Exploring Sustainable Practices and Empowering Communities: A Journey Through Makati's Markets

In pursuit of understanding sustainable practices and fostering meaningful connections, our team embarked on an eye-opening expedition through Makati, Philippines. This adventure took us from Tejeros Wet & Dry Market to an invitation to attend a farm trip to Echofarms in Amadeo, Cavite. Along the way, we met inspiring individuals, learned about innovative initiatives, and identified potential opportunities for collaboration. In this blog post, we will share our key learnings and celebrate the achievements made during our journey. The team gained valuable information about waste management and suppliers in the market, as well as insight into the plastic and packaging regulations of the area.

Our exploration began at Tejeros Wet & Dry Market, a bustling hub of trade and commerce. With an understanding of the challenges we would face due to the language barrier, we set out to find someone willing and able to translate for us. It did not take long to find our newfound friend and invaluable guide, Adonis Consul. With his assistance as our translator, we delved into the market's intricacies.

During our time at Tejeros Market, we gained valuable insights into waste management practices and the market's supply chain. The barangay's significant role in waste collection and composting, where food waste is returned to farmers, left us intrigued about its potential for sustainable practices. We also discovered the existence of the Diversario market, a vital link between vendors and farmers, sparking our curiosity about its impact on the local supply chain.

As we delved deeper, we encountered questions about the fate of unsold food and various vendors' approaches to handling leftovers. We realized that addressing food waste could be a potential area for sustainable solutions. One significant discovery was the market's waste management process. One vendor informed us that the barangay, the local government, collects pre-segregated trash from the market. The vendor made it seem as though some food waste returned to farmers, closing the loop in a sustainable manner; however, we realized the need for further information on this process. To answer our questions, we journeyed to the local barangay office. Unfortunately for us, we arrived during their lunch, forcing us to leave questions unanswered.

Next on our journey was Simula Store, a pop-up sustainable store nestled in Glorietta 2, Ayala Malls. We carefully documented the eco-friendly products and associated brands, hoping to explore potential partnerships with these local businesses in the future.

Photograph of products for sale at Simula

With foresight into our scheduled meeting with Pacita Juan, the esteemed co-founder of Echostore, we ventured towards one of their compact yet distinct storefronts. A sense of uniqueness surrounded the establishment, piquing our curiosity about the company's inner workings.

Upon arriving at Commune Cafe, where our meeting with Pacita awaited, we were captivated by her compelling narrative. As she unveiled the history and trajectory of Echostore, it became evident that this enterprise transcended mere commercial pursuits. Instead, it stood as an empowering platform for small farms and local women entrepreneurs. Resonating with Pacita's commitment to community-oriented endeavors, we marveled at Echostore's journey from humble origins to the grand scale of its national influence.

Through Echostore, Pacita and her co-founders have been able to provide women with the skill set to effectively brand and market their products. Moreover, the very cafe we convened in bore witness to Pacita's influence, as its proprietor was none other than her niece. In a harmonious collaboration, the cafe acts as the central roaster for the beans grown by Echostore’s farm. Pacita expressed an open-minded willingness to act as a key player in our venture, evoking a profound sense of excitement for prospective collaboration. To our delight, Pacita extended a gracious invitation for a sojourn to Echofarms in Amadeo, Cavite. The detailed itinerary promised a comprehensive experience, from farm to cup, and an opportunity to witness their waste management practices firsthand.

Estefania R., Cayla B., Sean V., Pacita J. (right to left) sitting at Commune Cafe

Estefania R., Pacita J., Cayla B. (left to right) in front of Echo Store locally sourced coffee

Following a productive day of research, some of our team members attended the QBO Startup Networking Event. Here, we had the privilege of engaging with entrepreneurs and VCs from the Philippines, including Ari Luis Halos, who shared valuable insights about SIDC CO-OP, a farmers' co-op with potential alignments to our cause. Additionally, we learned about the "open program" at UP, which could offer exciting collaboration possibilities.

Panelists at QBO event

Estefania R. and Cayla B. at the QBO Qlitan event

As we wrap up our journey through Makati's markets and sustainable initiatives, we feel enriched by the knowledge we've gained and the inspiring individuals we've encountered. The potential for collaboration with Pacita Juan's Echostore and the connections made at the QBO event invigorate our commitment to creating a positive impact.

As we look ahead, we acknowledge the need for further exploration and information gathering on specific aspects. By working together, we can amplify our achievements, expand our knowledge, and forge a path toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Join us on this transformative journey of sustainability and empowerment. Share your insights, ideas, and clarifications as we endeavor to make a difference together.