In today’s fast-paced digital era, data and artificial intelligence (AI) have become indispensable drivers of progress. Recognizing this reality, Globe has committed to empowering young Filipinos with the tools and skills needed to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Through its “Data and Analytics for Good” initiative, Globe is fostering innovation and preparing future generations to lead in the tech-driven world. By offering hands-on learning experiences, the program aims to create a future-ready workforce while inspiring young minds to use technology for positive societal change.
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Bridging Academia and Industry
As part of the initiative, Globe recently organized a series of events, including lectures and hackathons, in collaboration with tech leaders Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS). These events provided university students with valuable exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and encouraged them to develop solutions addressing real-world challenges.
Under the theme “Fusion of D.AI.TA,” the activities emphasized the transformative potential of generative AI and the role of data integration in modern applications.
“Our focus is always on leveraging our resources to address challenges faced by Filipinos,” said Jenny Echevarria, Globe’s Vice President of Enterprise Data and Strategic Services. “We aim to inspire students to build careers in data science right here in the Philippines.”
Highlights of the Events
Google-Powered Innovation
The first event, held at The Globe Tower, brought together students and faculty from eight universities for the “Google Analytics and GenAI Lecture & Vertex AI Hands-on Labs.” Led by Google experts like Arvind Dhariwal and Keelia Tang, participants explored AI tools such as BigQuery, BigQueryML, and Looker, gaining insights into techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) search.
The session concluded with a hackathon using Google’s Gemini AI Agent Builder. Participants showcased their creativity by developing AI-powered solutions. Melissa Mae Miranda, a Computer Science student from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, emerged as the winner.
“We created a search app using various datasets accessed through an API,” Miranda shared. “It was amazing to see how easily Vertex AI could manage and utilize data. This experience opened my eyes to new possibilities.”
AWS-Driven Hackathon
Globe continued the momentum with the “Innovate with Data: AWS PartyRock Battle,” which welcomed 148 students and faculty members from 18 universities across the Philippines. AWS Enterprise Solutions Architect Rom Gapuz guided participants through data visualization and machine learning concepts.
In the following hackathon, students used PartyRock, AWS’s no-code platform, to develop AI applications. A team from Asia Pacific College claimed victory with “Edu-Creator,” a generative AI tool designed to assist K-12 teachers by automating tasks such as creating quizzes and lesson plans.
“Participating in this event was an eye-opener,” said team member Janson Crisostomo Pagharion. “Initially, our program was focused on science teachers, but through collaboration, we expanded it to address a broader range of educational needs. It feels rewarding to contribute to something that could ease teachers’ workloads.”
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
These initiatives not only bridge academic learning with industry practice but also empower students to tackle pressing challenges using AI. By collaborating with companies like Google and AWS, Globe is playing a pivotal role in developing a skilled workforce that will drive the Philippines’ digital economy forward.
With programs like these, Globe continues to inspire the next generation of Filipino tech leaders, equipping them with the tools to innovate and shape a better world.
