Eastern Communications, Cybersecurity Experts Raise Awareness on Rising Cyberthreats in the Philippines

Snapshot from Eastern Communications’ latest Thoughts on Tech vodcast episode with host Justin Quirino and guest speaker Maez De Guzman, Cybersecurity Leader at EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines

Snapshot from Eastern Communications’ latest Thoughts on Tech vodcast episode with host Justin Quirino and guest speaker Colonel Francel Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in business operations, cybercriminals are also finding new ways to exploit it. In line with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Eastern Communications is urging Philippine companies to take a more proactive stance against AI-driven cyber threats, an issue that has grown more urgent as attacks become faster, smarter, and harder to detect.

The telco provider’s Thoughts on Tech vodcast series recently launched special Cybersecurity Month episodes to help guide businesses through this evolving digital threat landscape. The episodes feature Maez De Guzman, Cybersecurity Leader at EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines, and Colonel Francel Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Their episodes unpacked how organizations can strengthen cyber resilience and protect national digital infrastructure.

A call to strengthen the country’s cyber defense

Maez De Guzman, Cybersecurity Leader at EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines

De Guzman stressed that businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, must keep pace with the speed of technological change. “We're being attacked [at] machine speed, but we're actually defending [at] human speed,” she said, noting that adapting a stronger cybersecurity mindset begins with adopting the right frameworks, such as Zero Trust. “So, the framework actually means zero trust from its name meaning trust no one, verify everything. All the technologies now actually support zero trust — from micro segmentation, from all identity-related proxies — everyone should align to the framework of zero trust.”

Colonel Francel Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

In another episode, Col. Padilla emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer confined to individual organizations but is now a matter of national defense. “Cyber has no barriers, so you cannot really say, ‘You’re intruding [into] the Philippine cyberspace.’ “There’s no such thing,” she said. She added that digital protection must extend beyond institutions to strengthen national resilience, noting, “If we have a secured country, we have a secured economy then.”

Supporting advocacy with action

Eastern Communications is backing its advocacy with practical solutions for local enterprises. In partnership with Nexusguard, a global leader in DDoS mitigation and cybersecurity, Eastern now offers DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), empowering businesses with seamless dedicated business internet backed by 24/7 reliable security.

According to Nexusguard’s 2025 DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Trends Report, the average size of DDoS attacks surged by 69% year-over-year, with peak attacks reaching as high as 962.2 Gbps, creating unprecedented strain on networks worldwide. The report highlights end-to-end hybrid protection solutions, combining cloud scalability and on-premise responsiveness as the most effective defense against today’s diverse DDoS threats.

For companies seeking enhanced protection, Eastern’s DDoS security solutions are also available as standalone services, ensuring continuous, efficient, and worry-free operations in today’s digital landscape.

“Eastern Communications remains steadfast in advocating for a safer, more secure digital Philippines,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications’ Chief Revenue and Experience Officer. “Through our Cyber Defense solutions and platforms like Thoughts on Tech, we aim to empower enterprises to build digital resilience and strengthen the Philippines’ cybersecurity ecosystem. This is part of how we continue exceeding expectations and serving with malasakit.”

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Eastern Communications is reaffirming its role as a trusted technology partner committed to securing the nation’s digital future and helping Filipino enterprises stay connected, competitive, and safe in an increasingly AI-driven world.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and its initiatives, visit www.eastern.com.ph or follow its Facebook page.

Award-Winning Link VIP Club Program Exceeds Customer Expectations in 2025

Eastern Communications named the Brand Experience of the Year and Customer Experience of the Year at the Asian Experience Awards 2025. [From L to R:] Eastern Communications Customer Experience Manager Francris Caspe, Brand Communications Manager Tricia Barrera, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Jed Estanislao, Segment Marketing Manager Dindo Cabatingan, and Customer Experience Manager Maricris Santos-de Guzman.

