From Oven to Online: Converge Fuels Davao's Panadero Bakeshop

If one surveys the food most associated with Davao, cacao and pomelo/suha will surely come to mind; these are the iconic foodstuffs that the Southern region is known to grow and market. But if one scans the bustling Southern cities, particularly Davao, it becomes clear that local bread - the classic pan de sal, ensaymada,etc. - is enjoyed virtually everywhere and is as much of a staple as rice. 

Dotting almost every neighborhood in Davao City are local bakeries and one brand that is close to ubiquity is the Panadero Bakeshop. Its white typography, with the classic toque hat perched on the ‘P’ and resting against a bright red background, can be spotted every few kilometers. 

Dafoodgallery Bakery Products Manufacturing, one of the franchisees of Panadero Bakeshop, indeed banked on the brand’s prevalence, leading them to open three branches : two in Davao City and one in Cagayan de Oro. 

“We’ve been operating the Damosa branch for four years now. We chose this location because of the surrounding community. There are a lot of different establishments and barangays in this area. Our product, different kinds of breads, are essential sa mga kababayan natin,”  explained Jocelito Campos, Operations Head at Dafoodgallery. 

Panadero Bakeshop Damosa is on 24-hour operations, with the first batch of freshly-baked bread already out of the oven at 4AM to cater to early morning employees and mothers prepping their family’s breakfast. 

Campos sees their array of breads as an affordable, everyday fare for Filipinos that offer the comfort of home wherever they are, and at any time of the day. While ensaymada and pan de sal are the best-sellers in the morning, come afternoon other breads are in demand: hopia, monay, or the top selling bicho-bicho are perfect painit (light snacks). 

“Sa gabi, patapos na ang araw, meron kaming cheese de sal. May mga tao na hindi nagkakanin - baka nag-didiet o kaya yung ibang sobrang late na makauwi sa bahay, baka wala nang nakahanda kaya mas magandang mag tinapay na lang. At P 5, per piece, napaka affordable,” Campos said. 

With Converge slowly making inroads in metropolitan areas outside of Luzon, it was only a matter of time before the Dafoodgallery business owner, Dennis Roy Aballe, heard of the broadband provider and made the switch. 

“This was recommended by the friends of the owner because we were curious about the speeds being offered. Now we have Converge in all three branches,” noted Campos. 

Having made the switch in February 2024, Campos notes how the strong, quality connection has eased communication with suppliers and facilitated inter-branch meetings. 

“We’re able to have our weekly and monthly meetings, and the very important annual meeting between and among branches through Zoom, and without interruption. It really helps us in planning and executing our deliverables without the need for face-to-face meetings,” said the Operations head. 

With the Damosa branch going strong and the two other branches thriving, Jocelito Campos sees Converge as a reliable connectivity partner in the years of operations to come. 

“With the help of Converge, as we grow, kailangan talaga mag-adapt din kami sa new technology. Ngayong may ibang branch na, talagang kailangan ng coordination and with this, we have an easy channel or medium to execute our strategy to continue growing as a business,” he ended. 

"Let's Get Bizzy": Converge ICT Connects and Empowers SMEs in Davao City

 

(L-R): Sir John Paul Aguilar- CSME OIC, Ma. Lourdes Grace Ramirez- VP & Head of Marketing, Ms. Annaly Siodina- Regional Commercial Manager for Mindanao, Chef Patrick Co- Founder of the Fat Cow Group, Ms. Angela Gutierrez - AVP & Head of SME Segment Marketing, Edgard Allan Susano- AVP & Head of National SME Sales.

Kadayawan is a celebration of abundance—of culture, creativity, and community. This year, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. deepened that spirit by spotlighting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through Let’s Get Bizzy, held on August 14 at Asian Cow by Chef Patrick Co.

The intimate event gathered Davao’s dynamic SME community for an afternoon of insights and inspiration. At its core was Chef Patrick Co, who delivered a compelling talk titled “The Digital Advantage: Why SMEs Can’t Afford to Stay Offline.” With humor and honesty, he shared his journey building the Fat Cow Group into three award-winning restaurants: Fat Cow, Asian Cow, and Tat Cow.

Chef Patrick emphasized how digital connectivity empowers SMEs to expand their reach, engage customers instantly, and streamline operations—from supply chains to payments. “If you’re not online, you’re invisible. Digital presence isn’t optional—it’s survival,” he said, underscoring the urgency for businesses to embrace digital tools not just for growth, but for relevance.

Chef Patrick Co., presenting to the local MSMEs at the Asian Cow.

Following his talk, Ms. Annaly Siodina, Regional Commercial Manager for Mindanao, introduced the MicroBIZ Max Plan—a fiber internet solution tailored for micro and small businesses. With speeds up to 400 Mbps for ₱2,499, and entry-level plans starting at ₱1,449, it offers budget-friendly connectivity designed to help entrepreneurs thrive.

As the event wrapped up, conversations flowed, ideas sparked, and participants left with renewed energy to grow their ventures. More than a learning session, Let’s Get Bizzy became a testament to what’s possible when local entrepreneurs are equipped with the right tools and support.

Through initiatives like this, Converge ICT continues to uplift the backbone of the economy—our SMEs. And as Davao celebrates its season of plenty, one truth stands out: abundance flourishes where connection thrives.

Converge ICT Showcases Tech-Driven Retail Solutions at 2025 National Retail Conference & Expo

Converge Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Benjamin B. Azada, receiving his certificate of appreciation from PRA executives.

Converge Global Business, the corporate and large enterprise unit of leading broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., bannered its technology-driven solutions at the 2025 Philippine Retailers Association National Retail Conference & Expo (NRCE) held at the SMX Convention Center attended by over 700 retail industry and business leaders.

Benjamin B. Azada, Converge Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, delivered a powerful keynote, emphasizing the essential role of advanced technology in creating authentic and meaningful customer experiences. 

