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| (Image Source: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.) |
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. recently announced that Samsung Knox, the trusted security solution integrated into its 2024 TVs, has achieved Common Criteria (CC) certification ahead of product launch. The CC certification stands as a global benchmark, acknowledged by 31 countries worldwide, for assessing the security integrity of IT products. Samsung has now achieved 10 consecutive years of CC certification for Samsung Knox, a top-tier security solution for its TVs that has continued to improve year over year. This year, Samsung Knox demonstrates its global security excellence with validation before the 2024 TVs are available to consumers on the market.
“As our daily lives become even more connected, Samsung understands the fundamental need that customers have for the privacy and security of their personal information. With this in mind, we’re proud to have achieved 10 consecutive years of CC certification for Samsung Knox on our TVs, based on the continual strengthening of our security measures and standards," said Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President for Visual Displays Yongjae Kim. The CC exists to ensure consistent and rigorous integrity evaluation standards for IT products and continues to improve the efficiency of evaluation and certification. With improved evaluation and consistent standards, the CC aims to bolster confidence in the security of certified IT products. The CC certification comprises a Protection Profile (PP) and a Security Target (ST). Samsung Knox has successfully met the Security Target and achieved the standards for the CC. The CC certification underscores three core security features of Samsung Knox:
• Tizen OS Monitoring: Samsung Knox actively detects potential hacking threats in real-time, flagging any unauthorized changes in critical sectors of Tizen OS, the core of Samsung TVs.
• Phishing Website Blocking: Samsung Knox verifies web pages accessed by users, preemptively blocking any phishing sites to safeguard user data and privacy.
• Enhanced Personal Information Protection: Samsung Knox ensures seamless protection of users’ sensitive personal data through a secure connection with Samsung Knox Vault, a dedicated processor for security functions.
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PLDT, Smart Level Up Mindanaoan Livelihood Through Partnerships With Cooperatives
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) recently turned over hydroponic PlantSmart kits to its long-time partner Sta. Ana Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMULCO) in Davao City and Makilala Multipurpose Cooperative in Cotabato City to help small-space owners grow their gardens in a limited area. “We are thankful for the continued support of PLDT Group to our cooperative. These will be used for the small garden in our eco-park and will benefit our members, too,” said SAMULCO Marketing Head Anabelle Buntog. Since 2021, PLDT and Smart, under their Livelihood advocacy and PlantSmart initiative, have been partnering with various cooperatives, local government units (LGUs) and schools to boost livelihood, promote sustainable gardening and empower communities with knowledge and skills to grow their food.
PLDT Group aims to boost livelihood and promote proper nutrition among communities through the hydroponic PlantSmart kits that contain rock wool, easy-to-grow vegetable seeds, clay pebbles, nutrient solutions, and Kratky containers. Complemented by the Kalye Mabunga online learning series, these kits enable small-scale, community-based vegetable farming among communities. Supported by the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), Kalye Mabunga is a ten-episode show featuring the fundamentals of urban gardening and growing food at home. The series can be accessed on the Smart Communities official Facebook page and iADPAT, the online learning platform of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDAF).
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Makilala Multipurpose Cooperative Director Evelyn Mandolado extended her heartfelt gratitude to the telcos, stating, “With these PlantSmart kits, we can help members in far-flung areas grow their own small gardens in their homes, which will help improve their nutrition and diet.” This year, Lamitan and Isabela LGUs also received their own PlantSmart kits which were distributed to several schools in both cities. These initiatives highlight the PLDT group’s commitment to help achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG No. 2: Zero Hunger and SDG No.3: Good Health and Well-Being.
