Leading digital solutions platform Globe is strategically realigning its capital expenditure (CAPEX) to bolster capital efficiency and optimization across its network infrastructure.
With a total investment of P54 billion in the first nine months of the year, Globe reported a 27% decrease in CAPEX compared to the same period last year. This adjustment aligns with the company’s revised full-year CAPEX guidance of US$1.3 billion or about P71.5 billion.
Over 90% of the expended amount has been directed towards data-related enhancements, ensuring customers have seamless access to digital solutions and robust connectivity.
“With a rapidly evolving market landscape, Globe maximized its spending with an aggressive build-plan in the past 3 years to deliver exceptional service to our customers,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe Chief Finance Officer. “Our current refined CAPEX strategy underscores our dedication to capital efficiency as part of our commitment to return to free cash flow positive territory, and focusing on high-impact investments that cater to our customers’ digital demands.”
The company’s approach has seen a shift in focus from expansive network projects to enhancing capacity and performance of existing infrastructure. This includes easing the spend on 5G given the lack of viable use cases amidst current market conditions.
“Our investments remain robust yet discerning, prioritizing the fortification of our mobile network while pivoting our fiber strategy from capacity expansion to maximization. The optimization of our network is not just about expanding our footprint but about ensuring that every site is primed to deliver the best possible experience for our customers,” she added.
Globe’s capital efficiency effort ensures that investments are not only sustainable but responsive to the actual needs and consumption patterns of consumers.
Its strategic CAPEX deployment aligns with Globe’s long-term vision of creating a more connected world. By optimizing its network and capital expenditures, Globe is poised to strengthen its market position and deliver superior value to its customers and stakeholders. (PR)
Matthew Caharop, an 18-year-old student from Tacloban City, set a record at the 2023 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from December 12-18, 2023. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY– Within the revered walls of gyms across the globe, an unassuming sport firmly commands the spotlight, sculpting physiques of steel and fortifying spirits of unwavering strength. Despite often being overshadowed by its more mainstream counterparts, powerlifting is undergoing a renaissance, attracting enthusiasts from all corners of society with its captivating allure.
Matthew Caharop, an 18-year-old student from Tacloban City, set a record at the 2023 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from December 12-18, 2023. (PHOTO COURTESY)
Powerlifting consists of three primary disciplines: squat, bench press, and deadlift, all of which demand physical and mental fortitude. Unlike other sports, powerlifting does not involve flashy routines or choreographed moves. Instead, it’s all about surmounting seemingly impossible obstacles through sheer strength.
Matthew Caharop, an 18-year-old student from Tacloban City, embarked on his powerlifting journey to the top as a mere leisure activity in the gym. He sought to challenge his endurance and push the boundaries of personal improvement. Little did he know that this pursuit would lead him to become a champion on the international stage.
“I started going to the gym as a leisure activity with my friends. We began weightlifting, gradually increasing the weight plates. As we progressed, my friends and I decided to participate in our first local powerlifting competition in Tacloban. It was a great opportunity for us to test our abilities and decide whether to continue, as we sometimes get injured. I realized my potential in this sport as I invested time and interest, and it eventually became a full-blown sport for me,” Matthew expressed.
Matthew embarked on the global stage at the 2023 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic and Equipped Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, from August 24 to September 3, 2023. He emerged victorious in the deadlift sub-junior category and was crowned the 3rd overall champion.
His victory did not end there. He recently set a record at the 2023 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from December 12-18, 2023. Competing in the men’s 59 kg sub-junior category, he lifted a total of 517 kilograms, winning the gold medal in both the squat and overall lift categories. Additionally, he earned a silver medal in the deadlift and a bronze medal in the bench press.
Powerlifting is a journey that encompasses both physical prowess and mental and emotional fortitude. The athletes who take on the barbell challenge are not only conquering weights but also their fears, doubts, and limitations.
When asked on his thoughts about powerlifting, he shared, “It’s more like a way of expressing myself by transcending my limits on what the human body and mind can do. It is also a way of expressing myself by defying the odds and being dealt a bad hand, but you still prove that whatever unlucky situation you are in, you can still pull through.”
Matthew faced a challenging situation during his powerlifting tournament in Malaysia. He was not feeling his best, as he was panicking, fatigued, and dehydrated. To make matters worse, he had given in to the temptation of eating chocolates the night before the tournament and gained weight. Fortunately, the committee allowed Matthew to postpone his match for less than two hours to recover from his condition.