"Customers are looking for human interaction, enhanced by technology and not diminished by it. Technology shall bridge between digital tools and supporting authentic customer experience," Azada shared during his talk, "From Fiber to Future: Converging Tech and Tao for the Filipino Retail Experience", on the second day of the conference.

Converge did not stop at an inspiring keynote. Its visually striking and interactive booth earned accolades from attendees, being recognized as one of the “Best 10 Booth” of the country’s biggest retail conference and among those most visited too. The interactive booth showcased Converge’s future-ready solutions, such as Managed WiFi and Intelligent Surveillance, and its resolute mission to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines.  Attendees were entertained firsthand on how Converge uses its technology innovations to shape the future of retail and help Filipino businesses deliver modern customer engagement solutions.

Converge EVP & COO Benjamin B. Azada delivers his talk, "From Fiber to Future: Converging Tech and Tao for the Filipino Retail Experience."

During his presentation, Mr. Azada highlighted how Converge empowers retailers with solutions for omnichannel personalization. By providing reliable, scalable connectivity—including Converge Starlink for Business for remote areas—businesses can seamlessly integrate systems like Point of Sale (POS), e-commerce, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). This enables real-time engagement and instant feedback, ensuring that every business, from remote producers to urban shops, can offer a consistent and modern service.

To further enhance the customer experience, Converge offers solutions for in-store engagement and security. The company provides secure Managed WiFi with Anti-DDoS protection as a value-added service and enables businesses to host and scale loyalty platforms on secure cloud environments. By using its robust infrastructure to protect customer data, Converge helps businesses build trust, encourage deeper engagement, and create a safer digital environment for all.

To ensure a best-in-class experience, Converge is significantly expanding its global infrastructure. The company will activate two new international submarine cable systems this year—the Bifrost and SEA-H2X—to drastically increase international bandwidth. It will also open two new data centers in Metro Manila and Pampanga. These facilities and new cables will provide enhanced stability and reliability for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to scale operations with confidence and ensuring consumers enjoy seamless digital experiences.

Converge Global Business Sales & Marketing teams were all smiles as they accepted the award for their winning booth design, celebrated as one of the top ten best set-ups at the event.

"The 2025 National Retail Conference & Expo presented an incredible convergence of retail and technology thought leaders," Azada added. "Converge takes pride in being a part of these progressive conversations and offering breakthrough solutions that empower businesses to achieve and deliver more." 

The Expo served as a hub for professionals across the retail and tech industries to explore innovations, exchange insights, and uncover new opportunities. Through its active participation, Converge reaffirmed its commitment to taking Filipino businesses beyond connectivity by delivering high-performance technology solutions tailored to today’s evolving market demands.

Visit www.convergeict.com or email them at globalbusiness@convergeict.com  to learn more about their business solutions or discuss how it can be tailored to suit your specific needs.

Converge H1 2025: Double-Digit Growth Fuels Tech Company Transition

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) registered double-digit growth in the first half of 2025, with its consolidated revenues climbing 11.6 percent to P21.8 billion and net income surging 12.4 percent to P5.9 billion year-on-year, bolstered by the continuous demand for its residential and enterprise products.

The company's residential revenues reached P18.4 billion, a 10.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, enterprise revenues saw a remarkable 18.3 percent year-on-year growth, totaling P3.4 billion in the first half. 

“As Converge pushes ahead with its aspiration to become a forward-looking technology company, we’ve made strides towards further building our digital infrastructure, elevating our product offerings, and strengthening our leadership bench. We hope to enrich the lives of every Filipino through our digital innovations,” noted Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. 

In the first six months, consolidated residential fiber net additions exceeded 260,000, bringing its total number of subscribers to 2.8 million.

In line with its growth, Converge recently unveiled a refreshed corporate identity to mark a pivotal transition from a traditional telecommunications provider to a trailblazing technology company. This new identity encapsulates the company’s ambition to be a powerhouse in the technology landscape. 

Supporting this new direction, Converge has further enhanced its capabilities to address evolving customer needs. A significant achievement in this regard is the full certification of its Caloocan Data Center as a Tier III facility under the New York-based Uptime Institute, making it the first and only data center in the Philippines to receive such accreditation from the global digital infrastructure authority.

Moreover, Converge has made significant strides in global connectivity with the recent landing of the trans-Pacific Bifrost Cable System in Davao. With this infrastructure, Converge is now well-positioned to cater to wholesale customers, providing them with speed, resilience, and capacity for global communications.

Empowered by these new capabilities, Converge is poised to elevate its service portfolio with advanced connectivity solutions and premium value-added services. Foremost among these is the Super FiberX which bundles the broadband connection with the Xperience Hub, an Android box that Converge has retooled to enable more functionality. 

Along with this growth and innovation, Converge recently announced key leadership changes to fuel its move into the technology domain. Converge elected Mr. Park Weongi, a former CEO of NAVER Cloud, to its Board of Directors to help steer Converge through its next phase of growth. 

His election to the Board seeks to support the company’s intent to provide a broader suite of technology solutions, including enterprise cloud, AI-enabled services, and digital platforms.

Likewise, its former Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Benjamin Rex Emilio B. Azada was appointed as the new Chief Operations Officer; its Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason is now also serving as the Corporate Sustainability Officer, while Deputy Chief Finance Officer Christine Renee Blabagno has also been named Chief Risk Officer, focused on strengthening strategic risk management.

Alongside these developments, Converge recently received two prestigious accolades at the ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, marking it as one of the Top 5 publicly listed companies (PLCs) in the Philippines and a place among the Top 50 PLCs in ASEAN. 

Demonstrating its leadership in the industry, Converge also swept all four major categories at the Ookla Speedtest Awards – Fastest Fixed Network, Best Video Experience, Top Internet Provider in Gaming, and Best Fixed Network – further affirming its position as the leader in fiber internet connectivity in the country.

