Leading digital solutions platform Globe and global cybersecurity leader Palo Alto Networks recently handed over 1,000 Cyberlite Activity Workbooks to the E. Zobel Foundation (EZF) under the telco's Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which aims to increase students' knowledge of digital citizenship and security. In partnership with Cyberlite Books, the cyber safety workbooks will be distributed to elementary and high school students under EZF's network of public schools in Calatagan, Batangas.

Globe's Head of Information Security Program Delivery and Strategy William Ignacio represented the company during the formal turnover at the Enrique Zobel Technological (EnzoTech) Center, where he was joined by Oscar Visaya, Palo Alto Networks' Country Manager for the Philippines, Violeta Mira, Public Schools District Supervisor for the Division of Calatagan, and Dr. Henry Magahis, Officer-in-Charge and Principal of EZF-Senior High School.

Students remain heavily reliant on online platforms and social media for academic requirements despite schools returning to a face-to-face setup for a year post-pandemic. However, these digital tools pose potential threats to children's online safety as they are unlikely to recognize threats like compromised links, phishing, and malware, per the Asian Foundation's 2022 study.

The youth also struggle to judge shareable online information, putting them at risk amid persistent phishing attacks on social media, as reported in Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report.

The donation embodies Globe, Palo Alto Networks, and the E. Zobel Foundation's partnership. It symbolizes a concerted effort to lay down a path for the youth to traverse the digital landscape with confidence, knowledge, and responsibility in alignment with the common vision and values of the three partners.

"Our partnership with Palo Alto Networks has been part of our long-standing commitment to our customers to ensure their online safety, especially through our channels. This latest collaboration with E. Zobel Foundation strengthens our collaborative efforts in fostering a secure digital environment for Filipino students, teachers, and parents. We're investing in technology and instilling a sense of responsibility within our youth," Ignacio said.

Palo Alto Networks shares Globe's sentiment on cyber safety. As Visaya said: "We are thrilled to align ourselves with Globe and the E. Zobel Foundation in this critical endeavor. Our mission has always been to protect our digital way of life, and these cyber safety booklets will be a stepping stone in achieving that goal. It embodies our values of disruption, execution, collaboration, integrity, and inclusion."

Palo Alto Networks is a globally recognized partner of Globe's Information Security and Data Privacy (ISDP) team, and together they help ensure the safety of Globe's millions of customers.

Meanwhile, the E. Zobel Foundation, established in 1990, was founded by the late Don Enrique Zobel, who believed that "through education, there is hope for a better life."

"Education is our strongest weapon against the challenges of the digital world. We deeply appreciate the contributions of Globe and Palo Alto Networks. These cybersafety booklets will serve as an important guide for our students to help them become more responsible and empowered digital citizens," Magahis said.

Since 2016, Globe has been educating the younger generation on digital citizenship and responsible use of technology through DTP and was eventually integrated by the Department of Education (DepEd) into the K-12 curriculum to bolster its existing modules around digital literacy.

Globe also launched the #MakeITSafePH campaign in 2017 to further promote and raise awareness on responsible and mindful online behavior among the public. In 2022, they launched a new platform makeitsafe.ph for parents and students to equip themselves against cyberbullying better.

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