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| Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Converge Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer and Corporate Sustainability Officer, holds up the Kabataang Digital Award at the PAW Awards 2026 in Okada, Manila. |
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has been recognized as a champion of data privacy, receiving the Kabataang Digital Award from the National Privacy Commission (NPC). The distinction honors the company’s initiative to empower young people to understand and protect their data privacy rights online.
The NPC presents the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) Awards annually to celebrate efforts that strengthen data privacy awareness and promote responsible handling of personal information across the Philippines. For its 2026 edition, the commission conferred 10 awards to organizations and individuals making significant contributions to advancing data protection nationwide.
The Kabataang Digital Award specifically recognizes programs that empower and safeguard children and youth by fostering digital responsibility, raising privacy awareness, and promoting measures to secure their personal data.
“This recognition reminds us that technology is most meaningful when it serves to protect, empower, and uplift young people and communities. We share this award with everyone who believed in Project PIGLET—short for Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies—supported our vision, and worked quietly behind the scenes to bring it to life. Most of all, we dedicate this to the youth: may we continue building a digital space that is safe, responsible, and hopeful for the next generation,” said Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer, and Corporate Sustainability Officer, during the ceremony.
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| AVP & Head of Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Eumir Espiritu leads the story-telling session involving the 'space cadets' and their 'space officers' (parents) to children of Brgy. Baclayan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro |
Launched in 2024 by the Corporate Governance and Data Privacy Group, Project PIGLET is designed to boost digital literacy and privacy awareness among school-aged children.
Tailored for learners as young as seven years old, the program uses interactive storytelling to teach children how to protect their digital identity. Through a space-themed adventure narrative, participants learn about online risks and practical ways to secure their personal information. The initiative also encourages parents and guardians to take an active role in this “digital adventure,” emphasizing that protecting children’s privacy is a shared responsibility.
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| Captain Conrad (Converge) seeks the help of intrepid space explorers in navigating the 'internet space' and battles Internet monsters along the way. |
Since its launch, Project PIGLET has been implemented in schools across Metro Manila, Mindoro, and Pampanga, as well as among Converge employees and their families.
“Guided by our mission to leverage Tech For Good, we take seriously the responsibility of balancing broad connectivity access with the protection of our users’ data. Through programs like Project PIGLET, we aim to safeguard those most vulnerable online—especially children,” added Esteban-Tuason.
Atty. Esteban-Tuason was previously honored in 2025 as Best Data Privacy Officer (under the General Management and Services sector) by the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), the Philippines’ leading organization for information security professionals.
