GCash Pushes Responsible AI as Key to Inclusive Growth at Philippine National Innovation Day 2026

Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) is critical in driving inclusive and sustainable growth, as it can address persistent gaps in financial access and literacy, particularly in a mobile-first yet risk-exposed region like Southeast Asia. This was the key message of GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, as it joined policymakers and industry leaders at the 2026 National Innovation Day.

 

Held at the Diamond Hotel Manila, the event, organized by the Depdev National Innovation Council in partnership with ASEAN, brought together key stakeholders under the theme “AI for Growth, Opportunity, and Sustainability in ASEAN (AGOS)”, focusing on how emerging technologies can be scaled safely across the region.

 

During the discussions, Mynt chief data officer Sara Venturina highlighted how GCash is leveraging data and AI to help deliver equitable fintech access to Filipinos. “If we don’t use technology responsibly, it will lead to more inequality,” Venturina said. “At Gcash, we harness the power of data and AI to help move Filipinos toward financial progress, while ensuring that inclusion remains at the center of innovation.”

 

She emphasized that GCash’s AI strategy is grounded in improving customer outcomes while upholding strict standards for data privacy and protection. This includes carefully evaluating how technologies are deployed, ensuring efficiency without compromising accessibility or trust.

 

As conversations around AI governance continue to evolve, Venturina also pointed to the need for stronger industry-wide standards. “As AI scales, the question is not just how we build these systems, but how we ensure they remain fair, safe, and accessible,” she said, citing the importance of standardized testing and evaluation frameworks.

 

She added that accountability remains constant regardless of where data is stored, reinforcing GCash’s commitment to safeguarding user information.

 

“Whether the data resides locally or in a data center, the responsibility to protect that data remains with us, and we take that seriously.”

 

GCash also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies that enable the safe use of data while preserving user privacy, allowing institutions to innovate without compromising trust.

 

The broader event featured discussions on national innovation policy and digital transformation, with key insights from government leaders, including Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Department of Education Secretary Atty. Juan Edgardo Angara and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

 

As AI adoption accelerates across the Philippines and the ASEAN region, GCash reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government and industry partners to advance responsible innovation—strengthening financial literacy, enhancing data governance, and expanding access to digital financial services for more Filipinos.

 

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

VIP Act Signed, DOST to Lead Institute on Virology Research

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act on September 12, 2025, officially designating the VIP as the country’s premier national institute for virology research and vaccine development under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The initiative, led by the DOST, aims to bolster the nation’s  public health defenses and strengthen preparedness for future disease outbreaks.

Following the principles of the One Health Approach, the VIP will spearhead the development of locally made diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines targeting  viral diseases and pathogens affecting humans, animals, and plants. Through this initiative, the DOST aims to build stronger public health defenses and improve the country’s preparedness for future disease outbreaks, safeguarding both human health and food security.

“The establishment of the VIP marks the country’s commitment to strengthen local capacities in preparing for and responding to public health threats such as pandemics and disease outbreaks,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.  “By building our capacities to face these threats, we protect the health and well-being of Filipinos, strengthen our economic resilience, and ensure sustainability,” he added.

Viral diseases that are common in the country, according to the Department of Health, include: Acute Respiratory Infection, Influenza, Chicken pox, Dengue, Hepatitis, and Measles.  The VIP is also able to address viral diseases in animals like the African Swine Fever and Avian Influenza.  In plants, the VIP is developing an early detection system for Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (now classified as Begomovirus coheni), which affects solanaceous cash crops.  The initiative, led by the DOST, aims to bolster the nation’s  public health defenses and strengthen preparedness for future disease outbreaks.

“Viruses are among the fastest-evolving threats to human, animal, and plant health, and we must keep pace with this reality. At present, the Philippines does not have a dedicated institution that focuses on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development against viral diseases,” said DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia.  “With the growing number of viral infections affecting people, livestock, and crops, the need for a state-of-the-art virology research center has never been more urgent.”

