Pettr Joins DSWD and PAWS to Promote Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal-Assisted Therapy

Pettr, the Philippines’ first all-in-one petcare superapp under 917Ventures, partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to promote responsible pet ownership and raise awareness about how pets help in emotional healing and mental health.

 

Pettr joined the recent Angel Pets Advocacy, Research and Learning (ARAL) session of DSWD’s Angel Pets Project which integrates animal-assisted therapy into support services for those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or are living with psychosocial disabilities.

 

Led by DSWD Social Technology Bureau, the event brought together pet lovers, social workers, and community members to discuss proper pet training, humane treatment, and lifelong commitment, along with the therapeutic value of animals in promoting overall wellness.

 

The session also addressed the importance of pet sterilization, or kapon, in preventing overpopulation and ensuring the long-term health of companion animals.

 

During the activity, Pettr emphasized the importance of making petcare more accessible to all. Pettr aims to empower fur parents through its all-in-one platform, which allows users to book grooming appointments, consult with veterinarians, purchase pet essentials, and access other services with ease.

 

“Every pet deserves proper care, and every pet parent deserves support. We see technology as a way to make responsible pet parenting more achievable for Filipinos. By partnering with DSWD and PAWS, we want to help ensure that pets are seen not just as companions but as valued members of the community,” said Martin Luchangco, General Manager of Pettr.

 

“Together with PAWS and Pettr, we’re encouraging a culture of kindness and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals,” said Jhann Paul Cornel of DSWD. “We continue to remind communities of a simple but powerful principle: ‘If you don’t like them, don’t hurt them.’”

 

Another highlight of the event was the invitation for community members to nominate their well-socialized pets for possible inclusion in the Dr. Dog Program, PAWS’ animal-assisted therapy initiative.

 

Founded by Jill Robinson of Animals Asia, Dr. Dog deploys trained “canine consultants” to hospitals, care homes, orphanages, and schools, offering emotional comfort and companionship to those who need it most.

 

Sharon Yap of PAWS added, “Through programs like Angel Pets and Dr. Dog, we hope to inspire empathy and compassion not only for animals, but also for the people whose lives they touch.”

 

This collaboration among Pettr, DSWD, and PAWS is built on a shared goal to improve animal welfare and extend support to individuals through education, access, and purpose-driven partnerships.

 

Discover how Pettr empowers fur parents and supports a more caring pet community by following them on their socials @pettr.app on Instagram and Facebook.

 

917Ventures Supports Filipino MSMEs Adopt Digital Processes with MemoApp

Manila, Philippines, 12 February 2024– While digitalization is valuable for businesses across various scales, it is a critical need for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs, unlike bigger businesses, are less likely to introduce digital practices despite these tools allowing them to improve operational processes, foster innovation, and ability to rapidly respond to market changes to remain competitive amidst today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

"Embracing digital tools should be a strategic imperative for sustaining competitiveness and resilience in today's dynamic landscape, but we understand that it is not always easy to make the shift,” said Carla Bianca Sy Su, Entrepreneur-at-Residence at 917Ventures. 

Even with the persistence of digitalization, the World Economic Forum points out that only 25% of MSMEs globally have managed to truly shift and keep up with technology. Specific to the Philippines, only 6% of MSMEs use digital tools revealing a substantial technology gap in the country.

Sy Su said MSMEs, in particular, grapple with numerous manual and paper-based processes but find it difficult to fully adopt digital tools because of financial constraints or constantly adjusting processes.

MemoApp, a web-based solution, was introduced to the Philippine market in late 2023 as one of the newest startups from 917Ventures. Its goal is to support local Filipino businesses digitize their manual and paper-based processes. 

With features such as a swift workflow approval system, an integrated e-signature capability, and effortless access to essential document templates, MemoApp stands as a practical tool for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and boost productivity and efficiency all at a fraction of the cost charged by other solutions. The solution is flexible enough to accommodate all types of business administrative needs, whether for filing contracts, routing for approvals, invoicing, and many others.

