MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Two Philippine social enterprises supported by Globe Telecom: Virtualahan and The Spark Project have been recognized in the Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) 2025 Impact Report, a milestone publication celebrating a decade of tech-enabled social innovation across the Asia-Pacific.
As part of SGFM’s alumni network, Virtualahan and The Spark Project exemplify how technology can bridge gaps in inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development while building sustainable business models.
Since its launch in 2015, SGFM has evolved into a regional platform nurturing 85 startups with grants, mentorship, and access to ecosystem partners. Collectively, these ventures have impacted over 24 million lives in 11 countries, spanning education, healthcare, mental health, agriculture, environment, waste management, and social inclusion.
Globe introduced the program locally through Globe Future Makers (GFM) in 2017, providing Philippine startups with mentorship, marketing support, and networking opportunities. The initiative aligned with the broader social innovation strategy of the Singtel Group, Globe’s principal shareholder.
With the program’s 10-year run completed, Singtel announced it will transition its focus toward supporting alumni ventures and strengthening cross-market collaborations.
“Moving forward, we will focus on working with alumni ventures to help drive their expansion and build stronger collaboration,” said Andrew Buay, VP for Group Sustainability at Singtel.
Virtualahan, winner of the inaugural Globe Future Makers in 2017, equips persons with disabilities, solo parents, displaced workers, and other marginalized groups with digital skills training and livelihood opportunities. Since completing the program, it has trained 1,267 persons with disabilities, achieving a 66% employment rate and 25% income increase for graduates, while growing its revenues by 300% and launching two spinoffs.
“The exposure, learning, and endorsement we received from SGFM and Globe helped boost our credibility as a pioneering social enterprise in the local disability space,” said Ryan Gersava, founder of Virtualahan.
Meanwhile, The Spark Project, initially a crowdfunding platform for creatives, joined GFM in 2019. With Globe and SGFM’s backing, it has transformed into an entrepreneur-support organization, having assisted 135 enterprises, channelled ₱25.5 million into impact projects, and rolled out a ₱16.6 million loan fund.
“By connecting us with a wider network of mentors, collaborators, and supporters, GFM and SGFM enabled us to build stronger programs that support Filipino creatives and social entrepreneurs,” said Patch Dulay, founder of The Spark Project.
Beyond SGFM, Globe has worked with both organizations to launch thematic initiatives. Virtualahan partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology in 2021 to connect marginalized groups to Digital Jobs PH programs. The Spark Project collaborated with Globe on Spark Fest 2018 and 2019, a platform for creatives and changemakers to learn, network, and collaborate.
As SGFM enters its next phase, Globe reaffirms its commitment to nurturing Philippine social enterprises that harness technology for meaningful, sustainable change. Through partnerships, innovation, and digital platforms, the company continues to champion inclusive growth across industries and communities.
For more information about the Singtel Group Future Makers 2025 Impact Report, visit Singtel’s website.