The VIP’s mandate covers a wide range of critical functions. It will undertake discovery programs in virology and related disciplines, conduct vaccine research, and develop diagnostics and therapeutics for viruses and other pathogens. It will also promote evidence-based policies on virology and vaccine science, forge partnerships with local and international research networks, and train and engage experts to build national capacity. In addition, the institute will invest and operate state-of-the-art virology infrastructure while providing technical assistance to support the broader research community.

To ensure a  multidisciplinary and coordinated approach, the DOST will work closely with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and other relevant agencies in implementing the institute’s programs. In its first five years, the VIP will focus on strengthening local research  capacities and expanding the country’s  body of knowledge  on virus strains and diseases, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prepared Philippines.

“With the enactment of the VIP Law, we, at the DOST, are committed to releasing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within 90 days. We will also gear up for extensive public consultations to ensure that the law is implemented transparently and inclusively,” said Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of DOST-PCHRD.

SM and DOST Lead the Future of Sustainability

SM Prime Holdings, Inc., through SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies officially staged the inaugural SM Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig.

The two-day event, themed “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” brought together over 50 exhibitors, government agency leaders, the private sector, the international community and sustainability advocates to showcase cutting-edge solutions that advance a greener and more resilient future.

Symbolic Opening: “Beat of Sustainability”

The Expo opened with the ceremonial “Beat of Sustainability,” led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, who together struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum shell developed by the DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).

They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, and other dignitaries, who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony and collective action in advancing sustainability.

Leadership Perspectives

In his opening remarks, Hans T. Sy emphasized that sustainability lies at the heart of SM’s business and highlighted the importance of partnerships—“Public-private partnerships such as this show how science and business can unite to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. We encourage more of this as the private sector can provide support to projects by local scientists.”

Secretary Solidum echoed this view, noting that SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science can strengthen national resilience and drive a circular economy, as championed by similar DOST efforts.

“Through OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, we ensure that the science, technologies and innovations we develop are not just theories in journals or prototypes in laboratories—they are real solutions, accessible to businesses, communities, and every Filipino. This is also what we mean by Agham na Ramdam—science that is not distant; science that is felt, lived, and experienced by people in their everyday lives,” Solidum shared.

“My call is simple: enough talk. We’ve had summits, forums, declarations that fill up shelves and inboxes. What we need now is proof. Businesses must set their sights on real, tangible goals—not pretty brochures, not slogans, but numbers you can measure, promises you can check.”

Innovation Marketplace: Over 50 Exhibitors

SUSTEX 2025 featured more than 50 exhibitors showcasing technologies, initiatives, and products that reflect Filipino ingenuity and global collaboration. Notable exhibits included SM Prime and SM GUUN’s “Waste-Free Future” campaign, which highlighted their joint initiative with Japan’s GUUN Environmental Company on advanced waste management. 

ARISE Philippines showcased efforts to advance disaster resilience through private sector collaboration. The DENR’s Loop Forward Program promoted circularity and large-scale waste reduction. The DOST-FPRDI centerpiece featured sustainable Lalang Pandan furniture, essential oils from Philippine plants, and bamboo musical instruments. Meanwhile, the DOST-CHRG presented innovations in electric vehicle technology.

A Catalyst for Action

Running from August 29 to 30, the Expo featured interactive sessions, product showcases, and knowledge exchanges. The event reinforced SM’s continuing sustainability roadmap, including its Waste-Free Future campaign and commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040.

“May this Expo be more than an event. May it be a catalyst for collaboration, a hub for practical solutions, and a reminder that business can be a force for good—when guided by purpose, discipline and partnership,” Sy concluded. 

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.

Media Forum Dissects: Diabetes, Obesity, and the Sweetened Beverage Tax

A media forum held in the 84-year-old Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City discussed the proposal to increase the excise tax on sweetened beverages. Called the “Pandesal Forum,” the event welcomed health and economic experts to dissect the issue, citing recent available data on diabetes and obesity rates in the Philippines as sources. The forum sought to understand why diabetes and obesity rates in the country continue to rise despite efforts to reduce consumption of sweetened beverages through the excise tax. 