At a time when automation and price wars dominate the telecom landscape, Eastern Communications sets itself apart with a powerful differentiator: personalized service with a human touch. Eastern’s unique approach was recently recognized at the Asian Experience Awards 2025 in Singapore, where its 2024 “Partners in Progress” brand campaign and Link VIP Club customer loyalty program, earned honors for Brand Experience of the Year and Customer Experience of the Year, respectively.

Launched in 2018 to nurture Eastern’s relationships with its most valued B2B partners, the Link VIP Club has since evolved into a full-fledged experience offering exclusive perks, elevated service touchpoints, and access to premium lifestyle events tailored to the needs of modern enterprises.

This year, the program saw a notable rise in both participation and satisfaction ratings, reflecting Eastern Communications’ deeper engagement with its clients. Among the key highlights was the launch of the Titanium Tier, the newest and most exclusive membership level of the Link VIP Club.

Elevated experiences through the Titanium Tier

Unveiled in April at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Titanium Tier launch was a celebration of partnership and progress. This newest Link VIP Club level offers premium benefits such as 24/7 priority care, managed connectivity solutions, exclusive event access, and curated learning sessions. Designed to deepen client relationships and elevate the customer experience, these perks align with Eastern Communications’ “High Tech, High Touch” philosophy.

“Customer-centric innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications. “Through the expanded Link VIP Club perks, we’re elevating the way we serve with smarter solutions, faster resolution time, and exclusive access to experiences to empower our clients for the future. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to stay ahead of them and anticipate challenges before they’re even felt. Because at Eastern, every client journey deserves excellence.”

Furthering its client-first approach, the telco provider hosted its first-ever golf tournament exclusively for Titanium members on July 17, 2025, in Laguna. This inaugural event brought together some of Eastern Communications’ most loyal clients for a day of friendly competition, networking, and shared celebration. 

“Our company has been with Eastern Communications since 2015, and we really feel special. This event is more on engagement and relationship building, which I think is the key to being long-time partners,” said Yeng Molero, owner of APN Philippines Inc.

Recognized commitment to client engagement

Aside from the 2025 Asian Experience Awards, Eastern’s “high touch” service has garnered significant acknowledgment across various regional marketing platforms.

Eastern Communications earned recognition at the 2025 Carrier Community Global Awards in Berlin, winning the Best Sales and Marketing Team of the Year award, highlighting the strength and impact of its customer engagement initiatives. The telco also took home a bronze award for Excellence in B2B Marketing at the Marketing Excellence Awards Philippines.

Most importantly, Eastern Communications’ dedication to exceptional service is reflected in the feedback of its clients.

“As an Eastern client, I really enjoyed the after-sales and pre-sales services. Most businesses really need reliability and fast connection, and in case there are downtimes, the team has to be very approachable. It’s truly great that we are partnered with Eastern. I would really recommend Eastern based on our company’s overall experience, knowing that we can confidently stand by our recommendation," said Shin Enriquez, Network Operation Section Head at Bank of Commerce.

Ross Garcia, Head of Public Relations at San Miguel Holdings, shared, "Eastern Communications is very proud of their service, [and] as they say, it is very personalized and exceeds every client's expectations. They go the extra mile and they provide services that really can't be matched by other competitors."

This reflects the company’s branding message to be its clients' Partners in Progress and embodies how Eastern views its clients as long-term collaborators in success. The telco continues to highlight this value through bespoke events, priority support, shared milestones, and building connections that go beyond business.

To learn more about the Link VIP Club Program and Eastern Communications’ commitment to High Tech, High Touch service, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph

Eastern Communications treats loyal partners to an exclusive movie premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Eastern Communications holds first-ever golf tournament exclusively for Link VIP Club Members

Photo from the launch of Eastern Communications’ newest Link VIP Club Titanium tier with live performance from Filipino singer-songwriter Kate Torralba

Connecting the Unconnected: Eastern Advances Inclusive Education Through Connectivity and Digital Literacy Efforts

Eastern Communications, in partnership with Unconnected.org and the Department of Education (DepEd), during the “Project Maaasahan” official  turnover of connectivity tools to Namabbalan Elementary School in Tuguegarao City.

