‘Life enabler’: Globe reinvents itself in age of COVID-19

“Globe is a life enabler. Not just a connectivity enabler.” This was emphasized by Globe Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira at today’s Globe Innovation Fest.

With the COVID-19 pandemic ushering in the end of the world as we know it, we need more heroes. Heroes who don’t just make grand gestures, but ordinary people doing good every day. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives almost overnight. It has changed the way we view ourselves and our relationships, whether our connections to people or to companies. Now, more than ever, we demand brand authenticity, with caring as the new status symbol. As more of us embrace the digital lifestyle, we want to deal with brands that use technology for good and address not only our everyday needs, but also enable us to do heroic deeds for others. Which is why I found the first Globe Innovation Fest held this morning a very comprehensive and inspiring look at how Globe has reinvented its whole business to become a life enabler for all its customers.

Addressing everyday needs

While Globe unleashed different innovative product offers for both consumers and businesses at Globe Innovation Fest, what is important to keep in mind is that they are life enablers. Guevarra-Cabreira stressed that the company is not innovating just for the sake of innovation, but taking a look at the everyday pain points of their customers. In other words, how these product offers can make an immediate impact and help them overcome the challenges they are facing every day, so that they can still live relatively normal lives in this unnatural situation.

One immediate impact is the telco’s decision to pioneer data as currency in the Philippines. This applies to any Globe product whether mobile, Home Prepaid WiFi, or Reward for loyalty. Called GBs to Points, this innovation allows customers to start converting their unused GBs to Globe Rewards points via the Globe One app.

Going beyond connectivity, Globe is also introducing a new postpaid plan called GPlan that fully embodies the telco’s goal of becoming a life enabler and reinventing the everyday experiences of customers.

The first of its kind in the Philippine market, the new GPlan with GCash offers maximum flexibility for customers by giving them GCash credits which they can spend for anything they want and need — whether it’s content subscriptions, shopping vouchers, or even home essentials like robot vacuums.

“We know that our customers need mobile plans that fit right into their lifestyles and evolving needs. The GPlan gives them access to life’s many other opportunities and perks, giving them more power to reinvent experiences on their own and of those around them,” said Globe Head of Mobile Business KD Dizon.

Accelerating digital transformation

Mobile and life essentials are combined in any GPlan type. Aside from generous data allocations, customers will receive unlimited all-net calls and texts, free GoWiFi when in transit, unlimited teleconsultation via KonsultaMD, and three months of insurance coverage via GInsure from Singlife with plan offers like GPlan with Device, GPlan SIM-only, and GPlan with GCash.

Meanwhile, Globe is also helping accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs and businesses. After all, customers have embraced digital. Expect this new consumer behavior to continue even after the pandemic is over.

Globe myBusiness has been assisting hotels, restaurants and cafes through the Safe Recovery Campaign. It also has partnered with SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, to offer the Hygiene Monitored Program.

“Many business owners have been facing additional challenges since the start of the pandemic. Globe myBusiness is their partner in recovery and ensures their own customers’ safety as they resume operations,” said Globe myBusiness Head of Strategy and Marketing Maridol Ylanan.

For corporate customers, Globe Business continues to work with clients and partners to ensure that enterprise businesses run smoothly and securely, as they propel their digital transformation. To help enterprises progress towards digitalization, Globe fully acquired cloud professional and managed services company, Cascadeo. It also has staked a claim on business applications and consulting company, Third Pillar — the Philippines’ largest Gold Partner of Salesforce.

“Collaborating with leading tech companies like Cascadeo and Third Pillar can help our clients achieve their goals which in turn will make an impact on their customers. In everything we do, our aim is to support enterprises across the country as they reinvent their success and contribute to the nation’s recovery,” said Globe Business Senior Vice President Peter Maquera.

Enabling Filipinos to do good

In talking about building the future, it is important to keep in mind that we need to protect the environment and ensure that we are safeguarding the planet for the next generation, said Guevarra-Cabreira.

As a BLINK and a climate justice advocate, I am proud that BLACKPINK, which Globe named as its brand ambassador in December, has been raising awareness on climate change. In fact, on Feb. 25, they were officially named advocates for the upcoming 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, more popularly known as COP26.

Recognizing that one of the greatest threats we face as a community is climate change, Globe is advocating a whole of nation of approach and enabling customers to take climate action.

Guevarra-Cabreira shared that Globe is committed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Race To Zero global campaign. Race To Zero seeks to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery.

In creating a #GlobeOfGood, the telco is using its innovations such as Globe Rewards, Globe One, and GCash to give customers the power to take action as a digital citizen. As a life enabler, Globe is transforming itself into an integrated platform that allows Filipinos to participate in various initiatives, including proper e-waste disposal, recycling, rainforestation, energy conservation, marine biodiversity, and minimizing single-use plastic.

After all, in the words of my favorite superhero Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben: “With great power comes great responsibility”.

Let’s all become everyday heroes, and keep using technology for good.