MANILA, Philippines — With the country grappling with a tightening energy supply and a looming national emergency, Globe Telecom is taking no chances. The Ayala-led telecommunications giant announced a massive ramp-up of its backup power systems and field operations to ensure Filipinos stay connected, even if the lights go out.
Recognizing that communication is a lifeline during crises, Globe has aggressively expanded its battery backup capacities and strategically stationed mobile generator sets at critical network hubs nationwide. The move is a direct response to the precarious state of the Philippine power grid, which has recently seen both Luzon and Visayas placed under “yellow alert” status.
“Our priority is to ensure that our network remains available, especially during challenging conditions when people depend on it the most,” said Cris Crisostomo, Globe’s Vice President for Network Operations and Assurance.
The strategy isn’t just about hardware; it’s about boots on the ground. Globe has shifted resources and engineering teams closer to high-risk zones, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. By prepositioning technical teams, the company aims to slash restoration times and maintain service continuity during prolonged outages.
Mark Jurial, representing Globe’s regional operations in Mindanao, emphasized the human element of the mission: “There are many communities that need Globe’s services, so it is important that our field engineers are ready, dedicated, and courageous in responding quickly.”
While Energy Secretary Sharon Garin recently noted that off-grid areas have so far avoided rotational brownouts despite global oil volatility, the national grid remains under significant strain. Globe’s proactive measures are designed to bypass these vulnerabilities, allowing their towers to operate for extended periods without relying on a stable external power supply.
The telco is also working in lockstep with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the DICT to ensure they have the necessary logistical support to keep the country’s digital infrastructure humming through the energy crunch.