Converge Wins Big at ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards 2025: Top 5 in Philippines, Top 50 in ASEAN

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Atty. Francis Ed. Lim, who also serves as Chairman of the ACMF Working Group on Corporate Governance, poses with all the Philippine Corporate Governance awardees. 

Leading broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently took home two major accolades in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, having ranked among the Top 5 Publicly Listed Companies (PLCs) in the Philippines, and securing a place among the Top 50 PLCs in ASEAN. 

These wins demonstrate its continued commitment to high governance standards, transparency, and accountability. 

These prestigious awards are based on the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) conducted by the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) in collaboration with the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and involves a highly selective evaluation process.

“This recognition as a top-performing publicly listed company in corporate governance is a remarkable achievement for us, considering we’ve gone public only in 2020. For us, corporate housekeeping is not just a matter of compliance - it is part and parcel of our approach to ethical business operations,” noted Chairman of the Converge Board of Directors Jose “Ping” de Jesus. 

“This recognition exemplifies that the period of growth that Converge has been undergoing is underpinned by a strong commitment to integrity and accountability. We are not just growing, but we are growing responsibly. We know that the ACGS is an evolving document and standards have been raised since 2023; and yet amid these stricter metrics, Converge has exceeded expectations. May we add that among the Top 5 Philippine PLCs, we remain the only non-conglomerate entity to meet these stringent corporate governance standards. This achievement is a collaborative effort at Converge - it is a work of many hands,” noted Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Converge Corporate Sustainability Officer and Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer.  

(from left: Head of Investor Relations and Acting Head of Treasury Owen Kieffer D. Ocampo, Corporate Sustainability Officer and Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer, Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, and Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Atty. Francis Ed. Lim) 

“The government, investors, shareholders, and even competition can attest to the leaps we’ve made in the area of corporate governance, and this is by design. We want to make it clear that, even as an upstart company, revenue growth is not the only target in our sights. That is why we firmed up our sustainability agenda early on,” noted Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Y. Uy. 

The company’s overall Sustainability agenda is spearheaded by the Board Risk Oversight Committee who ensures that the Company’s impacts on the economy, environment (including climate), and people (including human rights) are managed. Under their guidance, the company’s Sustainability Policy was institutionalized; early wins include participation in global sustainability initiatives such as the UN Global Compact and swift compliance with international standards in sustainability reporting. 

Converge made strides to strengthen its corporate governance policies and practices; the company reported zero incidents of customer data breaches for 2024 and zero confirmed corruption incidents, exhibiting the robust governance and data privacy measures. 

The company implements a continuing education program for its Board of Directors ensuring they stay informed and updated on business and regulatory developments. The directors undertook the mandatory Corporate Governance Training, focusing on technology governance, cybersecurity, and socioeconomic trends. 

Significantly, the Corporate Governance team of Converge strengthened its Whistleblowing Policy, by including human rights as one of its guiding principles.  This policy empowers employees to report misconduct or wrongdoing without fear of retaliation through an accessible online platform, promoting transparency and integrity throughout the organization.

This ASEAN-level recognition is just the latest in a string of recognitions the company has received in the past twelve months as it continues to boost its corporate governance record; in September 2024, it received a Three Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Philippine domestic ranking body of the ACGS.  

In that same year, Converge earned a ‘low-risk’ classification on the recent assessment by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and corporate governance analytics firm Sustainalytics, reflecting its improved score on its metrics. Still in 2024, Converge received another nod from global investment research firm MSCI whose rating of the company on ESG efforts in 2023 was upgraded to ‘AA’,  signifying its higher rank as a ‘leader’  within its industry in managing risks.

These awards are a feather in the cap of Converge; The company has been seeing successive wins from Environment, Social, and Governance ranking bodies from 2023-2024. 

The ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard

“The ACGS is more than a benchmarking tool, it is a regional commitment to excellence, a commitment that to ensure that as ASEAN grows, it grows with integrity at its core,” said Yang Berbahagia Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali, Chairman of the MSWG, the domestic ranking body for the ACGS. 

All assessments for the ACGS  are based solely on publicly available information, such as annual reports, company websites, governance policies, and disclosures, to ensure transparency and objectivity. The process begins with domestic assessments conducted by country-specific ranking bodies, followed by two rounds of peer review to ensure consistency and credibility across jurisdictions. This structure reinforces the Scorecard’s status as a reliable regional benchmark. 

“The ACGS was updated in 2023 to align with G20 and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development principles. Sustainability, diversity, and strict engagement stand front and center, raising the bar for all. Despite these heightened  standards, ASEAN companies not only kept apace, but exceeded expectations. This reflects the growing awareness of the importance of corporate governance. As expectations rise, our standards must adapt.  We must move forward together and ensure that no one gets left behind,” noted Atty. Francis Ed. Lim, Chairman of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission and Chairman of the ACMF Working Group on Corporate Governance in his welcome remarks. 

Converge Empowers Pasay City Students with Online Privacy Awareness Program

The Pasay city school is the third learning institution engaged by Converge for its Project PIGLET initiative, which was launched in 2024. 

Leading Philippine broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has once again staged another session of its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies) initiative, in its continuing effort to educate the youth on protecting themselves online. 

Spearheaded by the Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group of Converge, Project PIGLET was recently conducted for eighty, Grade 6 students of the Timoteo Paez Elementary School in Malibay, Pasay City. Notably, twenty parents also attended the program to hear from the company’s privacy officers on how to guide their children online. 

Parents of elementary students also took part in the learning session, exhibiting their commitment and partnership with the school in protecting their children’s welfare online. 

“As a fiber broadband company, and especially now as we evolve in becoming a technology company, we hold fast to our advocacy on safe and responsible use of technology. Artificial intelligence, for example, is a transformative tool that unlocks so many opportunities, but in the wrong hands they may be used to endanger and intensify crimes such as OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children,” noted Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Converge Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer. 

