Two Filipino NGOs have been awarded grants from the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0, a joint initiative by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The fund supports sustainability efforts in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, particularly in addressing climate change and natural disasters.
The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF) are the only organizations from the Philippines receiving part of the $5 million fund. Both groups are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance their sustainability projects.
UPPAF is focused on transforming public transportation in developing countries.
“With this generous funding, we aim to revolutionize paratransit systems in developing countries by addressing fossil fuel dependence, poor energy efficiency in public transport operations and the need for inclusive and just transition,” said Dr. Noriel Christopher Tiglao, professor and project leader at UPPAF.
Technical training
ASSIST, on the other hand, focuses on empowering local communities with skills in sustainable practices, including technical training and disaster response.
“By leveraging the Sustainability Seed Fund, we plan to scale up through three pathways: geographic expansion into neighboring Asean countries, scope expansion by updating and broadening the green skills curriculum, and technological expansion by incorporating advanced delivery methods like VR, AR, and AI technologies,” said Francis Macatulad, executive director of ASSIST.
The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund is now in its second year of supporting researchers and social investors who are using AI and cloud technologies to build their sustainability solutions.