“When we talk about digitalization, we often see it as a tool that helps us with external-facing efforts, but before we get to that stage, we have to understand that it is a transformative journey that starts from within a company’s people and operations.” Sy Su added. “Memoapp was created to help businesses of all sizes become more efficient and productive– giving them a tool that allows them to go paperless, route documents faster, and get approvals easily, all in one platform.” 

Creating an avenue for digital transformation

Since its launch, MemoApp has transformed a variety of businesses across different industries including government agencies, education, healthcare, food and beverage, and more. Among businesses that have found success with MemoApp is the Center for Bright Beginnings, an early childhood intervention center in Davao City. 

For over two decades, the center grappled with time-consuming and error-prone paper-based processes–a challenge that intensified with the opening of a new campus in Tagum City. Before implementing MemoApp, requests and approvals were frequently handled manually, requiring hard copies of forms and documents. Unfortunately, this manual process often led to misplacement of documents, causing delays and inefficiencies.

“Before, we had to do all our requests and approvals in hard copy. That became an issue as we now have two separate offices. Since we would need the signatures on hard copy before we can do anything, there were instances when the documents didn’t reach the appropriate signatories or they were misplaced. This led to a lot of things taking more time than necessary and a lot of things had to be put on hold,” said Mandy Gavino, Chief Financial Officer, Center for Bright Beginnings. 

Gavino added that the convenience of having everything accessible on the website enabled swift communication and significantly accelerated approval processes for the center. The shift to MemoApp eliminated their need for physical document filing; providing easier tracking and ensuring accountability for pending approvals. She also talked about how she appreciates MemoApp's Watcher feature, which allows tracking of document progress, as well as the time-saving basic document templates for invoices, leave forms, memos, and more. 

As businesses continue to evolve, the startup plans to introduce more features and integrations in the near future. This includes bulk document creations, bulk approvals, and full-on document collaborations, to name a few.  It is also preparing a self-service feature to enable new users and team members to onboard themselves and create their form templates. 

MemoApp also plans to introduce Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow businesses to connect MemoApp to their existing workflow and process software.

Businesses who want to experience a smoother, more organized, and paperless process can register for a Basic Subscription Plan to explore the features of MemoApp. Learn more by visiting memoapp.ph.

PetPal clinches Gold for Marketing at KMC Startup Awards for Innovative Pawtection Party Campaign

 917Ventures’ PetPal won the Gold for Marketing Award at the KMC Startup Awards 2023, standing out among over 200 entries nationwide. This accolade recognizes the company’s exceptional marketing campaign for the Pawtection Party, a vaccination drive that promoted pet health and responsible pet ownership.

Pawtection Party, organized in partnership with animal nutrition and healthcare brand UNAHCO and the Ayala Malls Up Town Center, offered free 7-in-1 and Anti-Rabies vaccinations for pets, attracting a large number of pet owners and their furry companions. The campaign's effectiveness was reflected in the vaccination of over 300 pets, exceeding the target by 110%.

The event also fostered a sense of camaraderie and joy among pet owners and passionate veterinarians, fostering connections among like-minded people and nurturing a supportive and enthusiastic pet community.

"Beyond the prestige, the award serves as a testament to PetPal's commitment to making pets live their healthiest and happiest lives. Pawtection Party is a stepping stone to the future where no pet is left unprotected, where the joy of having a furry companion is accompanied by the responsibility of ensuring their well-being,” said Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures. 

PetPal’s marketing strategy was distinguished for its creative approach to pet vaccinations, turning a typically daunting experience into a celebration. It utilized vibrant art and colors aligned with the brand to communicate the message and positively engage pet owners.

The campaign addressed several critical issues in pet care, including assisting pet owners who rely on local government units for vaccinations and helping those whose pets have an unknown vaccination history. Its broader vision is to continuously assist in pet care through informational content and digitized pet services, such as vet teleconsults, home vet visits, and a PetPal Club Membership offering unlimited vet consults and other perks.