The panel of experts invited to the forum included Chona Patalen, Senior Science Research Specialist from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). According to data from the FNRI, the per capita consumption of sweetened beverages has decreased significantly from 2015 to 2019. This decline was most evident among urban households. The Sweetened Beverage Tax was implemented in 2018 and imposed a P6.00 tax per liter on beverages which contained added pure sugar or non-caloric sweeteners like aspartame, or a combination of both. A tax of P12.00 per liter was imposed on beverages which contained High Fructose Corn Syrup or HFCS. 

Obesity and Diabetes Rates Continue to Rise 

In addition, consumption of sweetened beverages has decreased across all age groups in the Philippines, with adolescents and adults showing the sharpest decline. In contrast, Ms. Patalen shared obesity rates among Filipinos have only increased from 2015 to 2018, and even up to 2021. Among those aged 20 and above in the country, 38.6% are overweight and obese. This data translates to 17.8 million Filipinos who are overweight, and 5.6 million who are obese. 

The data for Diabetes rates in the Philippines shows the same story. From 2013 to 2019, the number of Filipinos with borderline diabetes has more than doubled, translating to about 17.6 million people. In 2018 when the Sweetened Beverage tax was proposed, the reasons cited for the tax included helping curb obesity and diabetes rates. As the data shows, the number of Filipinos with obesity and diabetes continues to rise, despite the imposition of the excise tax on sweetened beverages. The FNRI is currently conducting the 2023 National Nutrition Survey, which is held every 5 years, which will reflect more updated obesity and diabetes rates, among other health measures.  

An Increase in Excise Tax will Impact Middle- and Lower-Income Classes 

Another member of the media forum panel was Dr. John Paulo Rivera, Executive Director of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Andrew Tan Tourism Center. Dr. Rivera is also the Chief Economist of Oikonomia Advisory & Research, Inc. In his discussion he noted that it is important to discuss the proposal to increase excise taxes on sweetened beverages because of the impact it may have on inflation, particularly on food. “As of the moment, inflation rates continue to be high, but we see this declining by the end of 2023 up to 2024,” explains Dr. Rivera. “However, if the excise tax on sweetened beverages is pursued, it will have an impact on consumption among middle and lower classes of consumers. This is because of the role that sweetened beverages play in their daily lives. If additional taxes are imposed on sweetened beverages, the prices of these will increase and will make purchasing them harder for consumers to purchase. While we understand that the goal of the excise tax is to limit consumption of sweetened beverages, we should also ask the question if these consumers have alternatives to these sweetened beverages.” 

Dr. Rivera goes on to explain that while upper income classes may find alternatives easily, those in the lower brackets may not be able to do so, and as such the excise tax will impact their daily lives. If a tax is imposed, prices will similarly increase and consumers will bear the brunt of the impact. He adds that perhaps the government can find other ways to increase revenues other than an excise tax. In addition, he proposes that if the government would like to limit consumption of sweetened beverages, projects to help improve physical activity like public open spaces to counter diseases can be given focus. 

Exercise is Medicine: Physical Activity and a Balanced Diet against Obesity and Diabetes 

“We promote exercise because it serves as a hub to change lifestyles,” shares 3rd panel member Prof. Hercules Callanta, National Coordinator for "Exercise is Medicine" of the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO). Prof Callanta is also a faculty member of the College of Human Kinetics of the University of Philippines Diliman. He relates that when people start doing exercise, they start to notice other aspects of their health, like the need to diet and even to sleep better. While it is common knowledge that having a balanced diet and being physically active are the keys to avoiding illnesses, Filipinos do not always practice both. 

He clarifies however that while workouts are great for keeping fit, everyone should just start moving every day to be healthy. “We should all just start moving, start looking at our plates, adapting the “mind over plate,” he adds. He also supports the idea of walking more or even biking, taking the stairs, and avoiding using transportation if possible. 

Professor Callanta adds that to help curb obesity and diabetes, there is a need to make nutritious food more affordable. “What we want to see is for healthy food to be more affordable especially for the poorer portions of the grand population,” he explains. He also adds that improving physical activity rates among Filipinos should also be a priority of the government by promoting more walkable places in communities. 

The forum ended with the conclusion that, as the data shows, to help reduce obesity and diabetes rates the solution lies not in taxation but in the need for proper diet and exercise. 