He reminisced about his tournaments and mentioned Bahrain as his most formidable competitor in powerlifting competitions in both Malaysia and Bahrain.
Matthew meticulously analyzed his opponent’s moves and weightlifting attempts, outsmarting them by exceeding the target weight. “I placed Bahrain on a pedestal in my mind. I thought that Bahrain was stronger than me. I respected him and deemed him a worthy opponent.”
In the end, Matthew shared his insights on the importance of believing in oneself and the ability to achieve one’s desired goals despite all the obstacles that come along the way. Additionally, he provided some valuable tips on powerlifting, such as investing in quality equipment, finding a reliable coach, and following a strict powerlifting regime.
Matthew’s story goes beyond mere medals and records. It embodies the true essence of powerlifting – a constant and unwavering pursuit of personal improvement. His journey is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and the right mindset. Aspiring lifters and fitness enthusiasts can draw inspiration from his transformation – from a novice to a world-class athlete. (MMP/AAC/PIA Leyte)
MAASIN CITY– The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has recognized the efforts of the various uniformed personnel in the government, including the civilian agencies and some private sector, in keeping the province peaceful.
The event, dubbed as the 2nd Provincial Peace and Development Awards and 1st BIDA Awards held last December 11, was held at the Southern Leyte provincial gym in Barangay Asuncion and was attended by the Department of Interior and Local Government(DILG) family that included the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, as well as Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Army.
Heads of national line agencies or representatives who are members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) were also around.
The day-long activity also honored the peace and order and anti-drug abuse councils of all the 19 local government units in the province, as well as the provincial government, for having attained 100% functionality during the 2023 evaluation.
“Keeping the peace and maintaining order in various localities of the province is a no off-duty job so they deserve to be recognized,” said DILG Provincial Director Danilo Laguitan in his welcome message referring to the various uniformed personnel for their no let-up vigilance.
Provincial Board Member Jonathan Maraon, in an inspirational message on behalf of Gov. Damian Mercado, likewise pointed out the significance of the occasion, saying that the dedicated individuals and agency frontliners in the preservation of peace, order, and security for the province are all deserving to be feted in an awarding ceremony.
“We celebrate those who combat crimes, the celebration a testament to their commitment, for they are pillars in upholding Southern Leyte’s progress,” declared Maraon, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on peace and order.
Following the preliminary short talks were the giving of awards on outstanding performances in various individual and office categories among the uniformed personnel, as well as the many national line agencies and the private sector.
Philippine Information Agency – Southern Leyte InfoCen received the Stakeholders Award along with other national line agencies.
The citation was in recognition of PIA’s active involvement in communicating peace and order updates, as well as participation in PTF ELCAC meetings, serbisyo caravans, and other related activities. (LDL/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)
A woman turned emotional after receiving her Christmas gift from soldiers, belonging to the 802nd IB led by B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, who visited on Monday (Dec.18) their village of San Mateo, a once stronghold village of the NPA in Borongan City. (802nd IB)
A woman turned emotional after receiving her Christmas gift from soldiers, belonging to the 802nd IB led by B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, who visited on Monday (Dec.18) their village of San Mateo, a once stronghold village of the NPA in Borongan City. (802nd IB)
BORONGAN CITY– The troops of 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army and 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion conducted Christmas caroling and Santa patrols to serenade the less fortunate families, senior citizens, and children in Barangay San Mateo, this city, on Monday(December 18).
The activity served as a way of sharing some blessings to the indigents in the form of Noche Buena packages that were raised out of soldiers’ contribution of one-day meal allowance each that when collected, was able to raise a considerable amount to procure grocery items that composed the Noche Buena packages.
Some stakeholders and friends of the 802Bde and 78IB have also contributed additional cash for the Noche Buena packages.
The Peerless and Warrior Troopers conducted “Christmas Caroling and Santa Patrol” in the former CPP-NPA-NDF mass base area that was already cleared to secure the people and prevent the recovery efforts of the NPA remnants.
They wear Santa cap, sing Christmas carols to selected beneficiaries, and give Christmas gifts, food packs, and candies to children.
This endeavor is aimed to make the people feel secured and at the same time enjoy the spirit of Christmas despite the hardships they experience in their everyday lives.
