2 Pinoy organizations among finalists in Project Inspire int'l tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino organizations are among the 10 finalists in the “Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World,” a global search for programs that help inspire disadvantaged women and girls in the Asia Pacific region.

The Hapinoy Program of Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Michelle Pabalan and Mark Ruiz and Erika Rey Saturay’s “Back to the Roots: Women’s Empowerment Through Community Farming” were among the finalists of Project Inspire, organized by the Singapore National Committee for UN Women (UN Women Singapore) and MasterCard.

Hapinoy has helped sari-sari store owners earn more through a system allowing them to purchase the products that they sell directly from the supplier. Bam is a cousin of President Aquino.

Saturay’s program, on the other hand, aims to help women and girls in Sitio Panusungin, San Jose, Antipolo. She said she plans to change the world for women by participating in activities that promote and advance gender equality and empowerment. 

Project Inspire is a worldwide platform for socially inspired youth aged 18 to 35 years old. The initiative gives youth from around the world the chance to empower disadvantaged women in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Youth representing 50 countries from around the world submitted hundreds of life-changing ideas as five-minute pitch videos (or written proposals) for a chance to win a $25,000 grant. The grant will be used to bring to life the winning idea through education, skills training, financial inclusion or social entrepreneurship.

To vote for the Philippine finalists, visit the website www.5minutesto ChangetheWorld.org/vote. Voting closes on Aug. 19.

The winning projects will be determined by a combination of public votes and judges from the live pitch on Aug. 24.