Jollibee Group Foundation, DOST Partner to Elevate Lives and Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers

MANILA, Philippines. – Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of Jollibee Group, and the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to further enrich their efforts in developing the entrepreneurial capacity of smallholder producers and link to agriculture value chains.

“This partnership is an important milestone for farmer entrepreneurs. PCAARRD’s expertise in research and development in agriculture will surely help create access to more technologies that can enhance farmers’ livelihood to become more profitable,” said Gisela Tiongson, executive director of JGF. 

 

The agreement between DOST-PCAARRD and JGF focuses on further promoting sustainable agricultural practices through technology transfer, access to knowledge, and tools to enhance productivity. It also aims to improve research and development activities to bring forth science and technology-based solutions for agri-aqua enterprises. The program also includes networking and market linkages to ensure the viability of agro-enterprises. 

Of this, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora said, “We believe that this partnership for agro-entrepreneurship will strengthen PCAARRD’s efforts in addressing technology gaps to improve quality and productivity, as well as in building the capacities of farmer groups and partner LGUs to provide opportunities to tap institutional markets. We are also certain that this will pave the way to strengthen the implementation of projects and activities with the end goal of achieving JGF’s mission and PCAARRD’s mandates.” 

 

This initiative also supports JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which empowers and helps smallholder farmers sharpen their technical and business acumen, as well as partnership-building skills. FEP uses the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach to assist farmer groups supplying Jollibee Group and other markets.

 

To date, Jollibee Group has accredited 18 farmer groups across the country that supply more than 9,000 metric tons of vegetables to the company, which accounts for more than P360 million in total sales.

# # #

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 17 brands with close to 6,500 stores across 34 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. 

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. It also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Patient Groups Call for ‘Bakuna, Now Na’

June 8, 2021, Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), representing 38 patient groups in the country, today launches the “Bakuna, Now Na” campaign in a bid to increase vaccination uptake and decrease hesitancy to help curb the pandemic. The campaign is also in partnership with the Department of Health and is supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Medical Association.

The Bakuna, Now Na campaign, an information and education advocacy to increase vaccine acceptance, also kicks off with a Unity Statement with partner groups urging Filipinos to get vaccinated against CoVID-19.

The patient-led campaign also aims to support efforts towards vaccine equity through various initiatives and collaborations with governments, manufacturers and the COVAX facility among other platforms.

“The pandemic has made Filipino patients more vulnerable to sickness and hardships. We urge all Filipinos, including patients and their families, to get vaccinated against CoVID-19 to protect ourselves and others from this potentially life-threatening illness. We also support initiatives to urgently address vaccine inequity and secure vaccine access for Filipinos, including those belonging to priority sectors like patients,” said PAPO President Ms Ma. Fatima Lorenzo.

“The Bakuna, Now Na is a campaign for Filipino patients and by Filipino patients. We aspire that through this campaign, we would help in informing the patients and the public that vaccines are safe and effective having gone through regulatory approvals and scientific research. We are stronger and healthier together, which is why we are calling on everyone to get vaccinated,” said Ms Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO Treasurer and Campaign Project Lead.

A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found that only three out of 10 Filipinos are willing to be vaccinated even if they were free and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Efforts are also underway to identify barriers for the non-vaccination of a number of senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, belonging to the A2 and A3 priority sectors.

Seeing the vast number of Filipinos who are hesitant to get vaccinated, PAPO recognizes the necessity to address the people’s concerns through the Bakuna, Now Na advocacy. The campaign will center on frequently asked questions about CoVID-19 vaccines and dispel myths with verified medical facts. The Bakuna, Now Na is an effort to translate complicated medical terms into easy-to-digest content that will help educate the public.

“The Department of Health is pleased to partner with the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations in our effort to increase vaccine confidence and vaccinate more people as soon as possible. We continue to call on patients and our senior citizens to get themselves vaccinated because vaccines are one of the proven ways by which we could prevent this pandemic. Vaccines along with the wearing of face masks, hand washing, and physical distancing will help us move forward safely from this pandemic. Vaccines are safe and effective kaya Bakuna, Now Na,” said Department of Health – Health Promotions Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho.