BGen Noel A Vestuir (MNSA) PA, 802nd brigade commander, expressed his appreciation on the graciousness of the soldiers of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade for sacrificing one day of their meal allowance that support their subsistence while performing duties to sustain peace in conflict-affected areas in the brigade’s area of responsibility.
“We are grateful for the voluntary donation of our troops as a way of sharing the blessings that they received to our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have less to enjoy the festiveness of the Christmas Season. Through this noble gesture, we can deliver to them the true essence of Christmas that is Happiness in Giving,” he said.
“We are also thankful to those benefactors who have contributed to extend support to this endeavor and benefit more of our impoverished Kababayans and let them feel that – MARAMING NAGMAMAHAL SA KANILA,” Vestuir added.
“It is very heart-warming to see the smiles and the happiness of those who received the simple gifts and since Christmas is the season of love, seeing the light in the Children’s eyes is all what it takes to make Christmas a magical time of the year”, the commanding officer of the 802nd IB further said. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – Fourteen giant Christmas lanterns are now on display at the Can-avid town’s Gpark as part of the municipality’s celebration of the Yuletide season.
The giant Christmas lanterns measuring to about 5 meters are made from recyclable materials in support of the solid waste management program of the local government.
Just like in previous years, the lanterns are made up of empty plastic bottles, plastic cups, and other recyclable materials.
These were painted with vibrant colors and decorated with colorful Christmas lights, Baste Pomarejos, the town cultural affairs coordinator, said.
Pomarejos added that some of the materials used to create the giant lanterns are materials used in last year’s competition.
Local artists and residents of the town were the ones who made the giant lanterns that are now displayed at GPark located along the national road to catch the attention and curiosity not only among residents but also motorists passing along the national highway of the town.
This is the 6th year of the town’s giant lantern festival which was started during the time of the late Mayor Gil Norman Germino.
Winners of the Giant Lantern Festival will receive P200,000 for first place, and P150,000 and P100,000 for second and third place respectively.
Non-winners will receive PhP10, 000.
The official switch-on of the giant Christmas Lantern was led by Mayor Vilma Germino as she was joined by municipal and barangay officials.
“We appreciate the officials from the different barangays in Can-avid for showcasing their talents, abilities, and supporting this annual activity in our beloved town. This event would not have been possible without your collective efforts,” Mayor Germino said during the switch-on ceremony of the giant Christmas Lantern held on Monday evening (Dec.18).
Mayor Germino also expresses her gratitude to 4Ps party-list representative Marcelino Libanan and Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone for sponsoring the cash prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners.
The giant lantern will be judged twice before the announcement of winners this December 30. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY – At least 20 business establishments operating here in the city were awarded as top taxpayers.
The giving of awards to these establishments was among the highlights during the 15th year anniversary of Tacloban as a highly urbanized city on December 18.
Leading the 2023 outstanding real property taxpayers of Tacloban for the commercial land category are Robinsons Land Corporation, Heva Management and Development Corp., Metro Retail Store Group, Inc., and SM Prime Holdings.
For the industrial, hospital, residential, and agricultural categories recognized taxpayers are Coca-Cola Beverages Phils., Inc., Petron Corporation, Allied Care Experts Medical Center, Inno Giolan D. Zilmar, San Juanico Park Golf and Country Club, Inc., and Wayne Builders Unltd.
For the top 10 businesses operating in the city, awarded are Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc., Sanford Marketing Corporation, Toyota Tacloban Leyte, Inc., First Pacific Fortune Commercial Corp., and Citi Hardware Gensan, Inc. for the corporation category.
Meanwhile, the single proprietor category included Caroline Lee Andrade, Albert Cu, Jimmy Chu Mañas, Jaypee Go Pormida, and Peter Paul Dy Dominic.
Acting City Treasurer Jennifer Guy led the recognition ceremony along with Business Permit and Licensing Division officer-in-charge Gemafiel Gaspay, who represented Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
During the awarding, Guy acknowledged the role of the taxpayers and the business sector in the development of the city and in ensuring better services and programs for Taclobanons.
Tacloban elevated its status from a component city of Leyte to HUC after it received an overwhelming “yes” vote during the plebiscite held on Dec 18, 2008 separating its political jurisdiction to the province.
Tacloban, the region’s capital, is the lone city in the region with HUC status.