“This program is our way of giving back to children, parents, and teachers especially with everyone having gadgets today. The internet and these gadgets are crucial tools for learning, especially during the pandemic. But we have to acknowledge that they pose dangers as well, and based on studies, children are the most vulnerable to them. That’s why we target them as our audience,” underlined Converge Data Privacy Manager Atty. Janine Villabeto - Solete.

Compliance officer for Privacy Larry Caduada led the story-telling session of a space-themed adventure with ‘Captain Conrad’ - the Converge mascot - through the ‘Internet Universe’. 

Compliance Officer for Privacy Larry Caduada imparted lessons on creating safe online practices through a fun and interactive story-telling session. The narrative follows the adventures of ‘Captain Conrad’ who patrols the internet and protects the ‘Astro Friends’ (young internet users) from malicious agents online.  

“Now that we’re living in a digital world, our children need to be protected. The risks for them  now are not just for their physical safety but psychological and emotional, which can be exposed when they’re online and interacting with so many agents. We’re grateful Project PIGLET was able to explain how they can navigate the online space, through story-telling,” said Timoteo Paez Elementary School Principal Jeanne Rejuso.

In recognition of this advocacy push to teach the youth about responsible internet use, Project PIGLET was recently named a finalist to the National Privacy Commission’s Privacy Initiative of the Year, announced during the Privacy Awareness Week in June. 

The staging of Project PIGLET is just one in a series of activities held in celebration of Privacy Awareness Week (July 14 to 25) at Converge. Executives of Converge conveyed their messages of support and continuing commitment to data privacy at the opening activity held July 14, followed by games, a photo booth, and food carts for employees.

Converge's Caloocan Data Center: First in PH to Achieve Full Uptime Institute Tier III Certification

The Converge Caloocan Data Center is a 300-rack, 3-megawatt facility that will soon house the firm’s assets to support its critical business functions. 

Leading Philippine fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has secured full certification as a Tier III facility for its Caloocan Data Center under global data center authority Uptime Institute.

The latest certification validates that the state-of-the-art data center in Metro Manila has been constructed, and operates according to high-level design requirements, making it the first data center in the Philippines to be fully approved by Uptime Institute as Tier III, both in design and build.

Likewise, it is the first and only infrastructure in the Philippines with Tier III Certification for Constructed Facility.

The company’s Caloocan Data Center is a 300-rack, 3-megawatt facility that will soon house the firm’s assets to support its critical business functions. 

In February, the infrastructure was awarded a Tier III certification for its design documents which affirms that its blueprint meets the redundancy requirements of a rated-three data center. The hub completed its construction in March and has already been powered up for operational testing.

“With our Caloocan Data Center having been fully certified as Tier III, now both for design and for construction, we are on track to building a digital ecosystem that ensures the highest levels of reliability and security for our network. This further enhances our infrastructure to support our core assets and services, ultimately enabling us to deliver seamless data delivery to both our residential and enterprise customers nationwide and around the world,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

The Converge Caloocan Data Center is the first and, currently, the only infrastructure in the Philippines with Tier III Certification for Constructed Facility.

The Tier III certification for Constructed Facility has lifetime validity.  

To accommodate the growing demand for content and cloud services, Converge is in the process of building up its data center footprint, employing a multi-edge strategy, which involves operating multiple smaller data centers across the edge of its network. 

In line with this, a more extensive 1,200-rack data center project is also underway in Pampanga. Aside from supporting the firm’s internal operations, the said digital hub is expected to serve enterprise clients across different sectors.

Apart from these two data centers, two significant international cable systems are slated to be activated this year for Converge, which will enhance the company’s capacity to serve residential, enterprise, and wholesale customers, while enabling innovation across industries. 

These are the Bifrost Cable System which directly links Singapore to the US West Coast with a landing point in Davao and the Southeast Asia Hong Kong-Hainan Express Cable System (SEA-H2X) which connects Hong Kong and Hainan, China to the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Uptime Institute serves as the leading global authority on digital infrastructure performance, focusing on the reliability, sustainability, and efficiency of data centers. Having issued more than 3,500 awards across 118 countries, Uptime Tier Certification is acknowledged as the global benchmark for data center design, construction, and operations.

Converge Unveils Refreshed Brand Identity: Fiber to the Future

The Executive Office floor in the headquarters of Converge in Pasig now proudly displays the refreshed corporate branding. 

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG), the Philippines’ leading broadband and technology provider, today unveiled a refreshed corporate identity - marking a major milestone in the company’s evolution from a traditional telecommunications provider into a forward-looking technology company.

The new logo was formally introduced during the company’s Mid-Year Townhall, where the Converge leadership also shared performance highlights for the first half of 2025 and charted the course for future growth.

“This new corporate identity was created with the future in mind,” said Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy. “We’re at an inflection point in our journey - from simply connecting people through fiber broadband to delivering digital-first, value-added solutions. Our transformation into a full-fledged techco is well underway, and this refreshed identity captures that momentum. It represents our charge to go from fiber to the future, a future where technology and humanity converge.”

A Symbol of Evolution and Growth

The redesigned logo features an icon made of three bold, upward-flowing swoosh strands that form a letter “C”, symbolizing the company’s transformation and forward trajectory. Each strand represents a key pillar of progress for Converge: connectivity, intelligence, and experience.

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy underlined that this rebranding is not just a cosmetic change in the company’s look, but signals a wider, broader, and subtler shift in the company’s focus and direction. 

“The strands convey movement, energy, and growth - mirroring our mission to go beyond building networks to enriching lives and enabling dreams,” said Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy. “It’s a visual representation for how we’re leaping into the future  - together with our customers, partners, and communities. It captures our desire to power the digital journeys of tomorrow.”

Accompanying this dynamic icon is a bolder, more polished, and sharper typeface that reflects the agility and progressive mindset of Converge. The new logo keeps its teal color to pay homage to its roots but with a darker shade to mark the company’s deeper commitment to innovation and technology.

