Ernest Cu is on a mission to bring communities to the digital age

THE GLOBE CEO IS GOING THE DISTANCE TO BRING MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO REMOTE AREAS

When two social entrepreneurs expressed gratitude for bringing GCash in Siargao, Ernest Cu, the CEO of Globe Telecoms, admitted that he was moved. “It is not every day you experience something like that,” shared the executive.

Cu was having a break with the media after attending events his team scheduled in the remote island. The packed day left many tired but certainly not the Globe CEO. 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.

“We increased the capacity and we’re going to cover more areas of Siargao in the future,” shared the executive. The move did not just make sharing stories for tourists and surfing aficionados easier but also paved the way for local businesses to boom. It also made connectivity more convenient for Siargao’s 49,000-strong populace.

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.

Clad in board shorts, sneakers, cap and their company shirt, the brave admission is typical of Cu. He is, after all, known in the telecoms industry to be a risk-taker. Under his visionary leadership, Globe has taken many business leaps including pushing for digitalization as early as 2010.

Nine eventful years later, Globe has solid digital solutions under its belt to enable businesses and empower consumers. It is no wonder Cu was hailed best CEO by Finance Asia in 2017. Power 100, a London-based Global Telecoms Business magazine, also recognized him as one of 2017’s Top 100 Most Influential Telecom Leaders Worldwide.

Despite his accolades, Cu does not fit the archetype of big business luminaries. In Siargao, the executive basked in the company of his employees who fondly called him just Ernest. No formalities, no honorifics. His unassuming profile made the locals at ease and eager in offering 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 was earlier 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

Siargao is a growing tourist destination. Its charm lies within its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe. In 2018, Conde Nast Traveler named Siargao as the best island in Asia. Surfers from around the world have made this place one of their top choice surfing destinations.

While its remoteness is its boon, it is also its bane. Financial service is a huge challenge in the island. There is only one rural bank in the area and three ATMs with high transaction costs servicing the people.

In the surfing capital, Cu brought the company’s entire portfolio to make sure residents, business owners and even Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) benefit from the connectivity.
This includes GCash, a mobile app that provides real time financial services like bills payment, remittance, bank transfer, and savings. Around 30 establishments in 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 in the island to cater to the growing subscribers in the island. 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

Many more announcements were made by Cu during the 5-day event in the surf capital. 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 during a ribbon cutting at Cloud 9, a famous surfing spot in Siargao.

Cu also announced Globe’s sustainable efforts in Siargao. These include Marine Biodiversity workshops for local residents, expansion of the company’s electronic waste program, promoting awareness around plastic waste and the company’s eagerness to partner with social enterprises.

It is not the first time Globe has gone 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.

Another area that can be boosted using technology is that of medical services. Cu lamented that there are only a few doctors in Siargao. The scarcity of hospitals and medical professionals can be quite challenging. This is where one of Globe’s subsidiaries, KonsultaMD, comes into the picture.

KonsultaMD is a 24/7 health hotline that allows members access to licensed doctors for health concerns that need immediate attention. 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, a team to help you navigate the digital world-- it seems too good to be true. While a connected Philippines is highly possible, Cu lamented the barriers. Unlike other CEOs, Cu has no qualms calling a spade, a spade.

Building a site only takes 45 – 60 days according to Cu. “You get permits, that process takes much longer than building the sites,” explained the executive.

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.