Young Filipina entrepreneurs prove that a single innovation can aid a community and its surroundings. Case in point: the innovative solutions presented by all-female groups who won in the Junior Achievement (JA) competitions.
Bags from coconut husks
The mini-company Terra, composed of 12th graders from St. Scholastica’s College, emerged victorious in the 2019 Asia Pacific JA Company of the Year competition, beating other competitors in the region.
Their eco-friendly handbag, dubbed Isla, made from 100 percent recycled and sustainable materials earned them first place and the special citation, the FedEx Access Award, which recognizes businesses that “best exhibit the principles of global connectivity.”
The all-female team wanted to promote local design and materials by using upcycled coco coir made from discarded coconut husks. All materials are locally sourced from communities in Laguna, Quezon, and Albay.
Sneakers from water lilies
The simple design of Prima Facie’s unisex sneakers belies the extraordinary story behind every pair. Upon closer look, one will discover that the handcrafted shoes are made from water lily fiber.
The footwear solves the problem of clogged waterways that plague impoverished communities in the metro. It also provides employment to the communities where the water lilies are sourced.
Prima Facie went on to represent the Philippines in the 2018 JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition and placed second for their innovative idea.
Charcoal briquettes
Pawa Niugini of De La Salle – Lipa bagged first place in the FedEx Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge Local Finals with their proposal of organic charcoal briquettes that burn longer than other types of charcoal, and also acts as a natural mosquito repellent. They represented the Philippines in the Regional Finals in Singapore in 2018, where more than 2,700 students from 10 markets took part.
Made from 100 percent organic materials, these mosquito repellants last longer than ordinary charcoal. The ashes can then be used as fertilizer.
These young ladies are just some of the countless entrepreneurs who are empowered by the business programs of FedEx and JA.
Together with JA, FedEx has trained thousands of young entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Asia Pacific region through the annual FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge and the JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year competitions.