A pair of initiatives aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment and sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines were on display during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW), which was held at the UN Headquarters in New York from March 11 to 22. These programs demonstrate Coca-Cola’s dedication to assisting women, giving them access to crucial business knowledge and resources, and fostering cooperative networks.
The Tindahan Extra Mile program (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program, in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), and the digital Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (iSTAR) program in the Philippines, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and six reputable civil society organizations, are two examples of successful partnerships leveraging technology to drive women’s economic empowerment.
CSW is the UN’s largest annual gathering exclusively dedicated to the promotion of women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives around the world, and shaping global commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
This year’s session tackles how the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women can be advanced by addressing poverty, and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. The two-week event will be attended by UN member states, specialized agencies that work with the UN, and accredited non-governmental organizations across the globe.
iSTAR: Helping women entrepreneurs thrive through digital
For over a decade, the STAR program, a joint effort between Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA, focused on providing entrepreneurship training for micro-retailers. In 2020, this initiative transitioned into the iSTAR program, a fully digital learning platform.
Marife Hilario, an iSTAR graduate from Nueva Ecija, has increased her monthly earnings
to over Php15,000 with the support of the program
iSTAR aims to address key barriers that hinder the development of women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to training, resources, and mentorship. Through its expanded digital platform, iSTAR has empowered over 150,000 micro-entrepreneurs, surpassing its 2025 target of 100,000 graduates. The program is available and can be accessed for free nationwide.
Implemented in collaboration with six civil society organizations nationwide, the multi-awarded program equips micro-entrepreneurs with essential digital skills to leverage online platforms for business growth and sustainability.
In 2022, a group of entrepreneurs from individual businesses completed the iSTAR program. Using the skills and knowledge they gained, they formed the PASCO Producers Cooperative the following year. Their collaborative effort led to the opening of the Eco-Grocer Store in Muntinlupa City Local Government and their catering business. Since then, each member has been earning at least Php5,000 monthly from their cooperative business, in addition to their income from their own micro-retail stores.
TEM: Enabling micro-retailers for a World Without Waste
Building on the foundation of digitally skilled micro-entrepreneurs, Coca-Cola Philippines extends support through the TEM program by helping increase their income while helping promote environmental stewardship.
TEM collection bins are placed in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias. Here, consumers can drop their empty bottles and cans for recycling.
iSTAR beneficiaries are encouraged to join TEM. Through the program, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners transform their stores into collection points for empty plastic bottles, which supports efforts to help reduce plastic waste and prevent pollution. With increased visibility and proximity to these drop-off bins, consumers are encouraged to dispose of their plastic bottles responsibly. Micro-retailers earn environmental points for collecting bottles, redeemable for cashback and products, strengthening their business. As of March, there are over 2,900 TEM members in the country. Earlier this month, Coca-Cola Philippines, BEST, PASCO, and the City Government of Bacolod launched the TEM program in Bacolod City.
TEM is a component of the “May Ikabobote Pa” consumer engagement campaign by Coca-Cola Philippines, which aims to inform, uplift, and encourage customers to recycle their empty bottles and cans. Customers may find the closest collection locations and learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling programs by visiting the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub.
The global sustainable packaging ambitions of The Coca-Cola Company are being supported by this local endeavor. The company wants to make its major consumer packaging recyclable by 2025, collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells globally by 2030, and utilize 50% or more recycled material in its packaging on average by the same year.
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