6 success tips for women entrepreneurs

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Although starting a business can be a difficult undertaking, it may be even more challenging for women. Often, unequal access to funding limits the best business concepts from women to be actualized, despite their skillset and potential for increased revenue.

GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon

In a webinar entitled, “Is VC Funding for Women Founders Getting Any Better?” organized by DealStreetAsia, a Singapore-based financial news website, women founders of startups shared their insights on addressing the gender disparity in venture capital (VC) funding. Among the panelists was Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet which saw exponential customer growth during the pandemic and now has 46 million users.

During the event, Sazon shared nuggets of wisdom gained through years of experience in overcoming business challenges and achieving entrepreneurial success. Read on as the woman who helped propel GCash to become the county’s number 1 e-wallet shares 6 success tips for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

1. Build your network. “Everything starts off with connection,” said Sazon. Finding a community of fellow women entrepreneurs can offer you connection, networking and support while going through the ups and downs of starting your business. She explained that it’s important to have someone who holds you accountable while having your back. The GCash leader also acknowledged her network which includes other GCash executives who saw her potential beyond her gender.

2. Build your business' track record. Sazon said that although connections matter in gaining access to capital funding, your business track record should tell a good story on how well you can sustain your business. “Your investors should be aware of what you do, what you know and what you stand for,” she added.

3. Substance and credibility make a huge difference. In order for investors to take notice of your startup, Sazon said it’s important to be thoroughly prepared during business pitches and negotiations. Although some people might try to be confident and just “wing it,” Sazon advises aspiring entrepreneurs to do their homework, be prepared, and make sure to always have substance and credibility when speaking.

4. Find a mentor. Mentorship helps women entrepreneurs make better decisions. Sazon said it’s vital to educate women in high school so they take the right course in college, arming them with the tools to eventually start a business. “Young girls should be given more right visual cues that women can succeed wherever they set their mind to,” she said.

5. Support other women. There are easy ways for women-led startups to thrive, such as creating chat groups or building organizations to support fellow women entrepreneurs. “We need to be more conscious of supporting women and amplify diversity more.”

6. Communicate and believe in your purpose. Credibility also shows when a woman entrepreneur is rooted in something deeper. “Articulate your purpose and believe in it. It will make you more bulletproof on the hurdles that may come along the way,” said Sazon. She added, “Be unfazed. Trust your capability. Trust your talent and you'll get there.”

Sazon revealed that her purpose is to help Filipinos’ everyday life become better. She is leading GCash with the “Finance for All” vision by providing convenient and affordable digital products for Pinoys such as “Send Money,” “Bank Transfer,” “Pay Bills’ and more on the GCash app.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

Coca-Cola celebrates a successful decade of empowering 250,000 women entrepreneurs in the Philippines

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The company’s women economic empowerment programs have reached every region and province of the Philippines

Coca-Cola believes that improving women’s economic conditions enables the creation of more empowered communities. In 2010, the beverage company made a global commitment to empower 5 million women across its value chain by 2020. Today, on International Women’s Day, Coca-Cola announced that it has surpassed its global goal, enabling more than 6 million women through 318 programs across 100 countries. Here in the Philippines, Coca-Cola announced that it has successfully supported the economic empowerment of about 250,000 women retailers all over the Philippines—this represents 21% of the total universe of small sari-sari store owners in the country.

Coca-Cola Philippines iSTAR MoA Signing :

Last October 2020, Coca-Cola Philippines and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched the STAR program’s digital roadmap, iSTAR. With this program, Coca-Cola Philippines is expected to reach more Filipinos to become economically empowered as entrepreneurs.

“Through this program over the last decade, we’ve seen women creating a ripple effect of change. As we move forward in this new decade, we will continue our commitment to fostering gender equality and support women as they challenge the barriers and the Kababae Mong Tao (Unlady-like) narratives in our society,” says Tony del Rosario, president of Coca-Cola Philippines and vice president for franchise operations of the East Region for Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “This is good for society, good for business, and good for socio-economic progress.”

Coca-Cola Philippines ReSTART Program

An additional PHP27 million fund targets to help additional 5,000 micro-retailers through Coca-Cola ReSTART program. This program aims to provide financial support and educational resources to help and educate micro-retailers on how to safely operate in times of pandemic.

