By Mary Ann T. Bardinas
MANILA, Oct. 29 (PNA) — Gawad Kalinga founder Antonio Meloto on Wednesday said that the world is beginning to notice the Philippines’ sustainable and inclusive growth.
Speaking at the Human Nature’s Goodness Riding campaign launch in Quezon City, Meloto said this was observed during the recent World Forum Lille he attended in France.
“What really amazed me is that all related Filipino brands — Human Nature, Gawad Kalinga, COMET (City Optimized Managed Electric Transport), and even Enchanted Farm – became the center stage of this recent World Forum Lille,” he disclosed.
Fresh from his World Forum Lille stint where he joined Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, Meloto believes that companies like Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines and Human Nature are transforming the Philippines, making it a hub for social entrepreneurship, as they share the same vision of helping to uplift the quality of life, especially of the poor.
Meloto said COMET is a very innovative and inclusive initiative that provides a safe and best mass transit alternative.
The 20-seater COMET vehicle is powered by lithium ion batteries which means zero emissions and zero belching. Its designated stops and terminals are also safer for riders.
For him, the COMET also signifies the rise of the Philippines as this provides state-of-the-art vehicles for drivers who spend their whole day on the road to gain income for their families.
GET Philippines has joined hands with jeepney associations and a transport group to make COMET drivers receive a standard monthly salary, health care and social security.
“If we want inclusive growth, we need to build the ‘walang iwanan’ economy where we leave no one behind. Solidarity in creating inclusive wealth is key to sustainable peace and prosperity,” Meloto said in a statement.
Goodness Riding is Human Nature’s first transport campaign in partnership with GET Philippines, which aims to offer safe and eco-friendly mass transportation to the public.
Also gracing the event were Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Elisea Gozun, GET president Sigfrido Tinga and Human Nature vice president Dylan Wilk. (PNA)