Like most nations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is attempting to balance short-term economic and business goals with a long-term switch to sustainability. While the country is digitally transforming its government services and industries, it must also follow the global approach of adopting eco-friendly solutions across all sectors.
According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), member states are committed to protecting the environment, fighting inequality, improving health and education, building eco-cities, and creating opportunities to end poverty. The technology industry in the Philippines has a pivotal role to play in ensuring it can meet those goals.
Even though the nation has progressed in developing the infrastructure and supporting new businesses, many challenges remain, such as uplifting millions of citizens living in poor or unsanitary areas.
Here are some sustainable startups trying to make a difference:
EcoNest
Distributions company EcoNest aims to protect the planet through innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Its business model involves reducing the reliance on petroleum-based packages and giving local consumers and brands technologically advanced, functional, and biodegradable alternatives that are good for environmental, human, and economic health. Its plant-based products include biobags made from cassava, containers from sugarcane, bamboo straws, cutlery, and more.
EcoNest is a privately held company owned by Secaed Global Enterprises Inc., so it does not require external funding. It operates a Sustainability Alliance comprising its consumers, partners, corporations, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is an environmentally conscientious community that aims to operate sustainably and avoid plastic pollution.
Bambuhay
Founded in 2018 by Mark Sultan Gersava, Bambuhay makes sustainable and eco-friendly products for everyday living. It also inspires businesses to implement solutions for climate change, pollution, deforestation, reforestation, and more. Additionally, it seeks to help farmers out of poverty by providing a path to a sustainable livelihood.
The company's name, Bambuhay, comes from the words:
- "Bamboo" - a plant which grows mainly in tropical areas
- "Habambuhay" - a Filipino word meaning Sustainability.
- "Hanapbuhay" - a Filipino word for Livelihood.
- "Buhay" - a Filipino word meaning Life.
In 2018, the startup applied for and was accepted to the United Nations' Innovation for Social Impact Partnership (ISIP) project, receiving grants and guidance to access markets, legal help, communications support, and capital. The AirAsia Foundation gave the company a social enterprise grant to train more farmers and expand its production capacity by purchasing additional machines and installing facilities to supply electricity and water reliably.
Mober
Dennis Ng founded Mober, a greentech logistics solutions provider, in 2015 to enable global brands to deliver their products to customers sustainably. It partners with companies like Kuehne + Nagel, providing rapid shipping and same-day deliveries. It has a one-stop mobile app that covers all a customer's logistics needs, reduces emissions through its electric vehicles, and lowers costs through efficiency. Moreover, it has an EV charging station in Pasay City.
Thus far, Mober has raised over USD 4 million, with the most recent funding of USD 2 million coming in February 2024 from RT Heptagon Holdings. The company's business approach is to ensure sustainable deliveries by making them more efficient and tracking its CO2 savings. The latest funding will help increase its fleet from 60 EVs and electrify its home deliveries by 100% by 2025.
Cropital
Cropital, Ruel Amparo's brainchild, has been helping Filipino farmers access sustainable financing through its crowdfunding solution since 2015. The country's farmers have an average age of 57, and two out of three live below the poverty line. The company's users invest in smallholder farmers by providing funding to acquire the right resources and boost production.
After the harvest, crops are sold, and the profit is shared among the Cropital investors. The company claims its historical data shows that its users receive a return on investment of about 3% to 30% in less than six months. Cropital received an undisclosed amount in 2016 in a Pre-Seed round from Fledge. Its business model protects poor farmers from predatory lenders who may push them deeper into debt.
Towards a greener tomorrow
According to the e-Conomy SEA Report 2023 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, the Philippines will experience growth in multiple sectors as its population of over 117 million is one of the most digitally engaged in Southeast Asia and the world. Filipinos are young and tech-savvy, and there is dedicated startup aid through government funding and regulatory support.
Moreover, there is an opportunity to push sustainability education backed by the government and private sector, which can provide training, skills development, and resources for protecting the planet.
The Filipino government also has the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to accelerate the growth of new and innovative businesses. Promoting the growth of more sustainable startups in the country will help ensure increased protection of the environment from pollutants and plastics.
Furthermore, the resulting lower emissions will improve air quality and the overall respiratory health of Filipinos.
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