A decade ago, the Philippines was selected as one of a handful of global lead markets to pilot the 5by20 initiative. Realizing that the full potential of women can only be achieved by investing and creating an enabling environment where women can succeed, Coca-Cola Philippines has made incredible strides in empowering and advancing women across its value chain. Over the last decade, the 5by20 program has reached all 17 regions and 81 provinces of the country, which includes sari-sari store owners, carinderia owners, repatriated OFWs, artisan women, and women in operations. For those in Coca-Cola’s external value chain, the company provides business skills training, financial services, and peer mentoring support.

Coca-Cola Philippines OFW RISE Program

Through Coca-Cola Philippines’ OFW Re-Integration through Skills and Entrepreneurship Program or OFW RISE, 10,000 returning OFWs can make their dream of having their own business and staying with their family come true. Currently, 2,743 OFWs are enrolled in the program.

Women as the best investment to spur economic growth

The journey of Coca-Cola towards women economic empowerment here in the Philippines started in 2011 with the pilot program of the 5by20 Sari-Sari Stores Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program. In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the STAR program for the past decade and until today helps women overcome barriers to achieving their full potential.

Globally-referenced as a case study on effective business-sustainability initiatives and identified as one of the country’s first business training modules that provides Gender Sensitivity Training, the STAR program continues to emphasize the critical role women play in their families and communities, at the same time, in fostering economic growth.

A 2020 report of the program’s impact revealed that 97% of the women participants found the women economic programs beneficial in their business management.

“Coca-Cola Philippines wouldn’t be where it is today without the strategic role that women play as a key pillar of our business success,” says Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, public affairs and sustainability director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “Supporting women and small retailers will always be a priority for us. When women are empowered, their valuable contribution is not only seen within their families nor in the communities; but in the vibrancy of the economy as well.”

Since its inception, Coca-Cola has built many partnerships and engagements anchored in women’s economic empowerment. The STAR Program has evolved into several other initiatives in response to the prevailing needs of women and sub-sectors—working closely with various government agencies, civil society organizations, and micro-finance institutions. To date, the STAR Program has expanded to sub-initiatives such as iSTAR, STAR Ka-Asenso, ReSTART, Women Artisans of Tondo, PASCO, STAR Rebuild, Women REACH, and OFW Rise, which continue to advance the gender equality agenda.

Coca-Cola and women towards a better shared future

Even after a decade of active participation in the sphere of women empowerment, Coca-Cola Philippines understands that supporting women and communities continues to be essential for economies to thrive into the next decade and beyond.

“Since last year, we have pivoted some of our women economic initiatives to support small retailers in restarting and recovering through the pandemic,” del Rosario further added. “Though we have surpassed our 2020 goal here in the Philippines and globally, the story of resilience and empowerment will continue, and we remain committed to helping women and communities thrive in line with our purpose of refreshing the world and making a difference,” he concluded.

The initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines have produced positive results and unlocked the full economic potential of women through the support of like-minded organizations from the government: TESDA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – OWWA & NRCO, the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) – an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Local Government Units (LGUs); civil-society organizations: Small Business Corporations, and USAID; and micro-finance institutions: Tagum City Council of Women (TCCWI), the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), and ASA Philippines.

To learn more about the women economic empowerment vision of Coca-Cola, visit https://www.coca-colacompany.com/shared-future/women-empowerment. #

About Coca-Cola in the Philippines

Coca-Cola has been refreshing Filipinos and making a difference in the Philippines for 109 years. The Philippines was Coca-Cola’s first market in Asia to begin local bottling operations. Today, the Coca-Cola system in the Philippines has evolved into a total beverage company, offering a diverse portfolio of brands in its beverage portfolio and employing over 15,000 Filipinos in over 19 manufacturing facilities and more than 60 distribution centers nationwide. As part of its long-standing commitment to the country, Coca-Cola continues to #GOBEYONDGOOD as a business by continuously supporting safe water access programs in over 250 communities, empowering around 250,000 women entrepreneurs through training and peer mentoring, and accelerating packaging collection and recycling under its global World Without Waste initiative

Canva Reaches US$3.2B Valuation, Launches Enterprise and Affiliate Program

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Design platform Canva recently announced its new valuation of US$3.2 billion, raising an additional US$85 million dollars from high-profile investors Mary Meeker'sBond, General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, Blackbird and Sequoia China. At the back of this announcement, the company also introduced two new ventures: Canva for Enterprise and Canva Pro Affiliate Program.