Dr. Nina Gloriani, chairman of the Department of Science and Technology - Vaccine Expert Panel, is also present during the campaign launch as the advocacy will feature verified information coming from the country’s medical and vaccines experts.

The Bakuna, Now Na campaign is being led by PAPO in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Pharmacists Association and former Health Secretaries Carmencita Reodica, MD, Esperanza Cabral, MD, Manuel Dayrit, MD, and Janette Garin, MD and 50 other organizations and growing.

According to Rey Sarmenta, the former Chairman of HAPLOS, the Hemophilia Foundation, he got vaccinated because he wanted to protect his family, and getting vaccinated is his chance to enjoy his life with his loved ones.

For Ara Lanorio, President of the Neurofibromatosis Friends Philippines, proper education about vaccines should take priority. She shared her initial concerns about the vaccine and how knowing the facts helped her decide to get vaccinated.

For more information about the campaign or to sign the PAPO Unity Statement, please visit www.papo.ph and PAPO’s FB page.

Contact tracing apps take the spotlight at DTI's Pitch Party

Curated contact tracing applications will take center stage in an online Pitch Party streaming on September 25, 2020 at 2:00 in the afternoon via Zoom and FB Live. 

This online event is a joint endeavor of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), StartupIslandPH, The Company, LGU Dumaguete, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Visayas, the various Chambers in Region 7 and the Rotary.

DTI R7 Assistant Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon said that this webinar is the second of 3 online events under DTI's Ready to Recover (R2R) banner.

The online Pitch Party, Arbon enthused, gathers presenters of contact tracing applications to deliver a short and concise business pitch to describe the company and the application in a way that can be easily understood by the general public, as well as capture the attention of the business community.

Contact tracing apps such as WeScan, QRCity, Clear Pass, CoScan, Radar, KeepSafe, OpenGov, TapTrace, TMDC, ZTrace, Safe Pass, among others, will be pitched in DTI's chat show this coming Friday.

According to the DTI director, this initiative also spurs the growth of startups and supports the development of the startup ecosystem in Central Visayas.

Arbon explained that the main goal of this event is to inform businesses and educate the public on the technology options currently available.

"DTI is again encouraging businesses to adopt more effective and safer tech solutions for health monitoring to replace pen and paper," She added.

Arbon pointed out that community involvement is critical to the program's success and hopes that the webinar will spark a business sector led movement for the adoption of smarter and better contact tracing methods.

For those interested to participate, please register here: http://bit.ly/PPRgstr Get a reminder here: https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Region7/posts/3110596892383164

The public may also watch the event at DTI Region 7's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Region7/ or at the following partner Facebook pages:

Department of Science and Technology Region 7 FB page: https://www.facebook.com/DOST.Region7/

Department of Information and Communications Technology Region 7 FB page: https://www.facebook.com/DICTgovph/

For updates, like and follow us on Facebook: @DTI.Region7 or DTI Region 7 Central Visayas.

Filipino Startups Step up, Harness the Power of Tech to Help Combat COVID-19

Manila, Philippines — The impact of COVID-19 left many businesses navigating the digital space. Some are caught off guard while others utilize their expertise in technology. Take it from Filipino startups who have been stepping up to help combat COVID-19 in their own ways. To provide tips on how they’re doing it, startup founders gathered for a QLITAN, a bi-weekly networking event hosted by QBO Philippines since 2016.

But this time, QLITAN was held online. In this virtual event, founders shared how they are responding to the crisis. Headlining the session titled “Startup Survival Guide — Adapting to the New Norm” are Moritz Gastl, vice-president of Growth of First Circle, a startup which provides business financing and access to credit; Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of MyKuya, an app that allows on-demand services such as grocery deliveries; Gabby Dizon, CEO and cofounder of mobile and blockchain game studio Altitude Games; Stefano Fazzini, CEO of online grocery delivery service MetroMart; and Bonnie Factor, founder of Leading with Success.

These startups are now using this opportunity to create a lasting difference — banding together and using technology not only to ease people’s burdens but even potentially save lives.
“Startups are called to do what they do best — they are rising up to this challenge by deploying innovative solutions, moving quickly, and showing us how we can harness the power of technology for the greater good. We are seeing startups from different industries working hard at this time, from logistics to ecommerce to fintech and edutech,” said Katrina Chan, director of QBO.