The new visual identity will be rolled out across all corporate materials of Converge and will be applied on all its house brands and sub-brands such as its flagship FiberX postpaid product, low-cost BIDA, and pre-paid Surf2Sawa brands.

Beyond the Logo: A Comprehensive Brand Refresh

The corporate rebranding extends beyond the logo. At the foundation of the logo change is an updated Vision, Mission, and Values to capture the business evolution of Converge from a telecommunications company into a technology company.

To reflect the new business direction, Converge now seeks “to be the foremost technology leader that powers the digital journeys of tomorrow, uplifting the human spirit and moving the country forward.” It is also embarking on a wider mission “to enrich everyday life through inspired innovations and human-centric solutions.”

Its new core values that will help it carry out its broader mission are: Malasakit, Innovation, Customer Centricity, Excellence, Passion for Learning, Inclusivity, and Courage.

Converge also rolled out an Employee Value Proposition that’s designed to align its workforce and future employees with the company’s broader transformation goals and to foster a shared sense of purpose.

Strengthening Leadership for the Journey Ahead

As part of this new chapter, Converge also announced key leadership changes that took effect on July 1. The Board of Directors appointed Benjamin Rex Emilio B. Azada as the new Chief Operations Officer, following the retirement of long-serving executive Jesus “Boboy” C. Romero.

Azada, previously the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer, passed on that responsibility to Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, who now serves concurrently as Corporate Sustainability Officer, Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer. Additionally, Deputy Chief Finance Officer Christine Renee Blabagno has also been named Chief Risk Officer, tasked with strengthening Converge’s strategic risk management.

Azada also handed over his commercial duties to Converge homegrown executive, John Paul Aguilar, who has been named as Head of Consumer and SME business unit.

“The future really looks exciting and brighter for Converge. With a fresh vision and broader mission, we are charging ahead with this new brand identity but at the heart of it all is really our commitment to leave no one behind in this digital age, to make sure that technology serves humanity,” concluded Azada.

Double the Business, Double the Success: How Converge Helps This Olongapo Entrepreneur Thrive

Christine Sibal, entrepreneur from Olongapo City. 

Christine Sibal’s journey as a business owner began in a small spot in Barreto, Olongapo, where she put up a cozy café called 153 Coffee Co. A typical day for her business looks like tables filled up with students, remote workers, and regulars sipping on sea salt lattes or their house-blend 153 Special.

“My husband and I love coffee,” she shared. “He even trained as a barista. At first, we just wanted a place where we could enjoy good coffee and maybe hold a few meetings. But eventually, it turned into a full-blown cafe.”

While some cafés shy away from “long stay” customers, 153 Coffee sees it differently as they welcome students and workers looking for a place to study and hangout. 

Christine opened the shop nearly two years ago. What started with just five to ten cups a day has grown into 50 to 100 cups daily, with additional income from doing event coffee carts and loyal dine-in customers who treat the café like a second home.

But 153 Coffee Co. is only one half of her entrepreneurial story. About a year later, Christine launched Muy Bien Ihaw-Ihaw, a grilled chicken business that continues a mission she’s long been a part of – helping members of her church community build livelihoods through small business.

Christine with her team at Muy Bien Ihaw-Ihaw.

“Muy Bien actually came from a church initiative almost 20 years ago,” she explains. “It started as a way to help members earn extra income, and now it has grown to around 40 outlets across different provinces.”

Her outlet in Barreto is one of the newer ones, and a pilot for a more dine-in–focused model. But whether it’s chicken or coffee, Christine runs both businesses with a mix of passion and purpose. And behind the scenes, there's one modern tool that keeps it all running smoothly: fast, stable internet from leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge.

“Even before we opened the café, we were already using Converge at home. So when we started the businesses, it just made sense to use something we already trusted,” she said.

Christine's businesses rely on Converge for their internet connection, which is essential for their daily operations, including the POS system and CCTV. It also enables customers to access various online payment channels.

Christine now runs both shops on Converge flexiBiz plans. The internet powers everything from her POS system to CCTV for remote monitoring. “I can check sales even when I’m not at the shop. I can log in, see what’s happening, and make sure everything’s running right. It’s really helped me stay hands-on, even from a distance,” Christine added. 

She also admitted that a fast internet has now become a customer essential. While some cafés shy away from “long stay” customers, Christine sees it differently. “A lot of our customers use our internet for their work or study. We offer it for free to our dine-in customers. That’s one of the reasons people keep coming back.”

Now, with both businesses thriving and the systems to keep them moving efficiently, Christine is looking forward to putting up more branches. She also offered some pieces of advice to fellow entrepreneurs who are just getting started.

“For me, I believe passion comes first. So whatever it is you love to do, whatever you believe in, go for it. Even if people say it’s not trendy or popular right now, if that’s what you enjoy and if your heart is into it, that will succeed.”

Converge ICT Appoints Former NAVER Cloud CEO to Board, Accelerating Tech Transformation

In a decisive move to bolster its transformation into a full-fledged technology company, leading Philippine fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has elected Park Weongi, former CEO of NAVER Cloud, to its Board of Directors during its meeting on July 8, reinforcing the move of the company to go beyond connectivity and become a digital infrastructure and technology services powerhouse.

Park, a respected leader in cloud and digital infrastructure with over 30 years of global experience, brings deep technology expertise that will help steer Converge through its next phase of growth. His election to the Board supports the company’s ongoing shift from pure fiber broadband services to a broader suite of technology solutions, including enterprise cloud, AI-enabled services, and digital platforms.

“At this critical stage of our evolution into a technology company, we are building a leadership team that matches the scale and complexity of our ambitions,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. 

“Mr. Park’s track record in leading large-scale digital transformations and building future-ready infrastructure aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate the Philippines’ digital economy. His presence on our Board is not only strategic — it’s transformational.”