Canva aims to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere with its user-friendly design tools and thousands of templates to choose from.

Founded by Chief Executive Officer Melanie Perkins, Chief Operating Officer Cliff Obrecht and Chief Product Officer Cameron Adams in 2013, Canva has grown to over 20 million users across 190 countries, publishing over 1.8 million designs.

“In a world that is increasingly visual, Canva solves real challenges faced by product and marketing teams across every industry. We continue to be impressed by this team and their ability to expand their product lines to meet demand and we’re delighted to invest once again,” shared Kyle Doherty, Managing Director of General Catalyst.

Early last year, the startup reached unicorn status, making it one of the fastest growing and most promising female-led tech companies in the world.

Democratizing design for Filipino enterprises

Fueled by its mission to empower the world to design, Canva expands its services to cater to the needs of large Filipino businesses with the introduction of Canva for Enterprise.

“The Philippines is fast becoming a thriving hub for businesses and we, Filipinos, love to collaborate. However, as a franchisee or a company that works with teams from different offices and geographies, collaborating and centralizing processes may be a challenge - resulting in marketing materials being off-brand.

“With Canva for Enterprise, we are enabling local businesses to ensure brand consistency throughout their teams,” said Yani Hornilla-Donato, country manager of Canva Philippines.

With Canva for Enterprise, large organizations can ensure all designs created are onbrand, by facilitating collaboration with teams via a digital asset management platform, integrated workflow tools, and brand control features. 

Donato adds, “With brand control, unlimited storage, and thousands of templates, we hope to empower every business in the Philippines with a simple, easy and efficient design platform.”

Canva for Enterprise is designed with integrated and customizable design tools which make it easier for businesses to create brand assets and collaborate online.

Earn while creating with Canva Pro

While Canva for Enterprise is custom-built for large teams, Canva Pro is designed to boost productivity and empower small business owners, content creators and marketers with its time-saving design features. Whether you’re a team of one or an online business owner who has just started, Canva Pro will empower you to take your business to the next level.

With the launch of the new Canva Pro Affiliate Program, Filipinos can also earn additional income with a commission of up to US$36.50 (around PHP1,800) for each Canva Pro subscriber referred. 

“From business cards and social media posts, to presentations and flyers, we’re hoping that the affiliate program will help us spread the word about the power that Canva Pro can have for small businesses,” added Donato. “We hope that with Canva’s continued growth and expanded services, we are able to provide meaningful design solutions to every Filipino entrepreneur.”

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Select The Best Merchant Account For Your E-Commerce Business

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Have you discovered something that is making a huge difference to how you run your business?

All entrepreneurs, small or big business owners, it's always helpful and enjoying discovering tools, technology, and tricks that can make business lifestyle a lot easier. There are simple things can be so helpful in running a small business and once you discover them, you wonder how you ever did without.

It’s an undeniable fact that today’s small business owners are increasingly moving towards providing the majority of their wares online. This means that they often opt for a digital storefront rather than one that is brick and mortar. 

We call this “e-commerce”, and it is becoming a staple of today’s household. In order to best compete in this landscape, it is important that you find the best merchant account for your e-commerce business. 

Let’s take a look at some of the things to look for, like smart swipe credit card processing. 

Smart swipe credit card processing 

When people think about making credit card payments, they often think of either entering their information online, or swiping their card through a dedicated credit card reader. Thanks to today’s rapid advances in payment technology, however, neither of those options are the only ones around. In fact, today you can accept a payment directly on a smart device! With smart swipe credit card processing, all you need is a smartphone or tablet to accept credit cards. Your business can be just as mobile as you are. 

Business credit card machine

In the even that you do not have the capabilities for a smart swipe device or would simply prefer to use a dedicated machine, you can always find a business credit card machine to help accept credit card payments for your e-commerce business! This is sometimes thought of as being a bit old fashioned, however it’s a viable option that works and could be the perfect solution for your business. 

