With the growing urgency to strengthen digital defenses in the face of relentless cyber threats in the Philippines, the country’s leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider, Converge, has stepped up to lead the conversation on resilience and showcased its latest innovation at an event with the theme “Cyber Resilience Check: Are You Ready for the Next Cyberattack?” this past Friday at the Grand Hyatt Manila.

This call to action is especially urgent given that the Philippines remains one of the most vulnerable countries to cyberattacks. A study conducted by the Russian cybersecurity and anti-virus firm Kaspersky revealed that the country is the third most susceptible to internet-borne threats worldwide in 2024. This is backed by the numerous cyberattacks reported by government agencies and other trusted institutions across the Philippines.

Last year, House of Representatives Secretary-General Reginald Velasco revealed that the House’s Information and Communication Technology Service (ICTS) team recorded 53.7 million attacks, described as “distributed denial-of-service” (DDoS) attacks seeking to overwhelm target websites and render them inaccessible in an hour alone.

In the same year, over 10,000 cybercrime cases were reported nationwide, three times more than the year before, leading to nearly ₱200 million in losses. More than 76% of industrial firms have already been targeted, often facing attacks every week.

Converge’s Cyber Resilience event focused on enhancing organizational preparedness against these cyber threats in the age of artificial intelligence. The event highlighted the importance of being ready for the next cyberattack in the current digital landscape while emphasizing the critical intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and the need to build a profound digital resilience. 

The occasion featured a cybersecurity tabletop exercise titled “Cyber Extortion Simulation” led by Steve Ledzian, Chief Technology Officer of Google Cloud Security & Mandiant in APJ, where participating business leaders, C-suite executives, and IT experts simulated responding to a live cyberattack scenario from a chief information security officer’s perspective.

The real-time simulation placed the participants as the decision makers during an active attack on their e-commerce companies. Faced with digital threats like ransomware and cyberextortion, the audience was tasked to navigate through the crisis with limited information, under time pressure, and was made aware of the consequences of their actions once the activity was finished. The exercise served as a wake-up call, showing just how quickly things can spiral during a cyberattack—and why being prepared can make all the difference.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ledzian’s presentation “Boardroom Conversations” addressed a persistent challenge often confronted by cybersecurity experts today: nontechnical boards struggling to understand, address, and govern cyber risk. Framed by the question “Can you correct your board’s misconceptions on cyber risk?”, the talk tackled the most common misunderstandings in cybersecurity, such as compliance and infrastructure issues, and tips on how to fortify digital spaces beginning from the executive board.

Packed with C-suite leaders in an exclusive setting, the event drew attention to the increasingly important role that decision-makers play in their companies’ cybersecurity strategies. Mr. Ledzian’s interactive exercise gave emphasis to both the technical aspects needed to respond to incidents and the significance of executive-level awareness during digital crises.

“Cybersecurity and resilience are essential tools for Philippine organisations in this fast-paced and expanding digital economy, which is increasingly a target for cyber threats. It’s imperative for businesses to move beyond reactive measures and adopt a preemptive, security-first approach. This means not only investing in advanced security technologies but also cultivating a culture of awareness and engagement throughout the organization. Readiness is key—understanding potential threats, having robust incident response plans, and regularly testing systems. Google Cloud Security is committed to supporting this journey with our cutting-edge solutions and expertise,” he explained.

Converge’s Chief Commercial Advisor Sherie Ng continued the program with a keynote speech on “The Age of Intelligence: Why AI Is Everyone’s Business”. She opened her talk by discussing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the accompanying risks and dangers of its even quicker widespread adoption.

Ms. Ng’s keynote addressed how the power of AI, while transformative and efficient, is a double-edged sword that must be wielded responsibly.  She followed with an introduction on cybersecurity, current trends, the growing sophistication of cyberattacks, and challenges faced by both businesses and individuals. Converge’s Chief Commercial Advisor, who also serves as its Managing Director for Converge Singapore, concluded that leaders must ensure that AI literacy and adoption are embedded across all levels to gain a competitive edge through faster insights and quicker adaptation to market demands.

Converge’s cybersecurity solutions

According to Cisco’s 2024 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, only 1% of Philippine companies have a strong enough defense to be considered “Mature” in cybersecurity. The vast majority (99%) remain vulnerable, with most still in the early stages of building digital protection.

Recognizing this alarming gap, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at protecting Philippine institutions, resources, and citizens from the escalating threat of cyberattacks. The plan is an indication that there is a need to strengthen the country’s digital defenses and to cultivate a nationwide culture of cybersecurity awareness and shared responsibility.

