Ten women waste workers receive grants on International Women’s Month

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Women waste workers formally accept their new equipment and financial grants to boost their businesses.

Ten women waste workers from the Cities of Pasig, Quezon and Manila celebrated International Women’s Month with new equipment and financial grants to enhance their waste management businesses.

WWF-Philippines hosted a turnover ceremony at the University of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City on March 8, Wednesday, which was also International Women’s Day. The women grantees received their new equipment – side cars, cleaning tools, and safety gear – and signed an agreement, accepting their grants.

One of the grantees was 46-year-old Rosabelle Obusan from Pasig City. Rosabelle has been collecting and selling garbage since she was young. She had always dreamed of having her own junk shop, but lacked the seed money to do so.

“Kaya ngayon makakakuha na ako ng business permit, tsaka mayor’s permit, kaya matutuloy ko na ‘yung pangarap ko. Ito na nga ‘yung hinihintay ko na ang tagal na pagkakataon. Mauumpisahan ko na,” Rosabelle says.

[Translation: Now I can finally get a business permit and a mayor’s permit to fulfill my dream. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I can finally start my business.]

Rosabelle Obusan receives a side car full of cleaning tools and safety gear as well as new signs for the junk shop she plans to open.

The other grantees were May Mabunga, Marissa Gorpido, Michelle Glor, Marife Cabe, Joan Diaz, Rose Anne Salinas, Analyn Gerong, Kuh Restubog, and Margarita Bartolo.

The equipment and grants are part of the Women in Waste Economic Empowerment (WWEE) program of the Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) initiative under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This is in partnership with WWF-Philippines and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) as well as the Associated Resources for Management and Development, Inc. (ARMDEV) and the EcoWaste Coalition’s Basic Business Empowerment Skills Training (BBEST) that is also funded by CCBO.

“Nakakabilib na ang mga kababaihan ang kasama natin sa pag-ambag sa kalinisan ng ating komunidad. Isang pribilehiyo po para sa amin na makatulong sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya para sa ating misyon na isang mundong maayos at walang nasasayang,” said Cecile Alcantara — Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President — addressing the women waste workers.

[Translation: It is impressive that women are part of our work to clean communities. It is our privilege to assist you and your families in our mission to achieve a world without waste.]

Prior to receiving the grants, the women underwent empowerment training under BBEST and participated in a mentorship and pitching session to a panel. The grantees were selected based on the clarity, impact, and feasibility of their business idea, and the drive of the women to implement the business model.

Apart from the formal turnover, one of the highlights of the event was a sharing or chikahan session among the new grantees, with some new BBEST training graduates and other women waste workers who had received their grants a few months earlier. The women entrepreneurs shared their experiences, answered questions from the group and also offered inspiring messages to motivate the new graduates to continue pursuing their ambitions for their businesses despite the challenges.

Previous grrantees share their story of how they trained to be entrepreneurs under the WWEE project and what life has been like since receiving their grants.

Analiza Maglasang, 48, was one of the grantees from November who shared her story. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Analiza had to shut down her junk shop and put her plans on hold. When she attended the BBEST training last year, she found the confidence from learning new skills to restart her business.

“Ang isang natutunan ko, mangarap lang ulit,” she says. “Kasi sabi ko pwede kahit hindi na ako maghanapbuhay. Antayin ko na lang sahod ng asawa ko…Nang naka-attend ako nang seminar parang naliwanagan ako ulit.”

[Translation: One of the lessons I learned is to dream again. Because I used to think that I didn’t need to work anymore. I’ll just wait for my husband’s salary…When I attended the seminar I was enlightened.]

May Mabunga, 29, from Pasig City is a door-to-door waste collector and one of the new grantees who also spoke during the session. She shared how she overcame her shyness and learned to be more outspoken during her empowerment training.

“Kahit hindi ka marunong magsulat, magbasa…’Yung hindi marunong magbasa mapaghihinaan kayo ng loob. Kasi ako mahina talaga ‘yung loob ko. Katulad ngayon, mahina ang loob ko, pero nasaan ngayon ako?”

[Translation: Even if you don’t know how to write or read…When you don’t know how to read, you often feel weak-hearted. I also often feel weak-hearted until now, but look how far I’ve come?]

A recent WWF study found that women bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to managing plastic use and waste when compared to men. WWF-Philippines is pushing for gender-inclusive solid waste management systems in homes and communities.

The WWEE partnership is in line with WWF-Philippines’ advocacy to empower women in the waste management sector under its No Plastics in Nature (NPIN) initiative that seeks to stop the flow of plastic waste in nature by 2030.

