.

Garcia bared that he and Council member Jun Alcover, who was at the dialogue organized by Aksyon Na Ta grassroots organization, have been negotiating with a local insurance underwriter to provide accident insurance for the thousands of habal-habal drivers in the city.

Hearing directly from the delivery riders prompted Garcia to include them in the accident insurance coverage, which he plans to pay with his own personal funds.  “I am not going to ask for the city to pay for this. I will pay for it from my own pocket,” Garcia said.

He confidently told delivery riders that those three things are done and that the request for the city government’s intervention will be officially heard in an executive session of the Sangguniang Panglusod on November 20.

He also pledged to convene as early as next week a council for motorcycle riders, which include habal-habal riders and now also the delivery riders, to look into issues that affect their operations in the city. He appointed delivery riders Abraham Lanurias, president of Food Panda Riders Union, and Grab counterpart Noahde Vayson to represent the delivery riders on the council.

Garcia said the agenda of the first meeting of the motorcycle riders will include requiring delivery platform companies to obtain a business permit and to have a physical office in Cebu City. It will also tackle “shadow banning” or placing restrictions on delivery bookings which negatively impact the income of delivery riders.

“I agree 100 percent on the issues you brought up today. I will also invite and initiate a dialog with delivery platform companies and talk about these other issues and hopefully find a solution that’s beneficial to all of you,” Garcia stated. 

 

Silliman, 1st private institution in NIR to receive Fab Lab grant from DTI

DUMAGUETE CITY – Silliman University (SU) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-NegOr signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the turnover and unveiling of the SINERGY Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab), a shared service facility under the DTI program, on November 6 at the Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao Activity Center.

According to Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel Villordon, SU interim assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and concurrent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences that Silliman University is the first private institution in Negros Island Region (NIR) to receive a Fab Lab grant from DTI.

“Together with DTI, we foster an enabling environment for private sector development, strengthening the institutional capacity of our local government units to support entrepreneurship, and that the partnership between DTI and Silliman University reflects a shared commitment,” Villordon said in her welcome address.

Villordon noted the potential contribution of the facility.  She said that through the SINERGY Lab, she hopes that there are new ideas to emerge, collaborative ventures to take form, and transformative projects that serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development both in the school setting and in the communities.

“By integrating the Fab Lab into the university’s curriculum and community outreach programs, it serves as a hub for creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial growth in the region,” SINERGY TBI and Fab Lab manager, Asst; Prof. Janice Antoniette Forster said at the dedication service and blessing ceremony event.

Foster bared that the SINERGY Fab Lab is equipped with up-to-date equipment including 3D printers, laser printer and engraver, printed circuit board (PCB) maker, vacuum forming machine, 3D desktop scanner, embroidery machine, and print and cut machine.

The new facility is envisioned to be a dynamic innovation hub where creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship unite to transform ideas into impactful realities thereby creating opportunities that uplift lives and drive societal advancement,” she added.

The SINERGY Fab Lab at Silliman University

Nimfa Virtucio, DTI-NegOr Provincial Director
said, the SSF-Fab Lab is designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing prototypes while fostering innovation among students and local entrepreneurs.

“It is a game-changing space for innovation in Dumaguete—the Sinergy FabLab at Silliman University because it is equipped with advanced 3D printing, embroidery, PCB prototyping, vinyl printing, and vacuum forming machines.  This state-of-the-art facility empowers makers, students, MSMEs, and designers to transform ideas into reality, whether it’s creating new product prototypes, experimenting with unique packaging, or honing design skills, the FabLab has it all,” Virtucio bared.

This Php3.2M project supported by the DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program, highlights DTI’s commitment to enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and market access for MSMEs.  

According to Virtucio, among the core values of the SSF-Fab Lab are innovation by supporting cutting-edge research and the development of transformative solutions; creativity by offering space and resources for individuals to explore and realize their creative potential and collaboration by promoting partnerships across disciplines and sectors to enhance learning and accelerate innovation.

She added that it also included entrepreneurship by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic progress and personal growth; empowerment by equipping the community with the foundational skills and tools needed to realize their full potential; and accessibility by making the facilities and programs available to all.

"Through DTI's Shared Service Facility Program, we are not only providing access to advanced tools but also fostering an environment where ideas can be turned into tangible, market-ready products.  We are excited to see how this facility will help our MSMEs thrive and our community continue to push the boundaries of what's possible." Virtucio stated.

Dr. Robert Guino-o II, interim executive director for Research, Innovation, and Publication, cited the transformative potential of Fab Labs to offer access to the environment, skills, materials, and advanced technology needed to create virtually anything.  However, he urged that the new facility must align its goals with the pressing challenges of the 21st century.      