As an effort to aid in this advocacy and help protect businesses against cyberattacks, Converge launched several solutions during its Cyber Resilience event, ranging from proactive assessments to rapid incident response tools designed to empower organizations with comprehensive protection and preparedness strategies.

Among the new offerings is the Zero Dollar Security and Vulnerability Retainer, which provides organizations with a biannual pre-attack surface management assessment. The product helps identify security risks and digital vulnerabilities, perfect for companies beginning to map out or looking to bolster their cybersecurity strategies.

Converge also introduced its Ransomware Defense Assessment to help businesses evaluate their ransomware preparedness and receive advice on security gaps. To complement this service, the company also made its Full Tabletop Exercise service available to test organizations and enhance their incident response capabilities in a controlled environment.

Businesses looking to revamp their digital protection can also benefit from Converge’s Mandiant Incident Response Retainer to gain priority access to industry-leading experts and rapid incident response services in the event of a breach. Similarly, Cyber Crisis Communications Service equips executives and communication teams with the proper tools and strategies to manage reputational risks before they escalate.

For a more holistic and scalable solution to cyber threats and risks, the Google Security Operations (SecOps Platform) brings unified threat detection, investigation, and response to a company’s digital space using the power of artificial intelligence.

With these tools in place, Converge is making it easier for businesses to take proactive steps in securing their digital assets and building long-term resilience. For more information about Converge’s latest products, visit www.convergeict.com. To explore tailored connectivity and technology  solutions, reach out to the Converge Global Business Group at globalbusiness@convergeict.com.

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Before assuming the role of National Field President of McDonald’s USA, Myra Doria worked doubly hard to build a career that began in the 80s, with grit, passion, and perseverance.

Doria started her professional career at McDonald’s in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in 1985, or known as “Store 005.” 40 years later, her story is an inspiration — a testament to how a young woman from a small town in the Philippines can earn a seat at the table of one of the world’s biggest and most loved brands in the US.

“Standing up here today reminds me of why I got into this business in the first place, and all the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I’ve always wanted to come back to the place where I started. It also reminds me of how far I’ve come and how grateful I am to those who have made my career possible,” she said during her recent visit to the Philippines to speak at an operations leadership summit organized by McDonald’s Philippines — which was also a homecoming a long time in the making.

Humble Beginnings

“I was born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga. Ako po ang pinaka matanda sa anim na magkakapatid (I was the eldest in a brood of six), and early in life my parents instilled in me the importance of being the role model for my siblings. It is a huge responsibility that I carry with me still today,” Doria shared.

Working in the palengke (public market) not only honed her business acumen; it also developed her passion for shoes.

“I’ve come to see my shoes as a sort of metaphor for how I’ve approached my life and career. When I look at my shoes, I remember my days working at the flea market and my first days at McDonald’s. It may have been 40 years ago, but I remember the day vividly. I had just graduated from college when my mom treated me to a meal at McDonald’s. Without me knowing about it, she asked for a job application and, surprisingly, I was interviewed on the spot that day,” she shared.

Eleven interviews later, she received a start date for her management training.

From PH to US

From management trainee in 1985, Doria worked very hard to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a successful restaurant manager, committed to the growth of her team and her restaurant–an empowered woman who also believed in empowering the people around her.

When she got married, her priorities evolved. Her husband was serving with the United States Navy stationed in Guam, and she was getting ready to embark on a new life. She said: “Moving to an entirely new country like the United States was the greatest change I had ever experienced. The culture was completely new and foreign to me. In the Philippines, I was called ‘Ma’am Myra.’ In the States, it was just ‘Myra — do this… Myra — do that!’ ”

In the US, she started building a career at McDonald’s, and although at first she didn’t see a lot of people who looked or talked like her, she grew as a professional and eventually as a leader. She said: “I learned to have the courage to be assertive and create my own seat at the table and bring my own voice — including my accent.” She steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on increasingly prominent roles. Starting as a business consultant, she progressed to field vice president, then zone president. In 2023, she was appointed National Field President of McDonald’s USA, playing a critical role in overseeing 14,000 restaurants all over the US and over $56 billion in annual sales, and empowering more than 1,800 franchisees and 500 company employees.