Eastern Communications, the Philippines' pioneering telecommunications company and ICT solutions provider, continues to exceed expectations in championing digital equity and inclusive progress through its sustained community and digital literacy efforts. The company's initiatives, led by its digital enablement program, Project Maaasahan, are advancing access to connectivity and digital literacy for underserved communities, ensuring that every Filipino has the tools to thrive in a digital-first world.

Bringing connectivity where it matters

The Philippines continues to face a significant digital divide. According to the World Bank, the access gap in broadband internet between social classes is rapidly expanding, with fixed broadband penetration in the top wealth quintile being significantly higher than in the bottom quintile.

This disparity is further highlighted in a study by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which shows that while 92% of barangays have access to a cellular signal, only about 12% have access to free Wi-Fi, and about 29% have access to fiber optic cable. These statistics underscore the urgent need for initiatives that directly address connectivity and infrastructure gaps, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

Eastern Communications is tackling this challenge head-on with Project Maaasahan, a multi-year initiative in partnership with unconnected.org and the Department of Education (DepEd). The program aims to bring vital internet connectivity to 10 GIDA schools across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Through this initiative, Eastern will provide free internet access and digital literacy programs to students, teachers, and their communities. To date, 4 out of 10 target sites have been successfully connected, with satellite devices fully functional and official turnovers completed.

“Our mission is to help close the digital divide by connecting the unconnected,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications. “We believe in the power of connectivity to transform lives. By providing these schools with the right tools, we are not just giving them internet access; we are opening up a world of information and opportunity, and helping to secure a brighter future for our young learners.”

Internet access reaches more learners

The impact is already being felt on the ground, with over 805 students and 30 teaching staff from the connected sites now having access to the internet. Among the first beneficiaries are Panicuason Elementary School in Naga City, San Jose Elementary School in Dipolog City, Namabbalan Integrated School in Tuguegarao City, and Pao-Pao High School in General Santos City.

For Panicuason Elementary School Principal Winnife Urot, Project Maaasahan represents more than just a CSR effort. "This is a partnership with purpose, anchored in love for Filipino learners and belief that education is the greatest equalizer," she said.

In General Santos City, the access to connectivity is a game-changer for Pao-Pao High School's 340 students, many of whom are from indigenous communities and travel up to four hours a day to attend classes.

Eastern Communications, Pao-Pao High School and DepEd representatives at the official turnover of connectivity tools for Pao-Pao High School in General Santos City

"Ang dating pangarap lamang na magkaroon ng maayos, mabilis at maaasahang internet connection, ay isa nang katuparan ngayon," shared Mr. Dexter Tejedor, Principal of Pao-Pao High School. "Ang Project Maaasahan ay hindi lamang koneksyon sa internet. Ito ay tulay ng pag-asa, pag-unlad, at pagbabago. Patunay ito na kahit nasa tuktok ng bundok, ang kaalaman at oportunidad, ay maaaring umabot sa bawat batang mag-aaral."

(Translation: "What was once just a dream of having a good, fast and reliable internet connection is now a reality. Project Maaasahan is not just about providing connectivity. It is a bridge of hope, progress, and change.It is proof that even at the top of a mountain, knowledge and opportunity can still reach every student.")

Nurturing the next generation of innovators

Furthering its advocacy for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, Eastern Communications continues to foster digital literacy through its partnerships with organizations like TeamAsia and the Payatas Orione Foundation Inc. (PAOFI).

The company once again collaborated with the My Dream in a Shoebox (MDIAS) program, providing 100 public school student beneficiaries from PAOFI with an immersive visit to The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The activity included a Tech Career Talk from Eastern’s own employees to inspire students to pursue opportunities in the technology sector, culminating in the gift-giving of Dream Kits filled with essential learning materials.