As a small business owner, don’t you think that you deserve all of the time and help you can get? Then why not ensure you are receiving the best support possible from your merchant account service?

Select The Best Merchant Account For Your E-Commerce Business

Merchant Account Solutions (MAS) is one of the most innovative, fastest growing payment solution providers in the industry. Merchant Account Solutions has what you need to build a thriving business.

 Give their website a look today to see how they can help.

PhilDev’s IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Symposium: Building an entrepreneurial mindset and culture

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Students, teachers, entrepreneurs identify challenges and opportunities in promoting technopreneurship

UNLEASHING IDEAS : Participants of PhilDev’s third IDEA Symposium exchange ideas in one of the ‘unconference’ sessions hosted by Google and the Filipino Googlers Network. Unlike a typical conference where the agenda and speakers are pre-determined, unconferences let participants decide on the agenda and flow of the discussions.

Can technopreneurship become an integral part of Filipino communities? The question was at the core of the discussion among the students, teachers, startups, and government leaders gathered inone of the“unconference” sessions facilitated by Google and the Filipino Googlers Network (FGN) at the third IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Symposium held recently at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Google Philippines country manager Ken Lingan

As the name implies, unconferences go against the typical conference format, which often start with a pre-determined agenda and set of speakers.Instead, the meeting begins with participants answering a single question. Each answer then serves as a topic for discussion in separate breakout sessions, where participants can join and contribute their ideas. At the end of the sessions, representatives from each breakout group share the highlights of their respective discussions to the rest of the unconference participants.

“Ideas are the soul of every innovation that has made an impact on people’s lives. By providing people with an avenue that encourages the healthy exchange of ideas, we help engender positive change in society. Unconferences have the power to nurture creative solutions to pressing social problems. That’s why we partnered with Google and the FGN in the recent Symposium to help us create that kind of space to bring out the best from our country’s brightest minds.” --- Dado Banatao, chair of the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev).

Since 2014, PhilDev and the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) have been organizing the IDEA Symposium to encourage young scientists and engineers to become entrepreneurs. At the Symposium, members of the academe, industry leaders, startup entrepreneurs, policy makers, and aspiring scientists and engineers discuss how innovation, quality education, and science-based entrepreneurship can lead to inclusive growth.

Teaching students to become entrepreneurs

The unconference session on technopreneurship highlighted the importance of quality education and the role of the academe in pushing students to start their own innovative businesses. During the discussion, students and professors alike emphasized the need to include more technopreneurship units in the curricula of different academic programs, such as business administration and engineering. Some participants also suggested that more schools should offer technopreneurship as a track in their academic programs.

It was also noted that schools should be the first institutions to foster innovation by adopting technology, which students can use to develop new solutions to existing problems. But beyond having adequate facilities and equipment, teachers must be able to act as mentors to provide aspiring technopreneurs with quality education, the participants pointed out. Unconference participants further agreed that studying abroad will enable young technopreneurs to tap into their skills and talents.

Special focus was given to social media and its ability to enhance learning and build communities through crowd sourcing and information sharing, while also encouraging the development of apps that address various problems.

Much-needed government support

Government was also identified as having a key role in supporting aspiring technopreneurs through better budget allocation for schools, the provision of entrepreneurship capital, and the establishment of systems that attract investors for startups. Local Government Units were also called upon to build workspaces where students, entrepreneurs, potential clients, and government leaders can identify, discuss,and solve urgent problems in the community.

“Collaboration between all sectors is key in institutionalizing support for technopreneurship. If technopreneurs can receive the right amount of support, they can reach their full potential, and deliver the kind of impact that leads to inclusive growth,” Banatao said.

Property Expo Philippines 2014 Launched at SMX MOA

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The Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 - “Your Property World”, the country’s largest real estate expo for residential and commercial properties, was officially launched at SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City last Friday, December 5, 2014.

The expo features 88 residential and commercial property developments in the country from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as innovative and reliable real estate product and service providers.