A Culture of Empowerment

McDonald’s takes pride in having a culture of empowering its people, particularly women. In the Philippines with a McDonald’s workforce of over 65,000, women comprise over 51% of key segments of the workforce, from crew members (50.6%) to store managers (57%), all the way up to the leadership team (53%). Among McDonald’s Developmental Licensee markets, the Philippines has the highest percentage of female sub-franchisees (53%), followed by Hungary (38%) and China (35%). It reinforces McDonald’s long-standing commitment of focusing on what their employees can do.

In Doria’s experience, while she learned to constantly show what she was capable of doing, she also acknowledged that she couldn’t have done it alone and is grateful for the people who believed and supported her on her journey to becoming US National Field President.

Doria is also grateful for the opportunity that McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang has given her, and how he opened the doors for a life-long career with the Golden Arches.

“George gave me my first opportunity as a manager trainee 40 years ago. If not for him, who knows where I’d be today,” she said.

When asked how he feels about hearing about Myra’s success, Yang simply said, “I am very proud of her.”

The empowering leadership Doria encountered throughout her career has motivated her to empower others as well. In fact, she is known for honing leaders at McDonald’s — people say, “You work for Myra, you will be supported, and you will develop into a better leader.”

Many of the people she trained excelled in their careers — rising through the ranks to become supervisors and even national and international leaders. In fact, Doria mentored talents who ended up becoming the Chief Restaurant Officer (CRO) in McDonald’s Australia and the CRO in the McDonald’s United Kingdom. The UK CRO is a woman — proof that McDonald’s recognizes the great power women hold, and how this power can accelerate action.

A Multifaceted Woman

Doria is a multifaceted woman. Aside from being a successful leader at McDonald’s, she is also committed to her family, the way her family has supported her throughout her career.

“Working at McDonald’s is just one of my jobs. I’m also a wife, a mother, and now a lola for the very first time. Cora (her granddaughter) is a year old and she’s the love of our lives. I can’t thank my family enough for their unconditional love and support. They also do a great job of grounding me,” Doria said.

She emphasized that remembering where you came from and what you value most in life should guide your future decisions, whether personal or at work.

“No matter how your career started, always remember where you came from. As I say, lead with empathy and don’t let your title or responsibilities get in the way,” she said.

“#IMPower”

Asked what other advice she could give to women who also want a seat at the table, Doria underlined the importance of taking risks.

“My advice to everyone is don’t be afraid. Take risks. Actually, the higher the risks, the more is the gain of that risk. Risk is so important in leadership. Progressive companies like McDonald’s always take risks,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of making an impact on people’s lives. In fact, she would like this to be her legacy. “The most fulfilling thing about my career is when I see people achieve their aspirations, [when] they get better and achieve their dreams,” she explained.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, McDonald’s emphasizes that it is an environment where women say “I M Power.” They are empowered to be their best selves, and they are empowered to bring out the best in others. As a woman, Doria was “#MPowered” to succeed as National Field President and a member of the McDonald’s US Senior Leadership Team.

And women have the opportunity to “#MPower,” be “#MPowered,” and be their best selves at McDonald’s, just like Doria. Learn more about the #MPowered women at McDonald’s (McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation): Overview | LinkedIn).

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Cashless payments for groceries and other essentials have never been easier and quicker with the Scan to Pay feature of BDO Pay. It can be linked to your BDO savings account or credit card so there’s no need to load the app or e-wallet, just start shopping!

To use the Scan to Pay feature when making cashless in-store purchases, BDO Pay users just simply need to scan the merchant’s quick response (QR) Code, input the amount, and they’re done.

With Scan to Pay, purchases are completed in seconds, offering convenience to shoppers who may be short on cash, and even offsetting the need to carry it for future in-store purchases.

What’s more, BDO Pay is accepted at numerous merchants nationwide with the adoption of the QR Ph, the standardized QR code system in the Philippines. With purchases now completed a lot faster with the app, shoppers will have more time to bond with their family or friends at SM malls, or wherever they may choose to shop.

For more information on BDO and the BDO Pay app, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/. Download the BDO Pay app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), along with leading Asian banks, has published the Asia Transition Finance Annual Report 2024 to help Asian economies achieve a “just and orderly transition” toward a more sustainable future.

BDO is a member of The Asian Transition Finance (ATF) Study Group, a private-led initiative whose core participants are banks with operations in Asia. The ATF Study Group was set up in recognition of the important role that transition finance (TF) will play in helping Asian economies address challenges as they move toward net-zero emissions. Its goal is to create practical recommendations to supplement existing frameworks, including global standards and taxonomies, when financial institutions (FIs) consider and assess TF cases, as well as to understand challenges and explore potential enablers to transition finance. 