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Lenovo, PHINMA Collaborate To Implement EdVision, Aim To Enhance Learning Experience Nationwide
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| Shown in photo, signing the partnership agreement between Lenovo Philippines and PHINMA Education for the enhancement of learning experiences nationwide (L-R): Lenovo Philippines Chief Technology Officer Alex Ustaris, PHINMA Education NCR Network Chief Operating Officer Ana Chua, Lenovo Philippines Enterprise Segment Lead Raymond Remoquillo (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Lenovo Philippines) |
Lenovo, a pioneer in innovative technology solutions, advances its commitment to ‘Smarter Technology for All’ through the extension of its EdVision program. This initiative now includes the PHINMA Education Network in its network of partner institutions, signaling a significant stride in leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences across the country. A signing ceremony to mark this effort to broaden the EdVision program took place at St. Jude College Manila.
“The future of our learners remains at the top of our priorities at Lenovo. It has always been our aim to not only make learning smarter but also more accessible, which is why we are honored to have our first partnership with PHINMA. This signifies our shared vision of empowering educators and students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital age. Together, we are shaping the future of education in the Philippines,” said Lenovo Philippines Enterprise Segment Lead Raymond Remoquillo. Through the EdVision program, Lenovo will provide technical training, Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification, and other essential resources to support educators and students in leveraging technology for enhanced learning experiences. Notably, PHINMA has purchased close to 1,000 units from Lenovo, further demonstrating its commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology solutions.
“As educators, it is our job to continue to offer our students the education they deserve, at prices they can afford. Providing a way, not just to reach them, but to incorporate these technological advancements into our systems. We believe that by providing good education and technology, we are future-proofing our students, giving them more opportunities to grow in a more technologically reliant tomorrow,” says PHINMA Education NCR Network Chief Operating Officer Ana S. Chua. Educators are constantly challenged to evolve alongside technology, ensuring they can meet the ever-changing demands of the educational landscape. Rooted in its commitment to making technology smarter and more accessible for all, Lenovo stands as a force of innovation in education, empowering universities like PHINMA to thrive in this digital age.
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PLDT, Smart Reinforce Mental Health Well-Being Of Passerelles Numériques PH Scholars And Faculty
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) organized psychological first aid (PFA) training for over 50 scholars and faculty of Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh). The training session was facilitated by millennial psychologist Riyan Portuguez in-person at Smart’s Regional Office in Cebu. “At PLDT and Smart, we are committed to using our resources and reach to drive meaningful change. By equipping the youth and educators with crucial PFA skills, we hope to de-stigmatize conversations around mental health while building more empathetic and resilient digital communities in the Philippines,” said PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head Marylou Gocotano.
PNPh is a Cebu-based non-profit organization that provides scholarships in IT-related fields to select youth who come from underprivileged backgrounds. “On behalf of PNPh and our country representative Luchi Flores, we thank PLDT and Smart for this meaningful partnership that focuses on promoting mental health awareness among our scholars. Through this Psychological First Aid training, our scholars gained a deeper understanding of how they can extend help to their friends, family members, or fellow scholars who are dealing with mental health-related concerns, making our community a safe space for all,” said PNPh Partnerships and External Relations Officer Alreen Omang. A fundamental part of the PLDT Group’s advocacy to promote and encourage digital wellness, the PFA training equipped the student-scholars and faculty members with skills to provide initial support to peers experiencing emotional distress. It upskilled participants with practical stress management, referral techniques, and various techniques to provide initial psychological support.
Mark Kevin Chavez, a first-year college scholar taking up Associate in Computer Technology in Software Development at the University of San Jose Recoletos said he is grateful for the chance to participate in the PFA training. “This motivated me to continue taking care of myself and my mental well-being, as well as provide proper support to others with mental health needs, so that we can all be better every day,” he added. This mental health training for PNPH scholars and faculty is part of PLDT and Smart’s sustained digital wellness campaign, focused on responsible online behavior and emotional resilience. These initiatives help underscore PLDT and Smart’s contribution to the Philippines’ attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3: Good Health and Well-Being.