Park will serve the unexpired term of Atty. Francis Ed. Lim who was recently appointed as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Park will join the Board Risk Oversight Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 

A Proven Technology Leader

As CEO of NAVER Cloud from 2014 to 2022, Park led the company through a phase of rapid innovation and scale, expanding its cloud service portfolio from 22 to over 200 offerings across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. He also spearheaded NAVER’s sustainable data center strategy, earning the company a Platinum LEED certification. 

From 2023 to 2025, Park served as CEO of NAVER Cloud APAC, where he drove regional expansion into 10 international markets and forged key partnerships across Southeast Asia, strengthening NAVER’s competitive position in the global digital infrastructure space.

His leadership roots run deep in enterprise IT, with earlier roles at IBM and TELUS Canada, where he led global IT services and telecom operations, respectively.

Strategic Synergy

Converge’s pivot to becoming a techco involves significant investment in digital platforms, data centers, cloud services, and AI-based solutions. Park’s experience scaling NAVER’s cloud business and navigating fast-evolving technology markets will directly inform Converge’s strategy in these areas.

“Converge is no longer just a connectivity company. We're building the digital backbone of the future — and we need board-level guidance from leaders who’ve already built those foundations at a global scale,” Uy added.

Park currently serves as Executive Advisor to NAVER Cloud, offering strategic guidance as the company continues to expand across Asia.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Yonsei University in South Korea. 

During its July 8 meeting, the Converge Board also appointed Arlene San Juan as Company Treasurer, taking on the role from Christine R. Blabagno who was announced as the Chief Risk Officer, concurrent with her duty as the Deputy Chief Finance Officer. 

Converge Again Powers Pride: Connecting Love at Love Laban sa Diliman 2025

Converge employees as they took part in Pride Fest activities, in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the fourth consecutive year, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. proudly participated in Pride Month celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQIA+ community in the recent Love Laban sa Diliman Pride PH Festival 2025.

Taking place at the University of the Philippines - Diliman on June 28, the festival drew around 250,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including students, youth groups, government representatives, health advocates, businesses, and religious organizations, all united in support of equality and inclusion.

As the event's official connectivity partner again this year, Converge provided the event’s internet requirements, connecting the Pride Expo to the wider LGBTQIA+ community online, and enhancing online engagement. 

“Supporting events like the Pride fest is part of our commitment to building a more inclusive and connected society,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, who also participated in the march. 

Converge employees as they took part in Pride Fest activities, in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

She noted that Converge as an organization advocates for diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belongingness (DEIB) in the workplace by putting policies in place to make sure that everyone feels seen, respected, and supported.

Despite the event falling on a Saturday, more than 30 employees from Converge also showed their support by taking part in the Pride parade, on behalf of the company, embodying the values of love, acceptance, and self-pride. 

Converge mascot Conrad was also present during the celebration, adding more fun and excitement for the festival attendees. 

In addition to their presence at the parade, Converge set up a booth where festival-goers could take memorable photos and enjoy fun games and giveaways.

Since 2022, Converge has actively participated in Pride Fest, continually endorsing initiatives that promote diversity and foster community bonding. And for the past two years, the company has served as the official connectivity partner of Pride PH for the said gathering.

"For me, this is a great initiative that gives us a chance to stand for equality and take part in something worthwhile. It was also a nice break from work and a memorable experience to share with my fellow employees,” said Converge IT Department Customer Technology Services IT UAM Senior Engineer Christine May Elebada, one of the Converge employees who volunteered to join the event. 

Converge marched alongside various sectors during the festival to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Being part of this event was such a great experience. It felt good to step out from our usual work stuff and do something meaningful. Being there with my workmates who share the same support made the experience even better. I’d definitely be up for doing it again next year,” said Francis Miko Valiente from Converge IT Business Solutions Management.

Love Laban sa Diliman was organized by Pride PH, in collaboration with the Quezon City government and the University of the Philippines - Diliman. 

Going Beyond Gender

To push the inclusivity agenda beyond talks of gender and embrace a more encompassing view of acceptance, Converge held a webinar on Diversity and Inclusion last June 23. 

Drawing online participation of 160 employees, the webinar focused on two insightful talks: one from a strong gender and social advocate and another, from the company’s internal champion for sustainability and inclusion. 

Shebana Alqaseer, a gender expert serving as a consultant to many international and local organizations, pushed the advocacy of wider social inclusion and broadening the definition of diversity beyond the lens of just gender-oriented differences. 

“Diversity is a better known concept because in the West, it’s talked about as a matter of race. But to us, diversity should include not just gender or race, but other factors such as religion and socioeconomic status. Studies show that the more diverse our workforce, the more diverse ideas come to the fore. The variety of ideas and perspectives result in a richer and more nuanced approach to policy and work environment,” noted Alqaseer.  

Bianca Muzones, Sustainability Analyst at Converge, meanwhile elaborated on the company’s evolving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy, stressing the importance of getting baseline feedback from the employees. 

MSMEs advised to take small steps towards AI adoption

 

Speaking before the North Luzon Area Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held in Bataan province, Uy championed technology adoption, especially in the face of widespread use of new technologies such as generative AI.

As intimidating and complex artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should take gradual but steady steps towards exploring how these could make operations more efficient and scalable, according to Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Chairman Dennis Anthony Uy. 

Speaking before the North Luzon Area Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held in Bataan province, Uy championed technology adoption, especially in the face of widespread use of new technologies such as generative AI. 

“Companies all over the world are trying to adapt to AI. Here in the Philippines, we’re barely scratching the surface. And the smaller businesses, which are just starting to embrace digitalization, have to learn new ways of doing business with the growing pervasiveness of these new technologies,” said Uy.

“AI is not just for medium to large companies. Micro and small businesses can also find a foothold in the use of the game-changing technology,” he added. “With AI adoption, MSMEs can potentially increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive competitive edge.”