This year, the ATF Annual Report 2024 was created after months of discussion among the core members, composed primarily of commercial banks. Development banks, export credit agencies, public agencies, and finance associations joined as observers and knowledge contributors. Energy and industry players, insurance and guarantee providers, and advisors also participated as guest speakers to share their perspectives.

The ATF Annual Report 2024 describes how transition projects can become feasible and bankable by mitigating and allocating risks through public and private sector collaboration. This fundamental issue, identified during discussions in 2022 and 2023, is crucial for enabling FIs to engage in transition projects. The Study Group considers that understanding the main risks of transition projects and how each risk can be addressed by both public and private sectors would foster coherent collaboration among all stakeholders.

As a founding core member of the ATF Study Group since 2021, BDO, along with other Asian financial institutions, believes that its sustainability journey will be more gradual in pace compared to counterpart banks in Europe and the United States. But in collaborating with others, the Bank welcomes the opportunity to bring everyone towards the same direction and better manage the energy transition for Asian nations.

BDO will continue to expand its Sustainable Finance initiatives, in place since 2010, towards funding new and existing renewable energy projects to increase their capacity, and support the country’s avoidance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Asia Transition Finance Annual Report 2024 is available at https://www.atfsg.org/report/asia-transition-finance-study-group-atf-sg-annual-report-2024

Asia Transition Finance Study Group Website: https://www.atfsg.org/

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McDonald’s Philippines was the big winner at the recent PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024, held at Seda Hotel Bonifacio Global City, securing multiple Gold Awards for its standout campaigns, “Night Classroom” and “Ride the Arches.” 

Presented by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts from the fields of advertising, media, and academia. The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024 was not just a celebration of individual brand achievements but a recognition of the collective progress in the industry. Already on its 15^th year, the award underscored brands’ resilience in a challenging economic climate, as it continued to push boundaries and set new standards for consumer engagement.

First launched in 2023 and sustained this year, “Night Classroom” won four Golds in the Corporate Sustainability and Trust category, Brand Effectiveness through Customer Experience, Disruptive Innovation, and Effective Use of Marketing Communication Channels (Single Medium-BTL). The initiative converted party areas of McDonald’s stores into dedicated spaces for both teachers and students for late-night study sessions, offering safe and convenient space for learning.

On the other hand, the QSR giant also garnered the Grand PANATA Award for “Ride the Arches,” the first campaign of its kind for McDonald’s, which had McDonald’s turn its stores into cyclist-friendly meeting places complete with refueling stations, encouraging cyclists to bike and dine along scenic routes across the country. “Ride the Arches” also likewise won Gold in Marketing Communication Channel — Single Medium BTL, Gold in Customer Experience, Bronze in Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust, and Bronze in Disruptive Innovation.

Also, for “Ride the Arches,” McDonald’s won the Brand Team of the Year with Barrameda bringing home the award for Rookie Brand Builder of the Year.

“We are truly honored by the recognition we received from this year’s PANATA Awards. Beyond the accolades, we are thankful to our customers and community partners for embracing and supporting our initiatives. And as McDonald’s continues to grow in the country, our commitment to making real and meaningful impact will also grow,” said Hernandez.

The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards truly highlighted McDonald’s Philippines’ exceptional marketing prowess, with several other campaigns striking gold.

“Better Chicken McDo” earned Gold for Brand Effectiveness through Business Growth, showcasing its success in driving tangible results. Campaigns such as “Best Me at McDo,” “Our Best Everrrr Burgers,” “Lovin’ All,” and “Kami Naman, Ma” all clinched Gold awards for their effective use of marketing communication channels, highlighting the brand’s ability to connect with its audience through various media. Notably, “Kami Naman, Ma” was specifically recognized for its excellence in the Single Medium-Digital category.

These additional wins underscored McDonald’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating meaningful connections with its customers through a diverse range of impactful campaigns.

Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards 2024

• McDonald’s Philippines named “Advertiser of the Year”

• “Night Classroom”

• • Grand Prix Award in the Champions for Humanity Category

• • Silver in the Builders of Society Category

• “Ride the Arches”

• • Silver in the Champions for Humanity Category

• • Bronze for Advocacy

• “I’m Lovin’ Me” campaign

• • Bronze award

• “Unlocking 60,000 Filipinos’ Best Selves” campaign

• • Silver

• “Lovin’ All” campaign

• • Bronze

2024 Kidlat Awards

• “Lovin’ All” by TBWA\ SMP

• • Gold in Creativity in Engagement — PR

• • Gold in Creativity in Engagement — Social

• “Night Classroom” by Leo Burnett Group Manila

• • Gold in Creativity in Experience

• • Gold in Creative Commerce

• • Gold in Creative Effectiveness

• • Gold in Creative Strategy

• “Lovin’ All” film:

• • Silver in Classic Creativity — Film category

• “Lovin Her” series by FilmPabrika, Inc.

• • Silver in Film Craft — Direction, Casting, Low Budget Film

• “Ride the Arches” campaign

• • Silver for Creativity in Experience

• “Night Classroom”

• • Silver for Creativity for Good — Corporate Social Responsibility

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Homegrown motorcycle taxi provider MOVE IT held its first-ever passenger feedback forum as it intensifies its safety commitment and program on the platform.

The inaugural forum served as an avenue for MOVE IT to garner insights from a diverse base of regular passengers about moto-taxi safety mechanisms, while also allowing the company to share updates on its current thrusts on safety and service reliability.

MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto spearheaded the forum, leading the deliberation and sharing of various strategies the platform is currently undertaking to ensure safety. Among the pivotal topics discussed were the expansion of skills training for riders, activation of advanced safety features, constant upgrading of safety gears, and the fortification of emergency response programs.

“Itong ating passenger forum ay isa sa ating mga initiatives upang mas mapaganda ang ating serbisyo at mas mapaigting ang ating mga hakbangin patungkol sa kaligtasan. Ating pinapahalagahan ang bawat komento, ideya at mungkahi ng mga komyuter na ating pinagsisilbihan sapagkat dahil sa mga ito, mas nakikita natin kung saang aspeto tayo dapat magsumikap pa at magtuon ng pansin. Marami man kaming nailunsad na programa patungkol sa kaligtasan at pagiging maasahan na platform ng MOVE IT, alam namin na dapat walang tigil ang pagpapabuti ng platform. At sa tulong ng ating mga mahal na pasahero at rider, lalo nating masisiguro ang tagumpay nito,” MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto said.

The first-ever face-to-face passenger feedback forum complements MOVE IT’s existing in-app feedback mechanisms, such as the post-ride rating system, activity tab, and report-an-issue feature.

Intensifying Safety on MOVE IT

Building on the productive discussions with commuter groups and the feedback shared in-app about MOVE IT, the motorcycle taxi platform has swiftly implemented new safety measures and technologies, further solidifying its commitment to road safety.

• Focusing on Road Safety Skills: MOVE IT prioritizes rider skills and a positive mindset for a safer riding experience. It expanded its skills development and assessment program by adding mandatory quarterly training sessions. These sessions refresh rider-partners on driver guidelines and safety protocols; and update them on techniques to navigate various road challenges safely and effectively. Additionally, MOVE IT has introduced new face-to-face values and behavior seminars, further promoting a professional and courteous rider community.
• Activating New Technologies: MOVE IT stays at the forefront of safety with its cutting-edge technology. Recognizing that optimal speed is crucial, it now leverages real-time data analytics to monitor rider-partner speed. This allows for immediate “Overspeeding Alerts,” prompting riders to adjust their pace accordingly.
• Elevating Emergency Response: MOVE IT also strengthens its emergency response as it grows its on-ground Emergency Response Team, adding more personnel and resources to the program across Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan De Oro. Capitalizing on the bayanihan among MOVE IT riders, the platform is introducing incentives for proactive accident reports. This encourages riders to look out for each other and contribute to a safer riding environment. These measures allow MOVE IT to attend to any untoward incident on the road in less than 30 minutes.
• Prioritizing Gear Quality: Lastly, MOVE IT has implemented a stricter and more regular cadence of gear quality inspection. In line with this, the platform also pledged to continually provide incentives-based gear, such as new helmets, to ensure that rider-partners are equipped with top-tier protective equipment for both them and their passengers.

Moving forward, MOVE IT will continue to engage more deeply with the communities it serves to offer a safer and more convenient motorcycle ride-hailing experience for Filipino commuters. The moto-taxi provider also encourages its passengers and drivers to proactively share feedback via channels such as Passenger and Driver Feedback Features, In-App Ratings, and the MOVE IT Hotline. This will significantly help the platform to quickly evolve and enhance its safety and reliability as a provider of two-wheel transportation.

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