The campaign's success serves as a milestone fitting as PetPal is set to launch an app that aims to provide seamless access to pet care services, including real-time access to pet records, streamlined appointment scheduling, prescription requests, and telehealth consultations. This digital innovation is poised to transform how pet owners manage their pet's health and wellness.

The KMC Startup Awards brought together esteemed judges from the Robinsons Group, Bossjob, Kaya, and KMC. The event celebrated the achievements of startups and entrepreneurs who are catalyzing change across various industries.

PetPal's win highlights its innovative approach to marketing and its commitment to making a transformative impact in the pet care industry. The company's success at the Pawtection Party and its ongoing initiatives position it as a forward-thinking leader in pet health and wellness.

Learn more about Petpal’s various services by visiting https://petpal.asia/.

917Ventures Creates MSME Ecosystem to Address Digitalization Woes

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 October 2023– The Philippine government has made the digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a top priority to spur the growth of the Philippine economy. In the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Growth Plan, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted the need to provide targeted support to MSMEs in fast-tracking technology adoption, digitalization, and automation, to lead to higher productivity and greater innovation.

“One of the most important things we learned in the past few years–and especially for MSMEs– is the importance of digitalization. It not only helps businesses keep up with the times but also ensures that they’re growing at pace with the digital economy,” said Natasha Bautista, 917Ventures’ Head of Growth and Programs. “There is still a lot of room for growth when it comes to increasing digitalization in the Philippines. In contrast to countries in the region, the Philippines' digital economy currently accounts for just 9.4% of our gross domestic product, whereas Vietnam stands at 14.26%, and Malaysia at 14%.”

917Ventures, the largest venture builder in the Philippines, supports MSMEs by providing them with the tools they need at every stage of their journey so they can become digital-first businesses and ensure that they achieve long-term success and sustainability.

“Whether it's providing them with initial capital, helping them get started online, or guiding their expansion to reach a wider audience, our comprehensive suite of solutions provides them with end-to-end support to take them where they want to go,” she added. “We have, to date, been able to support more than 10,000 MSMEs across our ventures and portfolio companies and we hope to expand our solutions to the 1 million MSMEs in the Philippines and help them with digitally transforming their businesses.”

Unlocking capital with FundSpace

For entrepreneurs who want to get started or level up but don’t have the funds to do so, there is FundSpace, a loan platform that offers a suite of financing options that cater to every business's needs. On FundSpace, businesses of all sizes can take a loan for amounts as little as  Php 50,000 to Php 100 million–one of the largest loan amounts available for local MSMEs.

“Securing capital is often one of the biggest hurdles to starting a business, which is why we created FundSpace–an easy and convenient platform where businesses can get the funds they need at low and flexible interest rates. Through FundSpace, they get cash quickly with its processing time that’s 12 times faster and disbursement that is eight times quicker than usual methods,” Bautista explained.

Upskilling to streamline operations with KodeGo and MemoApp

As businesses expand, the imperative to enhance skills and streamline operations becomes more evident than ever. Enter KodeGo, more than just a coding boot camp, it equips businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a digital world. Beyond traditional coding, KodeGo offers a wide array of digital courses that are indispensable for businesses looking to scale and optimize their processes. These courses cover a spectrum of essential skills, including full-stack web development, virtual assistance, bookkeeping, and artificial intelligence.

When it comes to streamlining processes, MemoApp takes the lead as it digitizes previously manual and paper-based processes to make them more intuitive, accessible, and efficient. With its swift workflow approval system, integrated e-signature feature, and easy access to fundamental document templates, MemoApp simplifies how businesses manage their operations.

Getting started online through RUSH

For businesses that want to embrace digitalization, the first step is to get your business online. RUSH is an all-in-one eCommerce platform that takes care of the entire purchase process – from discovery to delivery – empowering merchants to easily launch, manage, and scale their online stores.

RUSH enables merchants to create their e-commerce platform, their mobile app, and access to the GCash GLife Marketplace. It also offers an end-to-end loyalty management platform so businesses can continue to delight their customers by creating relevant and rewarding experiences.

