Filipino NGOs Win Big: AI-Powered Sustainability Grants Awarded by Google.org and ADB
Filipino NGOs Win Big: AI-Powered Sustainability Grants Awarded by Google.org and ADB
Manila, Philippines – September 3, 2024 – Two Filipino non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are celebrating after being named recipients of the prestigious APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0. This program, a collaborative effort between Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), awards funding to local organizations tackling climate change and environmental challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
Empowering Filipino Sustainability Leaders
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. stand out as the sole representatives from the Philippines to secure a portion of the program’s US$5 million grant. Notably, both organizations leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to further their sustainability goals.
ASSIST: Building Green Skills with AI
ASSIST focuses on equipping local communities and organizations in the Philippines with the knowledge and tools needed to implement sustainable solutions. This includes technical training, disaster response strategies, and now, with the help of the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund, the integration of VR, AR, and AI technologies into their green skills curriculum.
“By leveraging the Sustainability Seed Fund, ASSIST plans to expand our impact through geographic expansion into neighboring ASEAN countries, broadening our green skills curriculum, and incorporating advanced delivery methods like VR, AR, and AI technologies,” said Francis Macatulad, Executive Director of ASSIST.
UPPAF: Revolutionizing Public Transportation with AI
UPPAF addresses a critical challenge in developing countries: fossil fuel dependence and energy inefficiency in public transportation systems. With the awarded grant, UPPAF aims to revolutionize paratransit systems by fostering a shift away from fossil fuels, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring an inclusive and just transition for all stakeholders.
“We are grateful for this generous funding,” stated Dr. Noriel Christopher Tiglao, Professor and Project Leader at UPPAF. “It allows us to revolutionize paratransit systems in developing countries by addressing fossil fuel dependence, promoting energy efficiency in public transport operations, and advocating for inclusive and just change.”
A Sustainable Future Powered by AI
The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund, now in its second year, showcases the vital role AI and cloud technology play in building a more sustainable future. By supporting these innovative Filipino NGOs, Google.org and ADB are paving the way for the development of AI-powered solutions that can address climate change and mitigate its impact across the Asia-Pacific region.
To learn more about the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0 and see the rest of the grantees, visit https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-asia/18-ngos-tackling-sustainability-challenges-in-asia-pacific/