Known personalities from the property world attended the opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies. Gracing the event was Chris Wells, Consultant-International Residential Sales of Colliers International, who gave an overview of the Philippine Property Report. Wells shared reasons for investing in the Philippines, as well as top places to invest a property.

Present also during the ceremony were Alejandro S. Mañalac, Chairman of the National Real Estate Association; Engr. Jefferson S. Bongat, President of LandCris Somerset Dev’t Corp.; Princess Hasmin Solis, representative of LANDCO Pacific Corporation; Naoki Fuji, CEO of Capitarise; Christianne Romero, Sales Manager of Rockwell Land; Gabriel V. Dominguez of Green Circle; Jacqueline Van Den Ende, Managing Director of Lamudi Philippines; and actress-singer Isabelle de Leon.3 

The expo will run from December 5-7, 2014, Friday to Sunday at Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, where visitors will be able to connect with over 88 exhibitors, ranging from residential and commercial properties, retail properties, hotels & resorts, gastronomy and catering equipment, infrastructure supplies, real estate IT solution, construction project and management control, real estate consultancy, facility management service, real estate marketing, finance and insurance, architecture and design firms, real estate education and training, financial services and house and office accessories.

Highlight of the opening ceremony was the Best Property Brand Awards, a recognition of outstanding innovative brands in the property industry and acknowledgement of supporting organizations for their contribution in boosting the growth of the rising property sector in the country. Included in the roster of awardees are: Alveo Land (Best Developer), A2A Property Developer (Best International Developer), Double Dragon (Best Commercial Developer), Ayala Land Premier (Best Luxury Condo Developer), Bristol at Parkway Place (Filinvest) (Best High-end Residential Condo Developer) Crown Asia (Best Housing Developer), Profriends (Best Mid-range Housing Developer), SM Development Corporation (SMDC) (Best Affordable Condo Developer), Mundo Builders (Best Architecture & Design Planner), Balai Isabel (Best Landscape Architectural Design Firm), The Fundamental Kitchen by Berghoff (Best Gastronomy Equipment), and Lamudi Philippines (Best Online Real Estate Platform).

“ With the fast growth of the real estate industry in the country, our goal as the organizer of the Property Expo Philippines is to provide consumers with a unique experience to gather valuable information about the market and its products and services in a professional environment and at the same time be able to select and make purchases all in one place.” says David Abrenilla, CEO of MEDIACOM Solutions Inc. and Founder and Managing Director of the Property Expo Philippines.

Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 will provide information on the latest innovations, industry trends in the form of seminars, workshops, company presentations, forums and activities that will give consumers a unique overview of the Philippine property market. One of the highlights of the event is the Philippine Property Conference on the first and second day of the expo that will discuss intensive topics in the property market. Major topics that will be discussed during the conference are tips on saving your investment and property; feng shui tips for selling or buying a property; tips on becoming a successful real estate investor; smart tools on how to market your property online; and secrets on how to become a real estate sales champ.

Organized by MEDIACOM Solutions Inc., a specialized trade marketing, business community building company and a professional exhibition and convention organizer in the Philippines; together with Lamudi Philippines, the fastest growing real estate platform in the Philippines and official event partner, Property Expo Philippines (PEP) is a great venue to explore, learn and invest from all the types of property, real estate services and latest home and office innovations and designs.

Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 Ribbon Cutting & Opening Ceremony (In the photo, L-R) Chris Wells, Consultant-International Residential Sales of Colliers International; Divina Dizon, Marketing Officer of Double Dragon; Dr. Cheryl Duran, Senior Interior Designer of Mundo Builders; Jacqueline Van Den Ende, Managing Director of Lamudi Philippines; Christian Raeuber, Director of MEDIACOM Solutions Inc.; David Abrenilla, CEO of MEDIACOM Solutions Inc. and Founder & Managing Director of Property Expo Philippines; John Alexander Kerr, CEO of A2A Property Developers; Audrey Arugay, Senior Manager of PROFRIENDS; and Ross Mendoza, Marketing Officer of SM Development Corporation.

The three-day real estate expo is sponsored by MUNDO Builders, SMDC, Profriends, Double Dragon, 2GO Express and supported by the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines, Home Guaranty Corporation, Philippine Association of Realty Appraisers and the Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investment.