Accessing a wider audience through m360 and Inquiro

Once businesses have successfully established their online presence, the next step is to strategically connect with their target audience and guide them toward the point of purchase. To accomplish this, companies can harness the power of m360's innovative multi-platform messaging solutions. These comprehensive tools empower businesses to effectively inform and engage their customers through a seamless blend of SMS and social media channels.

m360's multi-platform messaging solutions are key to delivering vital information, timely updates, and enticing promotions to customers. With the ability to reach customers where they are most active, businesses can foster stronger connections and drive higher conversion rates.

Furthermore, understanding customer behavior and preferences is paramount for the success of any marketing campaign. Inquiro’s data-driven solutions offer a suite of services designed to provide deep insights into the current customer base and the target audience. More than just analytics, Inquiro's solutions empower businesses to not only comprehend their existing customer demographics but also unearth untapped opportunities by identifying potential audiences beyond their current reach. Inquiro also offers Credibility Scoring that helps businesses assess the risk profile of customers by automating credit-related decision-making.

“Digitalization is not a destination; it's a journey. It's not just about going online; it's about embracing processes that enable businesses to not only exist in the digital realm but thrive, compete, and innovate within it. That’s what we provide with 917Ventures–an MSME ecosystem that will handhold you through every step of every business’ digital journey,” Bautista added.

917Ventures' PetPal Targets US$1.6 Billion Pet Care Market in SEA - Expands Access to Essential Pet Care for Filipinos

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 11 September 2023 – The Philippines has seen a significant increase in pet ownership, with 79% of the population now owning a pet, one of the highest percentages in Asia. With the surge in pet ownership, many struggle to find affordable, convenient veterinary care options for their beloved animals with just one vet available for every 10,000 pet owners in the country. 

917Ventures, the largest corporate venture builder in the Philippines, created PetPal to address this market gap. Launched as a vet teleconsultation service, it has recently started to offer at-home grooming services, home vet visits, lab tests, and vaccinations. It also plans to launch an online pharmacy and marketplace for other pet-related goods, supplies and other services. Their PetPal Club subscription service provides users unlimited teleconsultations for up to two pets annually, along with discounts on pet services. A mobile app version is expected to launch later this year.

Carlo Flordeliza, a Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, conceived the idea of PetPal after recognizing a gaping need for a comprehensive online pet care platform. The platform aimed to broaden access to veterinary services and champion responsible pet ownership. The motivation for PetPal was deeply personal after experiencing firsthand the challenges of finding an available vet when his dog, Pippin, urgently needed care. 

“PetPal addresses a gap in the pet care market for convenient, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare services for pets. According to ASPCA, a significant number of pets rarely see a veterinarian due to their owners facing substantial challenges such as cost issues and unavailability of veterinarians. These barriers can lead pet owners to delay or skip veterinary treatments, or even abandon their pets. Affordable telehealth services like PetPal can address this while also helping pet owners avoid additional expenses related to transportation, travel time, or missed work,” said Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder  at 917Ventures.

The clamor for these services is not confined to the Philippines as the pet care market in Southeast Asia grew to a sizable US$1.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to US$3.08 billion by 2032. Recognizing the potential of the sector, 917Ventures aims to make comprehensive pet care accessible and help the local industry address challenges through digitization, ensuring its growth is in line with the rest of the world. 

“More than half of Asia’s population have pets and we see PetPal and pet telehealth services at large as a transformative solution that not only caters to the demands of modern pet owners but also redefines the way veterinary care is accessed and administered, ushering in a new era of convenience, accessibility, and comprehensive well-being for pets,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Director at 917Ventures.

“By offering a platform, PetPal enables veterinary practitioners to reach a wider audience, deliver crucial services to more pet owners and their pets, and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Additionally, PetPal can also foster economic growth by stimulating demand and therefore creating new revenue streams and potentially generating jobs within the pet service sector,” added Yamat. 

Since its launch, PetPal has conducted thousands of consultations nationwide where partner vets provided guidance on pet nutrition and behavior to first-time pet owners and helped seasoned pet parents book schedules for their pets, fitting them into their busy lives.