Two Globe-supported Philippine startups—Virtualahan and The Spark Project—have been spotlighted in the Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) 2025 Impact Report, a landmark review celebrating ten years of tech-driven social innovation across the region.
Virtualahan, the country’s pioneering social enterprise in the disability space, and The Spark Project, a platform helping entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures, were featured as standout SGFM alumni that demonstrate how technology can tackle urgent community needs while driving scalable business growth.
A Decade of Impact
Launched in 2015, SGFM has grown into a leading regional platform for social innovation, supporting 85 startups through grants, mentorship, and ecosystem access. Collectively, these ventures have benefited over 24 million people in 11 countries, addressing challenges in education, healthcare, mental health, environment, agriculture, waste management, and inclusion.
Globe brought this vision to the Philippines in 2017 with the launch of Globe Future Makers (GFM)—a program designed to empower local startups using technology for social good. Beyond funding, GFM provides mentorship, marketing support, and networking opportunities, aligning with the broader Singtel Group’s commitment to social innovation across the Asia-Pacific.
This year, Singtel concluded SGFM in its current format after a decade, citing the maturity of the social innovation ecosystem and the growing support of governments and corporations.
“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.
Filipino Startups Leading Change
Both Virtualahan and The Spark Project emerged from Globe’s local program before representing the Philippines at the regional SGFM.
- Virtualahan, a 2017 GFM winner, empowers persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups—such as solo parents, recovering addicts, persons deprived of liberty, displaced workers, and out-of-school youth—through digital skills training and reintegration support. Since joining SGFM, Virtualahan has:
- Trained 1,267 persons with disabilities
- Achieved a 66% employment rate and a 25% income increase among graduates
- Grown annual revenues by 300%
- Incubated two spin-off businesses
“The exposure, learning, and endorsement we received from SGFM and Globe boosted our credibility as a pioneering social enterprise in the local disability space,” said Ryan Gersava, founder of Virtualahan.
- The Spark Project, which began as a crowdfunding platform for creative ventures, has since evolved into a full-fledged entrepreneur-support organization. To date, it has:
- Supported 135 enterprises
- Channelled ₱25.5 million into impact projects
- Deployed 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.
Collaboration with Globe
Working with Globe, both startups expanded their reach through thematic programs:
- Virtualahan partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in 2021 to connect PWDs, displaced workers, and out-of-school youth to the internet, enabling participation in Digital Jobs PH upskilling programs.
- The Spark Project collaborated with Globe on Spark Fest 2018 and 2019, creating a vibrant space for changemakers, creatives, and social entrepreneurs to connect and grow.
“Through our partnership with SGFM, we had the opportunity to support Filipino social enterprises in expanding their impact and contributing to positive change,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.
Sustaining the Momentum
Even as SGFM closes a remarkable chapter, Globe remains committed to building the future of Philippine social innovation—empowering startups that harness technology to solve pressing challenges, drive sustainable growth, and create lasting community impact.
To learn more, read the Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) 2025 Impact Report.
Learn more about Globe at www.globe.com.ph