With its sustained investments in Project Maaasahan and other education-focused partnerships, Eastern Communications reaffirms its belief that education is the greatest equalizer. By delivering both “High Tech” solutions and a “High Touch” approach, the company remains committed to building a digitally empowered Philippines where every learner has the chance to connect, learn, and succeed.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and its commitment to social responsibility, please call 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph. For more information on how to support the My Dream in a Shoebox initiative, visit www.shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com.

Eastern Communications partners with TeamAsia’s My Dream in a Shoebox once again and takes public school students on a trip to The Mind Museum.

Eastern Communications, in partnership with Unconnected.org and the Department of Education (DepEd), during the “Project Maaasahan” official  turnover of connectivity tools to Namabbalan Elementary School in Tuguegarao City.

Bringing Reliable Connectivity to More Communities: Eastern Communications Furthers its Reach in Mindanao

Dipolog City welcomes Eastern Communications telecommunications and ICT services. [From L to R:] Eastern Communications (EC) Event Host Apple Mendoza, Dipolog City Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Atty. Paul Gudmalin, EC Chief Revenue & Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan, Dipolog City Councilor Harry Young, EC Regional Sales Head Anthony Co, EC Chief Marketing & Experience Officer Jed Estanislao, and EC Regional Sales Account Manager Jeck Sappayani

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, continues its mission to bridge the digital divide by officially expanding its services in two key cities in Mindanao: General Santos City and Dipolog City. Through its signature Via Eastern launch events, the telco celebrates its growing presence in Southern and Western Mindanao—empowering local communities, driving innovation, and supporting regional growth.

Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan said, “We’re excited to officially launch our services in General Santos and Dipolog, and to expand to more areas across Mindanao. Our presence in these key digital cities reflects Eastern Communications’ continued mission to transform how businesses in manufacturing, retail, IT-BPM, and MSME sectors operate, helping them better serve their communities and drive inclusive progress across the cities. By equipping enterprises of all sizes with reliable connectivity and future-ready ICT solutions, we’re building a digital foundation that empowers communities, fuels regional economies, and drives long-term, inclusive development.”

Empowering General Santos: The Tuna Capital of the Philippines

Eastern Communications receives a warm welcome from General Santos City and receives support from GenSan business chambers, ICT organizations, media friends and government officials.

On August 12, Eastern Communications marked its official entry into General Santos City with a launch held at the Grand Summit Hotel. General Santos continues to rise as a vital hub for trade and innovation, taking the spot as the 15th most competitive city in the country and 3rd among highly urbanized cities in Mindanao in the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). 

"This partnership opens new doors for our businesses, government, and communities, allowing us to connect better, work smarter, and innovate faster. We look forward to collaborating with Eastern Communications in building a more inclusive, progressive and future-ready GenSan," said General Santos City Councilor Michael Pacquiao.

General Santos City or GenSan is home to six of the nation’s seven tuna canneries and employs over 200,000 individuals and serves as a key driver of the Philippines’ fishery exports. To support this thriving industrial hub, the government-led Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has initiated the rehabilitation of the General Santos Fish Port Complex, further strengthening the city’s vital contribution to the industry. 

Eastern’s expansion brings advanced digital solutions tailored to support key local industries, including manufacturing, retail, MSMEs, tourism, agriculture, and the growing IT-BPM sector.

With business-grade connectivity services like Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS), local enterprises benefit from fast, secure, and scalable internet, essential for boosting productivity and meeting global business standards to stay competitive in international markets.

For the agricultural sectors in Mindanao, consistent enterprise-grade internet is critical to support agritech applications such as cloud-based platforms, agricultural robotics, and automated machinery, helping farmers monitor crops, predict weather, and grow more successful harvests.