Coming from a trip to Taiwan which is known as the global hub for the semiconductor industry, Uy noted that artificial intelligence is making its way through the manufacturing value chains of most technology sectors.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Chairman Dennis Anthony Uy (third from left) delivered the keynote address during the opening ceremony of the North Luzon Area Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held in Bataan.
IN PHOTO (from left): PCCI-Bataan President Bryan Joseph Banzon, PCCI Chairman Emeritus and ECOP and Philexport President Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., Converge CEO Uy, Bataan Governor Hon. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia, PCCI Vice President for Regional Affairs and Membership Bing Sibal-Limjoco, PCCI Director for Environment and Climate Change and Education and Corporate Governance Edgardo Lacson, PCCI-North Luzon Area Vice President Atty. Maria Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan, and PCCI-Region III Regional Governor Cristina Tuzon.

“If the Philippines can find a niche spot in this value chain, the multiplier to employment, skills and knowledge upgrading, and the effect on downstream industries is massive,” he said. “While micro and small businesses may not yet be able to participate in these larger value chains, where they can benefit from is by taking small steps in adapting AI tools,” noted Uy. 

From the part of the local government, Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III pledged his support to make his province “future-ready” by hosting start-ups and supporting digitally-enabled businesses.

“We want to express the support of the provincial government of Bataan, of course together with all the local government units for the creative and innovative industry. We know this sector is the key to accelerate more productivity and growth, especially for the youth who were born adept to digital devices,” noted Garcia. 

The possibilities of AI use were experienced first-hand by micro and small businesses in the Byte Forward Hackathon jointly organized by Converge, PCCI, the Department of Trade and Industry, and Converge subsidiary Rev21 Labs. 

Converge and the participating small businesses came up with problem statements stemming from actual pain points experienced in the course of business. Ten teams of third and fourth year college students from Bataan came up with solutions aided by AI tools. 

Artificial intelligence will come into bigger focus in the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo organized by the PCCI. As Chairman of the Conference, Uy deliberately made the move to make the event ‘technology-forward’ and bring modern, digital solutions to MSMEs. The Conference will be held on October 20-12 at the SMX Convention Center. 

Converge, PCCI, DTI move to ‘tech-enable’ MSMEs

Both Secretary Roque and CEO Uy share the mission not to leave micro and small businesses behind as the government moves forward on broader digitalization initiatives. 

Launches nationwide hackathon for students,small biz owners

If there’s one lesson that was learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that digitalization is not just the buoy to keep micro and small businesses afloat in times of calamities - it’s the entire ship that will save businesses and keep them moving forward amid adversities.

The Department of Trade and Industry, referencing numbers from the Philippine Statistics Authority, cites that there are a total of 1,246,373 business enterprises operating in the country in 2023. Of these, 99.63% are MSMEs.

"Given their immense contribution to the economy, including local employment, small and micro businesses need to be at the forefront of digitalization," PCCI President Consul Enunina Mangio said.

This is why the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippines’ largest business group, is taking a leap to modernize MSMEs in small but tangible ways.   

Leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has officially lent a hand to this cause, and, together with the DTI, are moving as one to boost the country’s digital competitiveness. The goal is for the country to ride the momentum of digitalization that has propelled the growth of advanced Southeast Asian economies like Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and in line with the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, we are forging a future where no small business is left behind. At the Department of Trade and Industry, we believe that every sari-sari store, every market vendor, every MSME has the power to grow, compete, and uplift communities—if given the right tools," said Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

"Digitalization is a promise to our people. By embracing e-commerce, digital payments, and online marketing, we are opening doors for Filipino entrepreneurs to dream bigger, reach farther, and build a better life for their families. This is how we move forward—together, and with no one left behind,” the trade chief added. 

Converge will be mounting a 24-hour hackathon called Byte Forward, that will run alongside PCCI’s regional business conferences, to be held in North Luzon, Visayas, National Capital Region, Mindanao, and South Luzon. 

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy paid a call to Secretary Roque for a collaboration on digital access for MSMEs.

“We want to maximize the use of technology in every area where business owners stand to benefit. In the hackathon, we will not just concentrate on solving real-life problems of business owners but crucially, we will tap students that have the technological know-how to solve these problems and put them in the same room,” said Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy, who was also elected as the PCCI’s Chairman for the Philippine Business Conference and Expo for 2025.

PCCI's local chambers of commerce, majority of which are comprised of MSMEs, and Converge will come up with solutions addressing problem statements stemming from actual pain points experienced in the course of business, then ten teams of third and fourth year college students from the areas will be put to the test to come up with the best solution. 

“The hackathon is certainly a welcome move for MSMEs particularly as it will come up with viable and practical technology solutions that meet their needs and can help them move up the value chain.  We are happy that Converge, through the efforts of our PBC Chair Dennis Uy, is making this happen," Mangio added. 

Each leg of the hackathon will see the one winning team take home P 50,000. The winners of the Regional Hackathons will go head to head during a culminating hackathon that will happen  at the PCCI’s 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in October 20-12 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila with prizes of up to P500,000. 

“Linking up the private sector and the academe has always been an advocacy of PCCI but where we can bring value is injecting this focus on innovation, as a way of encouraging these businesses to look to emerging technologies to future-proof their business,” noted Uy. 

The PCCI North Luzon Business conference is set to kick off in Bataan from June 19-20, 2025. The two-day event will also feature a trade fair exhibit, and the conference itself will gather the country’s most prominent voices in government, academe, and industry with the theme “ Northern Philippines: Agile, Innovative. Soaring.” 