"WWF believes in empowering the waste sector as we see it important in the plastic value chain. Our studies showed that the informal waste sector mainly contributes to the estimated 9% plastic recycling rate of the country but is not provided with the support they need. Through WWEE, together with our partners, we recognize their contribution and work on supporting them in making their dream businesses a reality,” says Czarina Constantino - Panopio NPIN Program Manager.

Unveil the Magical Charm of Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh, a state situated in the northern region of the Himalayas, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The Manali package provides access to several picturesque towns, such as Manali, located at the northern end of the Kullu valley, is known for its stunning forests of oak, pine, and deodar. You can also visit the Dalhousie, which is spread across five hills and offers magnificent views of the Dhauladhar ranges. Don’t forget to visit the Kasol, also known as the "Amsterdam of India," is a charming hamlet on the banks of the Parvati River. Get a chance to admire the famed Tibetan culture, historic temples, and nature excursions of Mcleodganj, located on the outskirts of Dharamshala. Spiti Valley, which sits at an altitude of 12,500 feet, is a chilly desert surrounded by snow-covered mountains. While exploring the Himachal, you can take a scenic drive to the pass and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.





Manali

Manali, a serene hill station nestled in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. The town boasts of many ancient temples, such as the famous Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple, which provide a glimpse into the history and culture of Manali. For a deeper understanding of Manali's past, head to the Gompa Museum, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the town's unique heritage. While in Manali, don't miss the chance to browse the bustling Manali Bazaar, which offers a wide variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs like shawls, woolen items, and traditional Himachali caps, making it the ideal place to purchase locally-made products. With your Manali package nature enthusiasts can visit the Beas Kund, a high altitude alpine lake located about 18 kilometers from Manali, which is a popular spot for trekking enthusiasts and is believed to have religious significance. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. You can witness the magnificent landscapes and spot a wide variety of wildlife here. For breathtaking mountain vistas, take a scenic drive to the Rohtang Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass located near Manali.





Shimla

Located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a renowned hill station, known for its stunning rich cultural history, and colonial-era architecture. The Mall Road, Shimla's primary shopping destination where you can stroll along the Mall at your leisure, take in the colonial-era architecture, and soak in the local vibe at the diverse selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Don't forget to visit the most popular temples like The Jakhoo Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Hanuman, is situated on a hill near Shimla. For the breathtaking scenery and experience the spiritual aura of the temple by taking a cable car ride or hiking up the hill. The Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, was the official residence of the British viceroy during the colonial era. Explore the lodge's history and architecture on your Shimla tour package, and learn about its role in India's colonial past. For a glimpse into Himachal Pradesh's cultural and natural heritage, head to the Shimla State Museum, located in the heart of the city. The museum's exhibitions and artifacts provide visitors with information about the local history, art, and culture. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ridge and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.



Kufri

The trip becomes a dream holiday with the Shimla tour package as you visit Kufri which is a charming and picturesque hill station in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, with a host of attractions to explore. The Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including Himalayan tahr, leopards, and red pandas. You can take a guided tour to learn about the local wildlife and see these creatures in their natural habitat. Kufri Fun World is another popular attraction, an amusement park that offers a variety of exciting activities and games for families and children. The Mahasu Peak, Kufri's highest point, is a breathtaking spot that provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Trekking to the peak is a popular activity for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, the small traditional settlements in the Kufri area offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life, allowing you to learn about local traditions and customs by walking around the villages. Kufri's high snowfall throughout the winter months also makes it a popular winter sports destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts from all over.



Kasol

The Shimla Tour Package itinerary includes a visit to the charming hamlet of Kasol, located on the banks of the Parvati River. Kasol has become a popular destination for travellers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts in recent years. It is situated 23 kilometres from Bhuntar and is adjacent to the holy town of Manikaran. Several treks, including those to Kheerganga, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass, begin from Kasol. Manikaran Sahib, located just 15 minutes from Kasol, is a pilgrimage site visited by both Sikhs and Hindus. The Gurudwara is a must-visit, along with the temples dedicated to Lord Ram, Krishna, and Vishnu, all of which offer breathtaking mountain backdrops. Kasol is also known for its hot water springs, which include an Energy Center and an experimental Energy Plant. If you join the trekking excursion to Malana, located 21 kilometres from Kasol, you will drive up to the end of the road and start your trip to the Malana Village.