“Our goals should be rooted in addressing the critical environmental threats of the 21st century, including global warming and its related crises, plastic pollution and microplastics, and both surface and groundwater pollution,” Guino-o said in his closing remarks.

This shared commitment should be guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Silliman University’s timeless vision: ‘Via, Veritas, Vita – The Way, The Truth, and The Life,’” Guino-o concluded. (Photos:SU Camera Club & DTI-NegOr)

 

 

SM City Cebu opens Xmas season with Santa’s Enchanted Fables

CEBU CITY – SM City Cebu opened the Christmas Season at the mall with an ensemble of Santa’s Enchanted Fables and lighting the 30 ft. Christmas tree, filling the air with Christmas magic for everyone especially the children as various magical characters out of a fairy tale pranced around the newly renovated North Wing Atrium.

Discover and embrace the Christmas holiday spirit at SM City Cebu beginning November 10 as shoppers step inside into a blue whimsical forest filled with wonder and festive charm that makes one feel like stepping into a magical dream with a larger-than-life Santa, crystal-like animal figures, glowing mystical plants, and dynamic holographic butterflies surrounding the Christmas tree, evoking scenes from Santa's mythical tales.

 

As one immerses in a magical world with enchanting stories and experiences the wonder of Christmas at SM City Cebu starting November 10, the holiday season is further brought to life with weekend activities such as the Santa Squad Spectacle, happening every weekend at 4 PM until December 27.

Don’t also miss out on other exciting festivities, including Postcards to Christmas from December 12-24 from 1 PM to 6 PM; the Grand Christmas Parade around the mall on December 14 at 4 PM; and a Holiday Symphony featuring the USC Choristers on December 15 at 5 PM.

The bear-y much awaited SM Cares Bears of Joy 2024 is here! Say hello to Mikah, Bree, Ash, and Ronnie, SM's adorable new squishy squad!

For just ₱280, Buy One and Donate One with #SMBearsOfJoy2024. Hug a bear, share the joy, and give a child a gift filled with love! Visit the booth located at the Lower Ground Level, Main Mall near Jonie's.

Gather loved ones and celebrate the joy of the season with unforgettable Christmas celebrations at SM City Cebu.  For more updates & inquiries, check out SM City Cebu (Official) on Facebook and on Instagram. (Photos: MBCNewman)

U.S. Peace Corps, USAID launch DRR Toolkit

 MANILA-- The United States Peace Corps, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Toolkit, a comprehensive training guide designed to help Peace Corps Volunteers and their partner communities build resilience by enhancing their disaster preparedness capability.

The Peace Corps gathered 28 of its Volunteers, staff, and work partners from the Philippine government and non-government institutions for an orientation-training based on the DRR Toolkit in San Mateo, Rizal on October 14-18, to deepen collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Peace Corps and its work partners, helping strengthen the disaster preparedness programs of local communities.

“The DRR Toolkit is a vital resource for helping communities build resilience and reduce the impact of disasters and extreme weather events,” Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy said.

Roy bared that the DRR Toolkit contains resources on developing disaster preparedness strategies, conducting risk assessments, managing community resources, and strengthening early warning systems.  As an inclusive training guide, the DRR Toolkit promotes the active participation of all community members in pre-disaster planning.

Engineer Raoul Cam of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)- Ormoc City, Leyte said that the toolkit is very inclusive and can be easily integrated and used as a guide in the participatory planning and mentoring activities in the communities.

“I will be glad to endorse the toolkit to my colleagues in the local government unit and partners in other sectors that are involved in the DRR advocacy,” Roy added.

To help participants observe DRR practices in action, the training participants also visited the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) office and the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO).

Since its establishment in 1961, over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have served alongside host communities across the Philippines to address the country’s most pressing development priorities, including the disaster preparedness of vulnerable communities. (Photos: US Embassy/Google Images)

Geeks on a Beach in Cebu on its 7th year

CEBU CITY— Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), a premier international tech startup conference in the Philippines where innovation and inspiration converge in one event, is back in Cebu on its 7^th year, at the JPark Island Resort & Waterpark in Mactan Island, Cebu on November 13-15, 2024.

“Cebu is known for its economic growth and world-class beaches and is hence the perfect place to hold GOAB, an event that has taken the position as a critical pillar of the tech startup ecosystem in the Philippines and beyond,” Dave Overton, GOAB co-founding organizer, and Symph founder and CEO said.

GOAB is essentially a non-profit organization committed to growing the tech and startup landscape by bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, from founders and government agencies to creatives and venture capitalists, Overton bared.

Since its launch in 2012, GOAB has become a critical pillar in the Philippine startup ecosystem that aims to boost tech startup and investment opportunities in the country and the Southeast Asian region.  The conference’s second installment was held in 2014 after its inaugural launch in Boracay Island, was also held in Cebu.

