Reflection : 4 Years as Start-up Founder & Executive Director of Bokashi Pinoy (2020- 2024)
As the Founder & Executive Director of Bokashi Pinoy, I embarked on a journey driven by a passion for environmental advocacy and a commitment to addressing the soil and garbage crisis in the Philippines. Over the past 4 years and 5 months, I’ve had the privilege of leading a startup dedicated to fostering behavioral change and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
One of the highlights of my tenure has been successfully managing the 2 Year Bazero Solid Waste Management Program on behalf of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines. Through this initiative, we implemented innovative solutions to tackle waste management challenges, making a tangible impact on local communities and the environment.
At the heart of Bokashi Pinoy is our unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy and behavioral change. From formulating the company’s vision, goals, and objectives to hiring and training new employees and volunteers, I have been deeply involved in all aspects of business development, ensuring that our mission remains at the forefront of everything we do.
Through Coca-Cola Foundation, we were also able to establish a relationship with Philippine Business for Social Progress, allowing us to request a grant for our community partner in Nueva Ecija. So, even before I learned the Social Solidarity Economy, we are already embodying its principles.
Building and maintaining professional relationships with grant providers and partners has been essential to our success. By fostering collaborations and alliances, we have been able to amplify our impact and reach a wider audience with our initiatives.
Throughout our journey, we have impacted more than 6,000 households in the Philippines through our behavioral modification programs. By empowering individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices, we are contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
International Climate Action Challenge
In 2021, I, along with three groups of advocates, decided to take part in the 90-day International Climate Action Challenge. Understanding that individual efforts might not suffice to create a substantial impact, we acknowledged the common occurrence of grassroots initiatives starting with enthusiasm but eventually dwindling (“ningas cogon”). With this in mind, we joined the challenge with the goal of initiating a genuinely sustainable solution.
Finishing in the Top 5 Social Enterprises in 2022
One of our proudest achievements has been the growth of Bokashi Pinoy from a mere idea to a 4.5 million social enterprise within just 3 years. This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the unwavering support of our partners and stakeholders.
Being recognized as a Top 2 Finalist for the 2022 BPI Sinag Social Enterprise Challenge was a humbling experience and a validation of our efforts to drive positive change in our society. It served as a reminder that even the smallest actions can lead to significant outcomes when fueled by passion and dedication.
We started with the mantra, “One household at a time” (2021-2022), then progressed to “One Community at a Time” (2022-2023). However, to truly live up to the aspiration of impacting “One City at a Time,” I recognize the need to align myself with a larger organization.
Once City at a Time
Our biggest achievement so far has been the groundbreaking collaboration between Coca-Cola Foundation and a City Government unit through Bokashi Pinoy. Together, our aim is to revolutionize waste management practices and foster a more sustainable future for the communities we serve.
Quezon City Community Garbage to Garden Project (L-R) Ting Cabalza of Coca-Cola Foundation, Mayor Joy Belmonte and Lanie Francisco (Founder of Bokashi PInoy)
Being replicated is the ultimate validation of success. Throughout this journey, witnessing the profound impact of our initiatives has been incredibly rewarding. I’m thrilled to share that a significant City Local Government Unit (LGU) has enthusiastically embraced our program, incorporating it as their own initiative after a successful six-month period from February 2023 to September 2023. One of the key members of my team was also aborbed by the City Government.
Like the mother in King Solomon’s court, I might opt to let my creation be embraced by someone else rather than seeing it diminished. This scenario mirrors the bond between a mother and her child. Driven by a passion for talent development, this team member have to carve her own path, inadvertently taking a part of me with her. Nonetheless, she must carve out her own destiny. Similarly, the Bokashi Pinoy story may need to unfold without my direct involvement. Just as effective teachers sometimes need to step aside once their students have grasped the lesson, I may have to do the same in the story of Bokashi Pinoy.
Surfer’s Mentality – How to React to both triumphs and disappointments
As I navigate these turbulent waters, I’m reminded of the inherent intricacies of ethical dilemmas and the imperative of staying true to one’s principles. The Urban project has been a journey of triumphs and tribulations, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.
Ultimately, I’m reminded that while success may be measured by accomplishments, true fulfillment stems from staying grounded in integrity, even in the face of disappointments and feelings of betrayal. As I chart my path forward, I’m guided by the lessons learned and the unwavering commitment to uphold ethical standards, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
Lessons Learned:
The surfer’s mentality teaches us valuable lessons on how to navigate both triumphs and disappointments:
Embrace the Wave: Just as a surfer rides the waves, embrace both successes and setbacks as part of life’s journey. Each wave presents an opportunity for growth and learning.
Stay Balanced: Balance is key on the surfboard and in life. Whether celebrating a victory or facing a setback, strive to maintain equilibrium in your emotions and actions.
Adaptability: Surfers must adapt to ever-changing conditions. Similarly, be flexible in your approach to challenges and victories, adjusting your strategy as needed.
Resilience: Surfing requires resilience to withstand wipeouts and keep pushing forward. Similarly, cultivate resilience to bounce back from disappointments and setbacks with renewed determination.
Live in the Moment: Surfers focus on the present moment, fully immersed in the experience. Celebrate triumphs without dwelling too much on the past, and navigate disappointments without losing sight of future opportunities.
Learn from Experience: Every wave offers lessons. Reflect on both successes and failures to glean insights that will help you grow and improve.
Gratitude: Surfers often express gratitude for the ocean and the opportunity to surf. Practice gratitude for the highs and lows of life, recognizing them as integral parts of the human experience.
By adopting the surfer’s mentality, you can ride the waves of triumphs and disappointments with grace, resilience, and a sense of adventure.
Grateful and Moving on
As I reflect on the past 4 years and 5 months, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to lead Bokashi Pinoy and make a meaningful impact on our environment and society. Moving forward, I am excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead as we continue our journey to empower change and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all. 🌍✨
Thanking the following volunteers who helped Bokashi Pinoy in its early years, even before we started receiving grants
Roy Emanuel Pajela
Ninfa Castor
Gianina Custodio
Jaymee Alon
And my business partners
Ramiro Tinio
Tony Garcia
and my assistant and cousin
Paula Marano Escote
Without them this journey would have not been possible.
Then the following volunteers
Aissa Benitez
Angelica Bello
Belle Rodrigo
Deborah Lemuel
Didi Paraso Dizon
Karen Pascua
Meg Guillermo
Trisha Claire Sapiter
Customers turned Advocate turned Board of Trustees
Joanne Duque
Nikki Aniban
AJ Nolido