Philippines

May 05, 2016

Where Billionaire Crony Capitalists Live

It’s never easy becoming a billionaire, but the path to achieving a 10-figure level of wealth is smoother when you have the government as a business partner. Crony capitalism is a general term for the range of activities in which particular individuals or businesses in a market economy receive government-granted privileges over their customers or competitors. Continue Reading...

July 06, 2015

Women in Philippines Pose As Nuns To Ensnare Children Into Trafficking

I’ve read and heard a lot of horrible stories about human trafficking. Every time I think I’ve heard the worst, I find another one that horrifies me. This one certainly falls into that category: According to a news outlet in the Philippines, girls in the countryside were lured away from their home with the promise of studying in Manila, and almost abducted into a life of human trafficking—by women dressed as Catholic nuns. Continue Reading...

April 14, 2015

In Colombia, Soda Bottles Make For Safer Streets

Electric street lamps are expensive. They are expensive to make, to maintain and to illuminate. However, cities are undoubtedly safer with them. So what to do in poorer countries? Liter of Light, an NGO that focuses on illuminating the developing world without electricity, has figured out a way to light streets using soda bottles. Continue Reading...

October 06, 2014

Are We Making Any Progress With Human Trafficking?

Looking at the numbers is overwhelming. 21 million people trafficked globally every year. Over $150 billion a year in profits. Is there any hope for such a tremendous problem, with so many facets that need attention? Continue Reading...

December 30, 2013

Typhoon Haiyan Creates Upsurge In Human Trafficking

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the convenor of the Philippines’ Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking, is expressing increased concern about human trafficking due to the “chaotic environment” brought about by typhoon Haiyan. Continue Reading...

February 20, 2012

Gleaner Tech #1: Solar Bottle Lights in the Philippines

[Note: This is the first in an occasional series on gleaner technology.] Continue Reading...

December 07, 2010

Seven Fund Announces New Competition

The Seven Fund has announced a new Breakthrough Innovation Grant competition. The Breakthrough Innovation Grant (BIG) of up to USD $20,000 will be given to the most innovative business ideas that will have an impact on poverty alleviation in the Philippines. Continue Reading...