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MANILA, Philippines – To answer our audience’s need for more interactive learning platforms, Rappler launched the new format of #ThinkPH last October 23. It featured 3 key events: a sustainability fair, a roundtable discussion, and a Live Jam session.
The fair highlighted 10 sustainable and proudly Filipino-owned SMEs: Fashion Revolution Philippines, Wear Forward, Forth Co, Plural and Co, The Gutter, TWELVE, Katsu House, Super Scoops, Vutcher, and Zero Basics.
#ThinkPH Live host Ceej Tantengco interviewed these businesses to know how they’re leveraging technology to reach their target audience and promote sustainability.
“The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world and every second, there’s one garbage truck of clothes that’s being burned or sent to the landfill worldwide. A portion of that is unsold inventory from big fast fashion brands. That’s why we’re calling for them to be transparent and accountable for their actions,” said Prince Ventura, owner of Forth Co.
Forth Co is an online market space that brings together sustainable fashion brands where collaborators can also swap and donate pre-loved clothes and accessories to promote circular fashion. Circular fashion refers to clothes, shoes, and accessories that are designed, sourced, and created with longevity in mind.
The sustainability fair was followed by a roundtable discussion featuring Nicka Hosaka, public affairs manager of Grab Philippines, Gorby Dimalanta, co-founder and head of business development of BukidFresh, and Paul Galacan, co-founder of Trakaro.
They focused on what the role of tech should be– which is to improve people’s lives.
Hosaka said that responsible technology is the true essence of why technology came about in the first place. “It’s to be able to use technology to further a specific need, making it more convenient for people, making it more accessible and inclusive,” she said.
Dimalanta also shared how technology has empowered local Filipino farmers by connecting them directly to the consumers.
Meanwhile, Galacan encouraged SMEs to consider sustainability in their business strategy. “Last 2015, there was actually a survey that said 8 out of 10 Filipinos are willing to support businesses that have a socially positive impact. I encourage them to go the extra mile and invest in sustainability because it’s for their own sustainability as well,” he said.
#ThinkPH Live’s first season ended with a Live Jam session with singer-songwriter, Caleb Santos. Caleb is one of YouTube NextUp 2019 winners, a contest which highlights up-and-coming creators to help them grow their channels.
He said that the video sharing platform’s global audience has made it easier for him to reach more people. “Pagdating sa music, isa ito sa pinakapanalo namin dahil open siya maging sa bata, actually naririnig ko ang mga kids na kinakanta mga sarili kong songs. Masarap sa puso yung ganoon (This is a win for us music artists because it’s open even for kids. It warms my heart everytime I hear them sing my own songs),” he said.
Have a specific topic in mind you’d like us to discuss? Send us an email at sales@rappler.com. For updates on the next season of #ThinkPH Live, bookmark this page. – Rappler.com
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