GeeksPH organizes GOAB in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to highlight the development and potential of the country’s startup ecosystem.

The much-anticipated international conference promises an unparalleled convergence of startup ecosystem stakeholders while offering a unique blend of serious conversation and relaxed networking.  With over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders expected to attend,

“GOAB delivers tangible benefits to attendees in terms of catalyzing inspiration and a venue for networking and collaboration that can lead to success in the long term. We foster a supportive community for startups and entrepreneurs,” Tina Amper, GOAB founding organizer stated.

Amper shared that in GOAB 2023 in Panglao brought new openings to some of the big names of the startup community in the Philippines.  GOAB was also instrumental to the long-term success stories of tech upstarts who found their footing in the startup world by participating in past GOAB conferences.

Amper bared that this year’s GOAB focuses on the latest trends and challenges in the tech industry and the positive impact of the government’s Innovative Startup Act (ISA).  It also highlights DICT’s years-long work in unlocking market potential for local tech startups and positioning the Philippines as the next frontier for innovation in Southeast Asia.

 GOAB 2024 lineup of events

GOAB event starts on November 13 with in-depth masterclasses from international industry experts. These two-hour workshops explore essential topics related to tech, startups, and design.

The main conference on November 14-15, feature a dynamic agenda, including keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering various sectors, such as Fintech, EduTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. 

There will also be investor and founder roundtable discussions, exhibits, business matching, networking opportunities, open-area sessions, and happy hour mixers.

Leading the rich lineup of speakers are some of the most influential voices in the tech and startup space, including Jojo Flores, Co-founder of Plug & Play; Mel Nava, Co-founder & CEO, 1Export; Crystal Lee Gonzalez, CEO & Co-founder, Noneaway; Christina Laskowksi, Strategic Advisor, STAC-Silicon Valley; Mohan Belani, CEO & Co-founder, e27.

“We also have Jen Bilango, Country Manager, Coins.ph; Peter Kovacz, Co-founder, Global Startup Awards; Gui Faria, Co-founder, Penbrothers; Josef Werker, Co-founder, Humble Sustainability and Partner, Buko Ventures; Franco Varona, Founder, Foxmont Capital Partners,” Amper said.

Also included in the list are Ksther Lim, CEO, The People Decoder; Jay Fajardo, Executive Director, Ideaspace Ventures and QBO Innovation; Diane Eustaquio, Director, PINVEST; Mia Bulatao, COO, Great Deals E-Commerce Corp.; Erika Aquino, Global Investor & Strategic Advisor; and Jeremy Au, COO, Lucent & Host, Brave Southeast Asia Tech Podcast.

“We encourage participation from all sectors in GOAB. Let’s support each other in navigating startup entrepreneurship’s challenging yet rewarding journey. By building connections and fostering a community of driven individuals, we help uplift the entire ecosystem and grow the economy collectively,” Amper said.

To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.

You can also connect with GOAB by visiting its social media accounts: Facebook: @GeeksOnABeach X: @GeeksOnABeach; and LinkedIn: Geeks On A Beach. (Photos: GOAB Facebook)

 

 

Pulido’s Off-Season Roadshow kicks off at CHBC with yearend deals, free consultations

CEBU CITY— Cebu’s pioneering architectural radio program, Pulido: Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko!, wrapped up its second season and is now taking the show on the road starting November 9 at the Cebu Home and Builders Center, A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City in anticipation of Season 3. The special off-season roadshow in November aims to empower homeowners with expert architectural advice and practical solutions on repair and maintenance of tiles and bath system. 

Cebu Home and Builders Center (CHBC) is also promoting its Year-End Sale, happening from November 15 to December 15, 2024. As part of the Pulido Roadshow, CHBC will be giving away exclusive prizes that include discount cards, gift certificates, and tote bags. Four lucky winners will be selected from those who participate in the event’s interactive Q&A session by dropping their renovation and construction questions on social media for the chance to win.

Enjoy a morning of meaningful, thought-provoking conversations with the expert Pulido team, including Architects Edmund Samson, Ana Karmela Po, Robert Malayao, and Nheil Crisostomo. With a shared mission to promote accessible, disaster-resilient homes, Pulido has brought critical architectural guidance to the community every Saturday morning on DYLA 909 KHz, helping low-income families create safe, functional, and beautiful living spaces. 

The Pulido Roadshow will continue with another special topic on November 23, 2024, at the Cebu Home and Builders Center Toledo Branch from 9 AM to 12 NN. Ride on this unique opportunity to consult with industry professionals and take home new knowledge and prizes.

Follow Pulido: Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko! on Facebook at @pulidoarkitekto for more event updates and Q&A opportunities. Don’t miss out on the chance to ask, win, and learn. (Photos: MBCNewman)

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