Empowering Farmers through Digital Innovation: The GCash and Farm Konekt Collaboration

By: John Vincent Gastanes, CEO, Farm Konekt

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, a groundbreaking initiative stands out in the agricultural sector. The collaboration between GCash and Farm Konekt marks a significant step towards revolutionizing how we support our farmers. As the CEO of Farm Konekt, I am thrilled to share insights into this transformative project. 

Digital Clustering: A New Dawn for Farmers 

Our journey began with a vision to empower farmers through digital clustering. This innovative approach goes beyond mere statistics; it's about recognizing each farmer as a vital partner. We understand that post-clustering, the need for financing skyrockets due to increased production demands. This is where our partnership with Fuse Lending, the official credit arm of GCash, becomes a game-changer. 

GCash: A Catalyst for Change 

In our digital landscape, most farmers interact with financial systems through remittance centers or GCash. Recognizing this, we've honed our strategy on clustered acceleration, while GCash excels in offering inclusive financing through Fuse. This synergy is pivotal, acknowledging that no single entity can tackle the agricultural industry's diverse challenges alone. 

The First Digital Clustering and Integrator System 

As pioneers of this system, our collaboration with GCash is a milestone. Starting with our rice farmers, we are building an extensive network, aiming to bolster national food security. Our partnership is not driven by selfish ambitions but by a shared vision of inclusivity and collective growth. 

Project Overview: Accelerating Farmer Growth 

The "Collaboration Between GCash and FarmKonekt" is more than a partnership; it's a movement. As the first farmer accelerator platform, it targets cooperatives and associations, aiming to provide smallholder producers with convenient financing that would otherwise be difficult to access, given traditional lending institutions. This initiative is a beacon of hope, addressing critical challenges faced by rice farmers and other producers. 

Overcoming Financial Hurdles 

One of the biggest hurdles for farmers is accessing formal financial services. Our project directly tackles this, enhancing financial literacy and providing tailored workshops for farmers. This empowerment enables farmers to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and invest wisely in their operations. 

A Synergistic Partnership 

The heart of this project lies in the unique collaboration with GCash. By offering innovative loan products and services, we aim to bolster farmer support significantly. This partnership is crucial for expanding credit access, allowing farmers to strategically enhance their farm's productivity. 

Seamless Integration -- Borrowing Made Easy with GCash 

Finally, integrating farmers into the GCash platform is a key objective. This integration not only opens financial avenues for farmers but also simplifies transactions, offering a secure and efficient gateway to diverse financial services. 

As we move forward, our commitment is unwavering. Together with GCash, we are building an ecosystem where every farmer is recognized, valued, and empowered. This collaboration is just the beginning of a larger movement towards a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector. 

Project Zacchaeus Contributes to Environmental Sustainability in Love Affair with Nature Event

Location: Sitio Soliman, Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City, February 14, 2024

In an inspiring display of environmental stewardship, Project Zacchaeus family (PZC) participated in the 20th annual Love Affair with Nature event, a heartening initiative aimed at strengthening the bond between communities and the environment. This year's event was marked by a significant tree-planting activity that focused on the restoration of the mangrove ecosystem, a vital component in combating coastal erosion and preserving marine biodiversity.

The City Government of Puerto Princesa, known for its proactive approach to environmental issues, spearheaded the event. They emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling the challenges posed by successive rains and potential coastal flooding, issues that have become increasingly pressing in the region.

Participants, including Project Zacchaeus (Eco Kolek, Farm Konek and Juana Fresh), gathered at Sitio Soliman early in the morning. They engaged in the planting of mangrove seedlings, an activity that not only contributes to the ecological balance but also instills a sense of responsibility towards nature in the participants. This hands-on approach serves as an educational experience, especially for younger participants, highlighting the importance of mangroves in protecting shorelines and supporting marine life.

The event concluded successfully at 8:00 AM, with all participants having planted mangrove seedlings in the designated areas. This collective effort underscores a commitment to a "Lifetime Commitment" to nature, as echoed in the theme of the event. It represents a step forward in restoring and preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the mangrove forests in Palawan.

Through initiatives like the Love Affair with Nature, Palaweños are encouraged to cultivate sustainable livelihoods that harmonize with the environment. The involvement of Project Zacchaeus family and other community members in such activities is a testament to the growing awareness and action towards environmental preservation. This event not only contributes to the immediate improvement of the local ecosystem but also serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other communities to emulate in their journey towards sustainability and environmental harmony.

Farm Konekt's Vital Role in Enhancing the CALABARZON Halal Industry

The CALABARZON region witnessed a significant advancement in its Halal industry, thanks to Farm Konekt's active collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This collaboration was highlighted during a two-day Halal Training and Stakeholders Consultation event held on December 12-13, 2023. Farm Konekt's CEO, John Vincent Q. Gastanes, played a key role as a resource speaker, sharing insights into the company's mission and its efforts in promoting the Halal industry.

Farm Konekt's primary focus was to assist Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMSEs) in expanding their reach to international markets, particularly Brunei. This initiative aimed to export local Halal products, thereby opening new opportunities for these businesses. The participants' response was overwhelmingly positive, showing eagerness to collaborate with Farm Konekt and other national and local agencies to boost the Halal industry.

One of the significant contributions of Farm Konekt was its role in shaping the 5-year roadmap for the development of the Halal industry in the CALABARZON region. The company's Sustainability Officer, Wilbur Z. Mañibo, facilitated a workshop that gathered inputs from MSMEs and collaborating agencies. This collective effort led to the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan, focusing on global competitiveness, digitization, and inclusivity. The establishment of the Regional Halal Coordinating Council (RHCC) is a testament to this inclusive approach, aiming at capacity building, job creation, fostering Islamic finance and investment, ensuring food security, boosting tourism, and creating export opportunities.

John Vincent Gastanes, CEO of Farm Konekt, emphasized the company's commitment to helping small businesses promote their Halal products and expand their market. "Our knowledge in Halal and its processes is crucial, and we are collaborating with our government and the government of Brunei to advance this endeavor," he said.

The two-day event also included various workshops and informative sessions, empowering participants with knowledge and tools to actively support the Halal industry. The initiative was further strengthened by the interest shown by other companies in supporting the Halal warehousing and shipping sector.

The event marked a significant step towards elevating the Philippine Halal industry on the global economic stage. The roadmap crafted during the event focuses on various crucial aspects, including institutional strengthening, investment in research and innovation, focused capacity building initiatives, regulatory compliance, and promotion of Islamic finance investment.

Resource speakers from different sectors, including DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau, the Department of Tourism, the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, Small Business Corporation, DOST-CALABARZON, the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards of the Department of Agriculture, and Farm Konekt, delved into themes of Philippine Halal export development, financing, certification, and promotion opportunities.

This event not only served as a significant platform for uplifting the Halal industry within the CALABARZON region

Photo Credits: City Government of Tanauan