Spiti Valley

If you're planning a trip to Spiti Valley, it's a good idea to consider taking advantage of the Shimla tour package beforehand. Shimla is located in Himachal Pradesh, and it's the coldest spot in the country, receiving 250 days of sunlight per year at an elevation of 12,500 feet. Spiti Valley is a "trekking mecca and unspoiled paradise" that's located between India and Tibet and is home to many monasteries, including the thousand-year-old Key Monastery. The valley is sparsely populated, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers who want to explore its various trekking trails and high-altitude mountain passes. Kunzum La is one of the most captivating trekking trails in the area, offering a bird's eye view of the Bara Shigri Glacier, the world's second longest glacier. To see some picturesque views of the villages, head down 1.5 kilometers along the Spiti River from Dhankar Monastery to Dhankar Lake. Additionally, Chandratal Lake is a beautiful lake situated at an altitude of 4300 meters in the tumultuous Himalayas, attracting countless adventure seekers who want to witness the changing colors of the lake from reddish to orange to blue and finally emerald green by the end of the day.





Dalhousie

The hidden gem on the list of Manali package is Dalhousie, renowned for its waterfalls, lush forests, and meadows. Founded in 1854, the town was named after Lord Dalhousie, who made it a popular summer vacation spot for the British during colonial times. The town's churches, such as Saint Patrick's Church, St John's Church, and St Francis Church, are well-known for their Scotch and Victorian-era architecture, preserving the town's colonial legacy. You can purchase knitted Himachal shawls and handicrafts as souvenirs at Mall Road, the town's major market. A must visit to Khajjiar, also known as India's "Little Switzerland", it is renowned for its snow-covered mountains and green pastures. Immerse Yourself in the Natural Wonders of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary with Endangered Animals and Majestic Mountain Views. Panchpula, a picnic area in Dalhousie, is surrounded by a canopy of pine and deodar trees and is well-known for its Saptdhara waterfall, serving as the starting point for the Ganji Pahari hike and entertaining activities such as ziplining. Finally, the Samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh, the uncle of Shahid Bhagat Singh, is a tribute to his memory.



Jibhi

Jibhi is a small and charming village nestled in the serene Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is also home to a number of beautiful temples, including the Chaini Kothi, a 400-year-old tower-like structure made entirely of stone and wood. The tower is a remarkable feat of ancient architecture and engineering. For those seeking adventure, the nearby Jalori Pass is a popular destination for trekkers, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. You can also enjoy camping by the serene Tirthan River and indulge in activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and stargazing. Don't forget to try traditional Himachali dishes such as Madra, Dhaam, and Siddu, all of which are made with locally sourced ingredients and authentic recipes.

DigiCOOP partners with ADVANCE.AI to boost digital and financial inclusion in the Philippines

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DigiCOOP, the largest online platform for cooperatives and labour unions in the Philippines, today announced a partnership with Singapore-based tech startup ADVANCE.AI to power the provision of digital and financial services for its 1.3 million labour union workers and farmers on its platform.

Launched in 2020 during the Philippines’ Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), digiCOOP already has 12 federations and 100+ cooperatives using its digital platform. It has also integrated over 400 brick-and-mortar co-op branches into its web channel. Registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), digiCOOP’s aim is to unite and serve member cooperatives with an ecosystem of digital and financial products and services. Aggregated services offered on its platform include loan application, credit scoring, digital banking, insurance and investment, bill and online payment services as well as e-learning opportunities.

ADVANCE.AI specialises in digital identity verification to power smooth and seamless customer onboarding. In the Philippines for example, it can remotely onboard and verify a real user’s identity by scanning a range of national identity documents, such as the Philippines’ passport, UMID, SSS and TIN, and matching the image with a selfie taken with the phone’s camera. All this can be completed in under 60 seconds. Other services it provides include fraud and risk management, as well as alternative credit scoring services.

Ann Cuisia, CEO of TraXion Tech, the founder and creator of digiCOOP, said, “Our goal is to reduce systemic inefficiency and lack of financial inclusion by increasing the 20% banked Filipino families to at least 50% within five years. Our partnership with ADVANCE.AI and their expertise in digitally onboarding customers through seamless and secure digital identity verification supports our vision of enabling unbanked and underserved Filipino segments of society to build their own wealth, participate in a lively digital and financial ecosystem and pass on the coop legacy to the next tech-adept generation.”

​Michael Calma, Philippines Country Manager of ADVANCE.AI, said, “Economic advancement for the grassroots and union workers can only happen by increasing trust and confidence in the use of digital technology. As a Filipino, I’m very excited about this partnership and advancing digiCOOP’s mission of digital as well as financial accessibility and sustainability for the grassroots. Nowadays, the traditional customer onboarding process is simple, secure and can be completed entirely on their mobile phone. All they need to join the digiCOOP platform is a national identity document and an internet connection.”