Startups aiding the government on the battle against COVID-19
Now more than ever, the tech capability of startups can help the government in a number of ways. The Department of Science and Technology with Developers Connect helped launch the RapidPass system where frontliners manning checkpoints can easily inspect vehicles and individuals by scanning QR codes.

Senti, a startup specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, provides the knowledge-base for the chatbots that the Department of Health deploys in different channels to address COVID-19-related inquiries. Local tech company Multisys, on the other hand, developed the online and mobile platform StaySafe.ph which aims to help the government in conducting efficient contact tracing.

To enable faster response from local government units (LGUs) in the fight against COVID-19, Limitless Lab, in partnership with The Asia Foundation, developed LGU vs COVID PH. The platform is an easy-to-use, updated, and reliable dashboard of all COVID-19 related information which LGUs can use and refer to

Startups offering convenience, on-demand services
Unknown to many, some of the essential needs met at this time are also powered by startups. MetroMart enables people who are stuck at home to have their goods delivered right at their doorstep. To further harness its capability, MetroMart launched MetroMart Cares, a special online store for grocery donations in partnership with World Vision and Gawad Kalinga. Another startup, Zagana, helps bridge the gap for local farmers and consumers in need of fresh fruits and vegetables.

MyKuya also provides convenience during the quarantine by helping run errands for those stuck at home and vulnerable to COVID-19. Some of its services include meal delivery, bills payment, and pharmacy and grocery runs. AIDE, a home healthcare platform, connects patients and medical professionals straight from their smartphones.
Even outside the Metro, startups continue to thrive. Pandalivery, an on-demand food delivery service available in Camarines Sur and Albay, expanded its service by including groceries and medicines to help amidst the quarantine. Streetby, an app that allows different merchants to continue to reach households in areas in Mindanao including Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Davao, General Santos, and Iligan

Startups connecting the world, bringing communities together
Aside from providing essentials, startups are also mobilizing their resources and skills to aid in addressing challenges brought about by COVID-19. QBO incubatees Container Living and Kumu are harnessing the power of their community.

Container Living, a startup which converts containers to buildings in its effort to lower carbon footprint and costs, saw the opportunity to pivot their innovation to address the overcrowding of medical facilities brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Container Living CEO Mac Evangelista spearheaded Rapid Deployment (RAD) Hospitals alongside its team of local architects, professionals and engineers to build scalable, easy-to-deploy, isolation and intensive care facilities for COVID-19 patients.

Livestreaming app Kumu launched Kumu Lives Streaming Service which conducts private live streams for free in an effort to enable Filipino communities, here and around the world, to hold events and gatherings online amid the quarantine, and Social DistanSING, a livestreaming initiative for a cause which brought together artists and celebrities online to share their talents and help raise funds for families affected by COVID-19. To date, Kumu’s cause has raised an estimate of Php1.2 million pesos for charity.
“At a time when most of us are relying on technology to stay connected and keep working, these startups are showing us how it can be done. They are, in a way, frontliners in their own rights, taking initiative to tackle this crisis by leveraging their strengths in technology to help our country move forward despite the challenges brought by this pandemic,” added Chan. “Our mantra at QBO is ‘Filipino Startups Changing the World’. We have always believed that our homegrown ventures and innovators can make a meaningful contribution to solving critical challenges and create impact. Now, our startups are showing what they’re capable of, and we hope that everyone will take notice, and recognize the crucial role that Filipino startups can play in bringing fresh ideas into action and will continue to support them in future.”

For its part, QBO also harnesses the power of tech by continuously providing support and learning opportunities to Filipino startups, making sure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to push forward despite the threat of COVID-19. For more information, visit facebook.com/QBOphilippines/ and qbo.com.ph/

About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.
Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

SM Distributes Boxes of Water Relief to Taal Eruption Victims in Batangas

SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and SM Foundation Inc. head to the evacuation centers in Batangas and Lipa to distribute boxes of 6.6L bottled water to the affected residents of the recent Taal volcano eruption.

