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Surf and Sun Siargao Goes Digital


Uploading island life videos or beach escapades from the surfing capital of the Philippines used to take ages

This surfing paradise will soon ride the digital waves with ease

Uploading island life videos or beach escapades from the surfing capital of the Philippines used to take ages. But that is now a thing of the past, as this executive makes it his mission to bridge the digital gap in Siargao.

“We increased the capacity and we’re going to cover more areas of Siargao in the future,” said Ernest Cu, the CEO of Globe Telecoms when he visited the island prior to the health crisis. The move not only made it easier for tourists and surfing afficionados to share stories, but it also paved the way for local businesses to boom. Additionally, it made connectivity more convenient for Siargao’s 49,000-strong populace.

Cu was enjoying the afternoon with the media after a series of engagements that his team had scheduled on the remote island.  The packed day left many exhausted but certainly not the Globe CEO. Clad in board shorts, company t-shirt and cap, he looked like he was on top of the world and with good reason, too. Globe just made Siargao a true haven for surfers of the waves and the web. LTE connectivity can now be enjoyed in the surfing paradise.  

A leader breaking the mold

“The number of sites we have here don’t really make sense today,” admitted the Globe CEO. “But there’s a good chance that one day tourism will increase. I’m sure more people would come and use the facilities. It will make sense,” he immediately added. 

The brave admission is typical of Cu.   After all, he is a known risk-taker in the telecoms industry. Globe has taken many business leaps under his visionary leadership including pushing for digitalization as early as 2010.

More than a decade later, Globe has built solid digital solutions under its belt that enable businesses and empower consumers. It is no surprise Finance Asia hailed Cu as 2017’s Best CEO. He was also recognized by Power 100, a London-based Global Telecoms Business magazine, as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Telecom Leaders Worldwide in the same year.

Despite the accolades, Cu does not fit the archetype of big business luminaries. In Siargao, the executive enjoyed the company of his employees.  They fondly call him just Ernest. No formalities, no honorifics. His unassuming demeanor put the locals at ease, and they were eager to offer their support and suggestions.

“They are asking us to see if we can include their local electric cooperative as one of the billers in GCash so they can pay electronically,” shared Cu. He had previously been informed that in Siargao, people have to be home when the bill collector comes. “If you are not home when the bill collector comes, that’s it.” Cu said.

An entrepreneur at heart

A popular tourist destination, Siargao’s charm lies within its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe. Conde Nast Traveler named Siargao as Asia’s best island in 2018. Surfers from all over the world have chosen the location as one of their top choice surfing destinations.

While its remoteness is its boon, it is also its bane. Financial services are a major hurdle in the island. There is only one rural bank and three ATMs servicing the people in the area. Transaction costs are very high for the average Juan.

Cu brought the company’s entire portfolio to the surfing capital to ensure that residents, business owners and even Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) benefit from the connectivity.  

This includes GCash, a mobile app that offers real time financial services such as bills payment, remittance, bank transfer, and savings. Around 30 establishments on the island now accept GCash payments.

“The SMEs in the Philippines are truly very small. The word small should be emphasized. They need a lot of help,” said Cu during the GoLive interview with Kapuso Joyce Pring and Mark Nelson.

He also disclosed that a Globe store will soon be established to serve the island’s growing subscriber base. The shop will also serve as a venue to empower SMEs. Learning sessions from business experts will be organized by Globe myBusiness Academy.  

Going beyond business

Cu made numerous announcements during the 5-day event in the surf capital. During a ribbon cutting at Cloud 9, a popular surfing spot in Siargao, he revealed that his team is now laying the groundwork for fiber across the road in General Luna to provide direct internet service to the businesses in the area.

The Globe CEO also announced the company’s long-term efforts in Siargao. These initiatives include Marine Biodiversity workshops for local residents, the expansion of the company’s electronic waste program, raising awareness about plastic waste, and the company’s eagerness to collaborate with social enterprises.  

It is not the first time Globe has ventured beyond business. A similar effort, though smaller in scale, was done in Semirara and Boracay. “A connected Siargao for us is solving the problems of the people and the environment with the use of technology,” shared Cu. 

Health care is another field that technology can help boost.  Cu bemoaned the scarcity of doctors in Siargao. Finding hospitals and medical professionals can be quite challenging in the area. This is where KonsultaMD, a subsidiary or Globe, enters the picture. 

KonsultaMD is a 24/7 health hotline that connects members to licensed doctors for urgent medical issues.  For Siargao, Cu envisioned that KonsultaMD and Globe “can position an area here where you have a blood pressure apparatus, the stethoscope, a video connection where the doctor can actually see you, see the measurement, the temperature, the pulse rate, all remotely transferred.”  

Making a digital future possible

A strong internet connection, financial services at your fingertips, remote medical advice, and a team to help you navigate the digital world—while it all seems too good to be true, for Cu a connected Philippines is highly possible.

Building a site only takes 45 – 60 days according to Cu.  But, challenges exist, too. “You get permits, that process takes much longer than building the sites,” explained the executive who has no qualms calling a spade, a spade.

Despite the roadblocks, Cu is not easily deterred. His commitment is not tied to the whims of politics. If other municipalities or provinces want a replication of what is happening in Siargao, “the key is willingness,” Cu said.  

Since Globe will be in Siargao for the long haul, Cu jumpstarted his surfing lessons. He took it from none other than Ana Mae Alipayo, the top female surfer of the Philippines herself. “It’s not every day you learn something new.” Globe’s CEO gamely said. 

It may take time for Ernest Cu to learn how to surf, but one thing is certain, he will take the Surigaonons  by the hand to the digital age. 

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