Converge accepts resignation of Atty. Francis Lim from its Board, following appointment as SEC Chairman

Atty. Francis Ed. Lim was appointed to the Board of Directors of Converge in June 2020.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) has announced the acceptance of the resignation of Atty. Francis Ed. Lim on 9 June 2025 from its Board of Directors following his appointment as Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman by His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Converge Chairman Jose de Jesus thanked Lim for his invaluable contribution to the company since he joined the Board at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

“We are truly grateful to Director Francis for his steadfast guidance to the organization in the past five years. His wealth of experience in commercial and corporate law served us well in strengthening our organizational structure and putting in place the necessary guard rails for good governance, particularly during our early days as a publicly-listed company,” said de Jesus.

Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy noted that Atty. Lim was also instrumental in steadily uplifting the company’s corporate governance practices, improving risk management, increasing transparency, and enabling the company to attract high-caliber talent as member of the Converge Board committees on Corporate Governance, Risk Oversight, Related Party Transactions, and Remuneration.

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy said Atty. Lim helped steer Converge to unprecedented heights, providing sound legal advice as the company navigated the complexities of the pandemic and the demands of a public company.

“While his term with us has come to an end, we are elated that he will now lend in the service of government at the SEC his peerless legal expertise and deep knowhow of the capital markets. Without a doubt, his leadership of this important regulatory body will further lead to a robust, efficient and fair market functioning that will drive more businesses to flourish and attract fresh investments. We wish him all the best in his new capacity as corporate regulator,” he said.

“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the stockholders for the trust and confidence they placed in me by electing me as a member of this Board. It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. and it is my fervent hope that I have contributed in such capacity to the well-being of our Company,” said Atty. Lim in his letter to the Board. 

“To my fellow Directors and the Management Team, thank you for the camaraderie, wisdom, and support throughout my tenure,” he added.  

A prominent icon in corporate circles, Mr. Lim was named President and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange from 2004-2010 during which he also held several senior management positions at Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines, the Capital Market Development Center, Inc., the Philippine Stock Exchange Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation, and the Securities Investors Protection Fund. 

  Mr. Lim also served in an extensive capacity in the Supreme Court through membership in several sub-committees, thereby taking part in the creation of a number of Rules of Court pertaining to commerce and corporate restructuring.

The Converge Board Nominations Committee will be reviewing potential candidates to take Lim’s seat at the Board and will announce his replacement following the election by the company’s Board of Directors.

Under Section 28 of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, the remaining directors may elect a replacement to serve for the unexpired term should a vacancy arise and it does not reduce the Board's composition below the quorum.

Converge Appoints New COO, Reinforces Executive Team for Future-Ready Growth

2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

Leading Philippine broadband and technology services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. announced key movements within its leadership team as it charts a future-forward direction focusing on long-term resilience and sustainable growth.

During the Board of Directors Organizational Meeting held on May 30, 2025 after the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, Jesus “Boboy” C. Romero signified his desire to retire from the  Company as Chief Operations Officer after nine fruitful years of service. The Board of Directors unanimously approved Boboy’s retirement effective end of business day of June 30, 2025. 

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy thanked Romero for his invaluable contributions to Converge, particularly his role in successfully translating the tremendous demand for fiber broadband faced by the company at the height of the pandemic into tangible gains.

“Boboy has seen us through the bold entry of Converge in the broadband market, to the hypergrowth years during the pandemic, and we are truly grateful. And now as we leap into the future, we look forward to continuing having Boboy as a supportive business partner,” Uy added. 

The Board then appointed Benjamin Rex Emilio B. Azada as the new Chief Operations Officer effective July 1, 2025, to handle the reins of the overall operations of Converge. 

2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

“Converge is entering an exciting new era that will be defined by dynamic changes and innovations. We’ve made strategic adjustments to our management as we evolve into a technology company. We need this kind of focus for us to leap into the future with beyond-connectivity services and innovative solutions that leverage pivotal technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and cloud computing,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

“In line with this, we’re proud to put Benj, a trusted and seasoned executive whose talents have spanned the areas of Strategy, Sustainability, and Product Development, Sales and Marketing, to lead overall company operations,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. 

Azada finished his BS Industrial Engineering degree at the University of the Philippines, and earned his Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (with Merit) from the University of Durham, in England. Prior to joining Converge, Azada was the Consulting Managing Principal and a Management Board member of PwC Philippines, and also a Partner of PwC’s South East Asia Consulting Practice. 

After serving as Converge Chief Strategy Officer for almost four years, Azada was appointed Chief Commercial Officer early in 2024 and helped steer Converge to sustained growth with total revenues jumping almost 15% in 2024 compared to its year-ago level as the residential subscriber base increased by 20% to more than 2.5 million at the end of that year and now reaching over 2.7 million customers. Azada will relinquish commercial operations to capable hands directly supporting the company’s sales and marketing strategies, ensuring sustained business growth. 

Azada, who was also Chief Sustainability Officer, will hand over his sustainability portfolio to Converge Corporate Compliance Officer Laurice Esteban-Tuason who was named as Corporate Sustainability Officer, concurrent with her position as Converge Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer.

Atty. Esteban-Tuason was recently lauded as the Best Data Privacy Officer (in the sector of General Management and Services) by the Philippines’ leading professional information security organization, the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG). She also recently completed her Master’s in Cybersecurity, With High Distinction, at the Asian Institute of Management. 

Meanwhile, Converge Treasurer, Christine Renee Blabagno, has been appointed concurrently as Chief Risk Officer to focus on strategic risk management of Converge, especially with the changing business and social climate in the Philippines and the evolving broadband landscape. Christine Blabagno brings over 25 years of financial management to Converge, having been a financial leader and strategist for over 14 years at a telco company in various leadership positions, the last being Vice President of Consolidated Core Business Controllership. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with a professional diploma in Enterprise Risk Planning & Management from the National University of Singapore.

“With these changes in our leadership team, we are entering a new chapter—one that positions us more strategically for greater growth. By revamping the leadership bench while reinforcing our core values, we’re building the momentum needed to seize new opportunities and navigate the future as we transition to a techco,” said Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy.