The Philippines is at a crossroads with online scams continuing to rise even as breakthroughs in 5G, AI, and other emerging technologies accelerate. This contrast shaped discussions at the GSMA Digital Nations Summit Manila, where leaders warned that digital progress will stall unless public trust grows at the same pace.
Executives from telecom, healthcare, venture capital, and manufacturing agreed that Filipinos’ hesitancy to transact online remains a major barrier. They stressed that digital confidence is now as important as digital access.
Globe highlighted its push for network-level Open APIs that help verify mobile numbers, SIM cards, and devices, and flag suspicious activity that could signal fraud. The goal: strengthen login and transaction security without complicating the user experience.
“Our networks carry the responsibility to protect the people who use them,” said Irah Cainglet, assistant vice president at Globe Business. She noted that Open APIs allow stronger protection “quietly in the background,” guided by privacy and clear purpose.
To encourage adoption, Globe is building detailed documentation, test environments, and shared standards for developers and enterprises. The company emphasized a “privacy by design” approach throughout the event.
Speakers at the summit underscored that technology loses its value when people feel unsafe. They stressed that innovations in 5G, AI, and cloud services must be rooted in secure infrastructure and responsible data use.
Globe also detailed its investments in secure connectivity for hospitals, factories, warehouses, and remote communities. These efforts include rigorous security testing and coordination with businesses integrating advanced technologies.
“When a business adopts 5G, AI, or new digital tools, its risk landscape changes overnight,” said Marlon Cruz, assistant vice president at Globe Business. He explained that security must be built into every stage of transformation so the network becomes a “platform of trust.”
KD Dizon, head of Globe Business, said a trusted digital environment unlocks new opportunities for families, companies, and industries. She added that strengthening security positions the Philippines as a rising digital leader in Asia, enabling innovation and safety to advance together.