The boxes of bottled water were given out to the victims who are temporarily residing in evacuation centers in Sto. Toribio, Banay-Banay, and Inosloban-Maraouy in Lipa and Batangas City Coliseum in Batangas.

SM Supermalls has partnered with the Philippine National Red Cross to extend urgent relief support and assistance to affected communities through its 12 malls in South Luzon. Those who wish to donate may drop-off their in-kind donations at the designated Oplan Tulong Express booths in the following SM malls: Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Molino, Rosario, Trece Martires, Imus, Sta. Rosa, San Pablo, Calamba, Batangas, Lipa, and Lucena.

For updates and announcements, visit www.smsupermalls.com or its Facebook page @smsupermalls.

First PH Startup Week Closes with National Conference, Signing of Startup Law IRR

ORTIGAS – The first Philippine Startup Week, held on November 18 to 22, 2019 capped off with the 5th Slingshot Conference and the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic Act 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act.

The law provides startups and startup enablers with incentives like travel grants, venture funds, and assistance in getting visas and business permits. At the center of the law’s implementation will be the Philippine Startup Development Plan that reviews and harmonizes existing government programs for startups.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that among his agency’s responsibilities, as mandated by the Innovative Startup Act, is ensuring ease of doing business for startups through a Startup Business One-Stop Shop (Startup BOSS) and administering a Startup Venture Fund, through its attached agency, the National Development Company (NDC).

The fund will match funding from venture capitalists for startups based in the Philippines. Sec. Lopez said that NDC can allocate an initial fund of Php 125 million to fund 50 startups and grow the fund as needed.

The Philippines in the global startup scene

In his welcome remarks at the Slingshot Conference on 22 November, the trade chief shared the Philippines’s standing according to the Startup Genome’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2019.

Startup Genome ranked Manila among the top Activation Phase Ecosystems in the world, together with Taipei, Busan, Calgary, and Frankfurt. The secretary reported that DTI has counted over 600 startups in the country; around 50 incubators and accelerators; and about 45 funders.

“Though our startup community is still relatively small, with Manila valued at US$ 378 million, we are seeing so much talent, value, and potential for growth among our young and dynamic Filipino startups,” said Sec. Lopez.

Adam Bregu, Business Development Manager of Startup Genome, gave a talk about the global startup ecosystem, with a deep dive on the Philippines. He said that 68% of the US$ 2.8 trillion value of the startup community is still concentrated in the top cities, namely San Francisco, New York, London, Beijing, Boston and Tel Aviv. This, however, already decreased from an 87% share from 2011 to 2012.

Bregu cited that Philippine startups are strong in agri-tech and food, blockchain, and fintech; the first two are the highest growing sectors globally. He also reported that the Filipino startup community has a strong local connectedness driven by its sense of community and the above-average number of female founders.

However, Bregu pointed out that to maximize growth, Philippine startups should develop a globally-focused mindset, wherein startup founders should plan to go global as early as day one. Globally-focused startups, Bregu said, grow twice as fast as their nationally-focused peers. To develop this mindset, he suggested a stronger link to the key startup hubs in the world, with an emphasis on founder-to-founder connections.

Startup Pilipinas

In 2016, DTI developed Startup Pilipinas as the industry cluster program to foster inter-enterprise linkages among startups and strengthen collaborative networks. As part of this program, DTI funds Filipino startup founders to participate in international events.

A delegation of Pinay-led startups recently participated in the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology 2019 (SWITCH) on 11 to 15 November. Aside from Singapore, DTI sent startups to 17 international events this year, including those in Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Canada, and Germany.

DTI’s foreign commercial attaches also initiated their own programs such as the Bridging the Philippines and Silicon Valley Innovation Ecosystems program and SPARK447, a co-working space at the Philippine Center in San Francisco was launched in October 2019 to provide Philippine Startups access to a virtual address and physical space.

Meanwhile, KALA Works, a 10,659-square feet co-working space founded by Fil-Am investors will be operational by the 2nd quarter of 2020. This will be the first Fil-Am managed co-working space in San Francisco with the goal of helping startups scale up by providing a state-of-the-art facility and best possible mentorship.