To visit the Property Expo Philippines from December 5-7, 2014 at Hall 2 of SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, register for FREE at www.propertyexpo.ph. Connect via Facebook: at www.facebook.com/PropertyExpoPH and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PropertyExpoPH.

Best Property Awardees at the Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 

Yabang Pinoy’s Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013 connects Proudly Filipino brands with consumers

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On November 23-24, 2013 at the Rockwell Tent, Yabang Pinoy’s Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013 once again showcases Filipino entrepreneurship at its finest, with unique products for the equally proud Filipino consumer.

For seven years straight, the pioneering Filipino pride movement’s annual bazaars have been proof that the Filipino entrepreneur can produce business concepts, products, and services that can compete with global brands. Each bazaar has featured a lineup of brands that range from apparel, accessories, travel essentials, home décor, home and wellness products, and Filipino art and design creations.

In Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013, these entrepreneurs take it up a notch by launching Holiday collections, and offering premium limited-edition products and discounts for patrons. Shoe brand Soulier PH, for example, will introduce special shoe-clips handmade by Gawad Kalinga communities. Likewise, t-shirt brand Art Initiative will unveil fresh designs from artists Nemo Aguila and Sarah Gaugler. Truly, Global Pinoy Bazaar has also enabled budding entrepreneurs, artists, designers, musicians, and creative minds to meet, be discovered, and collaborate with each other.

This year, Yabang Pinoy will once again prove why it has become the go-to bazaar for unique quality products made with 100% Filipino love and pride.

Please visit www.yabangpinoy.com for more information. For inquiries, please call 0906 235 37 22 or email bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com.

KALESA e-Carts roll out to a "New Philippines"

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A kalesa or calesa (sometimes called a caritela/karitela) is a horse drawn carriage, and one of the modes of transportation introduced in the Philippines in the 18th century. 

They are rarely used in the streets nowadays except in tourist spots and some rural areas. Kalesa or calesa was once a symbol of nobility and prestige in Philippine history.

Here's a new form of Kalesa - Kalesa Kinulayan Philippines Peoples Organization, Inc. or KALESA changes the whole concept of the vehicle to be a symbol of innovation, commerce and more importantly, HOPE for Filipino people.

For decades, one of the major social problems in the country - poverty.

Recent research shows that more than one quarter of the Philippine population or 27.9 percent are below the poverty line. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), that a family of five has to earn at least Php 5,458 per month, just enough to put food on the table.

Two main factors that cause poverty in the Philippines are rapid growth of population and unemployment.

The second cause is one problem that a social enterprise organization is now addressing to contribute in solving.

In line with its campaign #MyNewPhilippines, the Kalesa Kinulayan Philippines Peoples’ Organization, Inc. or KALESA conceptualized a system and technology that aims to uplift the plight of millions of poor Filipinos and also encourage other working and financially-able Pinoys to be enterprising. Recent research shows that more than one quarter of the Philippine population or 27.9 percent are below the poverty line.

KALESA S.E.L.P. is a social entrepreneurship program geared towards providing sustainable livelihood for Filipinos. KALESA is an organic body of individuals driven by passion, always moving towards the fulfillment of its goals. KALESA believes that in order for the country to progress, the Philippines needs to generate more opportunities on its own, create businesses and jobs for many. One way of doing it is through the KALESA.

KALESA is into the distribution, retail and marketing of goods through its organized mobile channels. The organization is best described by its revolutionary mobile stores called the KALESA e-Carts.

THE KALESA TECHNOLOGY

The KALESA e-Cart is an all-friendly roving store. 

It is environment-friendly for its battery-operated technology. It runs up to 60 kilometers per battery charge. It can adequately cover enough area for an eight to 12 hour shift of merchandising.

The KALESA e-Cart’s highly-customizable body is also business-friendly since it can be designed for a specific advertisement of a brand and company. The relatively lightweight sturdy cart, can accommodate up to 600 kg of goods.

It is consumer-friendly, since KALESA e-Carts are mobile, it can go to almost any place within the range of its district or baranggay distribution. Plus, prices of the carried are at the most affordable rate, making way for retailing and wholesaling capability of the KALESA distribution in every area.

KALESA DISTIBUTION IN EVERY BARANGGAY

KALESA organization is eager to set-up distribution centers across the Philippines. With distribution centers set-up in many places in the country, the organization can reach out to many Filipinos and give them opportunity to do business and employment.

Each KALESA distribution center in a baranggay can at least help 50 poor Filipino families.

KALESA coordinates with a local church for a listing of the indigents in the area. KALESA then selects and trains willing and qualified people to sell goods via the electric carts. Each operator is called KALESA Ambassador.

Each KALESA e-Cart is designated to two (2) indigent families. They take turns for a 24-hour shift of the cart. Giving them opportunity to earn. The KALESA Ambassadors earn through profit sharing, thus, making them entrepreneurial.

KALESA distribution centers also employ other people for its clerical, accounting, technical and marketing jobs - paving the way for more opportunities for people who opt to take employment than selling.

KALESA NEEDS HELP TO HELP OTHERS

KALESA, with its new campaign, #MyNewPhilippines, is out is on its infant stage and needs all the help it can get to fund and to raise more distribution centers across the country and help as many Filipinos as it can.

The organization offers four programs for concern Filipinos to participate in this social enterprise: iGive, iPartner, iCare and iShare.

iGive

KALESA is taking baby steps in organizing and setting up. As a social enterprise, it runs on funds for its social service advocates. Concern individuals can also contribute in the works of fabricating more KALESA e-Carts for more indigents to benefit. 

KALESA is now raising 10 million pesos to fabricate additional 100 carts to help at least 200 families. 

Cash donations can be deposited at any BPI branch to Kalesa Kinulayan Philippines Peoples Organization, Inc. with account number: 00-0793-2207-74. 

iPartner

iPartner gives opportunities to companies, enterprising individuals, overseas Filiipino workers (OFWs), company or government employees to partner with KALESA organization in different ways. 

Companies can be suppliers of goods to be sold in KALESA distribution chain or as advertisers on the e-Carts, while enterprising individuals can be baranggay or district distributors in different areas. 

KALESA is a way of revolutionizing the local retail and distribution system, and this is a chance for many companies and individuals to take part in doing business for their own while helping indigent people within an area. 

KALESA is offering the distributorship in baranggay and district levels. Investment on KALESA baranggay distribution center is at Php 2.5 million, inclusive of MyHouse Pre-fab warehouse good for 100 sqm., Php 500,000 worth of initial goods and lease of four (4) KALESA e-Carts. 

KALESA distribution centers can be set-up in one month or more, depending on the terms. 

The ideal starting size for a distribution center is 100 sqm. intended for warehouse and a small-sized store. 

Individual KALESA e-Carts can also be leased at Php 175,000 with inclusive initial Php 50,000 worth of merchandise. Though, a KALESA e-Cart has to be within a range close to a local KALESA distribution center for servicing and reloading of goods. 

iCare

iCare is a volunteer program of KALESA for people to share their time, skills, knowledge and care to the organization. Willing and able Filipinos are needed by the organization to push the potential of the cause to finish greater tasks. 

iShare

In the advent of social media, KALESA believes in the power the influence of every Filipino. Philippines being the social media capital of the world, KALESA hopes that concern individuals can share the pages of KALESA to their friends and relatives, making it highly-visible to the public

iShare encourages Filipinos to like, follow and share the social networking accounts of KALESA on Facebook, Twitter Instagram YouTube and its website at www.KalesaPhilippines.com

KALESA aims to glorify GOD through these endeavors. Indeed, GOD is the reason for all seasons.

The KALESA Advocates believe that CHARITY begins out of a PURE HEART; of a PURE SOUL. And this, shall bring about the CHANGE we all desire for this nation.

For more information about the KALESA organization visit :

website at www.KalesaPhilippines.com

or email them at info@KalesaPhilippines.com or

contact them at 0908-433-3373 or 0942-832-2787.

For more updates and info, visit, you can like, follow and share KALESA’s social accounts. 

WEBSITE: http://www.kalesaphilippines.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KalesaPhilippines

TWITTER: @KalesaPH

INSTAGRAM: @KalesaPH

YOUTUBE: KalesaPH

E-mail: Social@KalesaPhilippines