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Bayad, Pay&Go Seal Partnership With Carmona City LGU, Bringing Accessible Bills Payment Services
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| Seated, from left: Pay&Go Senior Alliance Manager Kenneth de Guzman, LGU Carmona City Administrator Melanie C. Altarez, LGU Carmona City Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola, Bayad Business Development Manager Ms. Kathlyn R. Alarcon; standing: LGU Carmona City Councilors (Image Source: Manila Standard/Carmona, Cavite LGU) |
In celebration of the first cityhood anniversary of Carmona, Cavite held last February 19, 2024, City Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola led a week-long program celebration that champions its different programs including its advocacy on financial inclusion. In line with this, a joint partnership between the Local Government (LGU) of Carmona, Bayad and Pay&Go was officially sealed last February 20, 2024. Bayad is a subsidiary of Meralco and the pioneer and leader in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines while Pay&Go is a leading 24-hour self-service payment kiosk provider in the country.
Under the partnership, Bayad will continue to power the bills payment services of Pay&Go payment machines which are now made accessible at the Carmona City Hall. “Imagine the ease of being able to pay your electric, water, and internet bills, while being able to settle your government contributions, load your prepaid, RFID, and e-wallet accounts all at the same time. This is the kind of one-stop-shop convenience that Bayad stands for," shares Bayad Business Development Manager Kathlyn Alarcon as she also provided a picture of onboarding more local billers in the future to cater to the various needs of Carmona residents. Pay & Go Senior Alliance Manager Kenneth de Guzman also shared, “We are happy that we share the same values with Bayad in providing convenient and accessible payment experience. We hope that in deploying our Pay&Go automated payment terminals, we enable thriving communities like Carmona City to strengthen financial inclusion.”
Mayor Loyola added, “The local government of Carmona is proactively supporting the country’s adoption of fast and secured digital payment touchpoints. By harnessing our collective efforts with Bayad and Pay&Go, we can ensure that financial services reach more of our kababayans and empower them to make informed financial decisions.” For banks, financial, and government institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.
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Globe Gamer Grounds Elevates Gaming Experience With Expanded Offers, Discounts
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Gamer Grounds, the Philippines' leading community games platform, is proud to announce its updated store and rewards portal. Gamers can now top-up using Globe & TM prepaid load and GCash or redeem points for their favorite games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, VALORANT, Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Ragnarok Origin, and more! To celebrate this milestone, Globe Gamer Grounds rolled out a special promotion last February 24-March 10, 2024 where gamers enjoyed discounts for up to 20% off on GCash top-ups through Globe Gamer Grounds.
Through the expansion of its roster of games, Globe Gamer Grounds is now positioned to organize a wider variety of community event types. Aside from standard tournaments, raffles, giveaways, on-ground community gatherings, and other activities may now be expected through the service. “Together with Globe, we are committed to delivering enriching experiences that cater to the diverse interests of gamers. We encourage everyone to stay tuned to Globe Gamer Grounds for upcoming events and promotions — we have plenty in store for you!” said Ted Medalla, Regional Manager at Swarmio Media, operations partner for Globe Gamer Grounds. “With this update, Globe Gamer Grounds is evolving into more than just a platform for competitive gaming; it’s becoming a vibrant hub for all types of gamers. Our aim is to create an inclusive space where gamers can come together, forge connections, and celebrate their shared passion for gaming. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to fostering a diverse and welcoming community," said Globe Telecom's Head of Games, eSports, Innovation and Metaverse Ralph Aligada.
In addition to offering discounts on in-game currency purchases, Globe Gamer Grounds remains dedicated to nurturing the grassroots gaming community. Weekly free tournaments will remain a fixture, providing gamers with thrilling competition and the opportunity to earn Gamer Grounds Points. These points can be redeemed for various game top-ups on the platform. Gamer Grounds Points can also be earned by participating in sign-up campaigns, community events, and giveaway events organized by Globe Gamer Grounds. Globe Gamer Grounds invites gamers to explore its latest update and promises gamers an exciting journey ahead as it continues to partner with publishers, community leaders, content creators, and streamers. For more information and to take advantage of the launch offers, visit globe.gamergrounds.ph. Stay connected, stay gaming, and stay tuned for what’s next at Globe Gamer Grounds!