Meanwhile, for the region’s canning companies and smart manufacturing, business-grade internet is no longer optional, it’s a necessity for meeting international standards, achieving global competitiveness, and expanding to global markets. Reliable, high-speed connectivity enables real-time inventory tracking, smart aquaculture operations, seamless coordination across production lines, and efficient logistics and export operations such as blockchain-based traceability systems.

Unlocking Digital Growth in Dipolog: The Gateway to Western Mindanao

On July 22, Eastern Communications held its launch at D’Hotel & Suites in Dipolog City, capital of Zamboanga del Norte. Known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao,” Dipolog is quickly emerging as a business hub, powered by growing tourism, trade, and logistics infrastructure. In the 2024 CMCI rankings, Zamboanga del Norte climbed to 47th in economic dynamism nationwide, with Dipolog retaining its title as the Most Competitive Component City in Region 9.

“In this fast-paced, digital age, connectivity is not just a luxury, it is a necessity. Reliable communication bridges communities, empowers businesses, and connects our people to a wider world of possibilities. With Eastern Communications now part of our local landscape, we are assured of better access to technology and services that will help our communities thrive and compete,” said Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Governor DareI Uy.

“This development reflects a shared belief that "Bag-ong Zanorte" is ready for the future. Let this launch be a reminder to all of us that progress is best achieved when we work hand in hand-government, private sector, and the community. Together, we can ensure that no Zanortehanon is left out of the opportunities that the digital age brings,” added Governor Uy.

Driving Inclusive Progress Through Connectivity

While over 50 million Filipinos are now online, regions in Mindanao still face gaps in internet access. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that internet connectivity in Mindanao remains low, with only 28.5% of households in the Zamboanga Peninsula being connected. This highlights the urgent need to expand internet infrastructure as a foundation for meaningful digital transformation in the region. Eastern Communications is working to bridge this gap by establishing strong digital foundations and has connected key Mindanao areas, including Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro. Backed by its recent network infrastructure expansion, the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), Eastern continues to build digital resilience and drive inclusive growth in the country, one city at a time. 

As part of its Mindanao expansion, Eastern Communications is now equipping enterprises in General Santos and Dipolog with future-ready digital tools, helping fuel inclusive growth, strengthen industries, and prepare communities for a more connected tomorrow.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ business-grade internet, cloud, cybersecurity, and other ICT solutions, visit eastern.com.ph or talk to us at 0919-081-7788 or 0917-300-7788.

Eastern Communications' "Project Maaasahan" official turnover ceremony to its beneficiary school, San Jose Elementary School, bringing reliable connectivity to empower future leaders in Dipolog City.

Eastern Communications Chief Revenue & Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan expressed gratitude to Dipolog and Zamboanga del Norte partners and highlighted the benefits of Eastern’s presence, bringing reliable connectivity and innovative solutions closer to Dipolog’s citizens.

Eastern Communications’ expansion is backed by its joint infrastructure project, the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), spanning 2,500km.

Swinging Success: Eastern Communications Hosts First-Ever Golf Tournament for Top Clients

 

Eastern Communications and Link VIP Club loyal customers at the premier Golf Tournament held on July 17, 2025 in Laguna.

Eastern Communications recently held its inaugural golf tournament exclusively for its Titanium tier clients, the newest tier in its Link VIP Club loyalty program. This premier event honored the telco’s most loyal customers, and this will be followed by upcoming lifestyle events, including a movie premiere and bowling tournaments.

The Link VIP Club is Eastern Communications’ award-winning customer loyalty program, created to celebrate strong connections with its clients. This exclusive club reflects Eastern’s mission to go beyond expectations through personalized support, curated experiences, and its signature “Heart of Service” built on genuine care and meaningful connections.

Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio teeing off at the telco’s first Link VIP Club Golf Tournament in Laguna.

Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Jaeson Evangelista teeing off at the telco’s first Link VIP Club Golf Tournament in Laguna.

To learn more about the Link VIP Club, its exclusive perks, and Eastern’s full suite of services, visit eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000.