Two Filipino non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF), Inc., have been awarded grants from the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0. This fund, backed by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), provides financial support to sustainability-focused organizations across the Asia-Pacific region, helping them tackle climate change and manage natural disasters.
About the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0
The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0, now in its second year, has allocated US$5 million to support local initiatives that leverage AI and cloud technologies for sustainable solutions. This year, ASSIST and UPPAF are the only organizations from the Philippines selected to receive funding, positioning them among 18 innovative grantees across the region.
ASSIST: Empowering Local Communities with Sustainable Skills
ASSIST focuses on equipping local communities and organizations in the Philippines with the skills needed for sustainable development. Through a combination of technical training and disaster response education, ASSIST aims to build resilience and foster sustainable growth.
“With the support of the Sustainability Seed Fund, we plan to scale our impact through three pathways: expanding geographically into ASEAN countries, broadening our green skills curriculum, and adopting advanced delivery methods like VR, AR, and AI,” said Francis Macatulad, Executive Director of ASSIST.
UPPAF: Revolutionizing Public Transport for a Sustainable Future
UPPAF is dedicated to enhancing public transportation systems in developing countries by reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving energy efficiency. The funding will allow UPPAF to advance its research and initiatives in these areas.
“With this generous funding, we aim to revolutionize paratransit systems in developing countries by addressing fossil fuel dependence, poor energy efficiency, and the need for an inclusive and just transition,” said Dr. Noriel Christopher Tiglao, Professor and Project Leader at UPPAF.
AI for a Sustainable Future in the Asia-Pacific Region
The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund continues to support social investors and researchers utilizing AI and cloud technologies to mitigate climate risks and promote sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region. The contributions of ASSIST and UPPAF exemplify how innovative technology can help create a sustainable future.
For more details on the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0 and the complete list of grantees, visit Google’s official blog.