Inclusivity via digital leap
If we desperately wanted to see change and achieve results, we have to be involved.
Digital innovation is a potent tool to help individuals rise from social injustice by leveraging technology in providing equal opportunities to marginalized and disenfranchised members of the society, a project in Laguna has proven.
In a quiet corner of Barangay San Antonio in San Pedro town of the province, one man’s vision to transform an erstwhile decaying community into a symbol of rapid development became the lynchpin of the setting up of a UnionBank Innovation Campusin the area.
“Looking at the blueprint of what will become of this place in the next ten years, and looking back from 10 years ago when all you see here is a mountain of trash, crime in every corner including drugs and abortion, it all indicates the hard work ahead of us,” Yngen Holdings president and CEO Eugenio “Kap Jun” Ynion Jr. said.
“The pursuit gave us some satisfaction on our ability to transform a former dump site into a center of hope,” Ynion said during the groundbreaking of the institute.
The innovation campus, which is a partnership between Union Bank and Yngen, will rise in Barangay San Antonio in a 10-hectare property owned by Ynion.
Incidentally, “Kap Jun”, as Ynion is fondly called by friends and constituents, is also the barangay chairman of San Antonio.
He has never drawn his salary as village chief as Ynion donates this for social projects in his locality.
Looking at the blueprint and looking back from 10 years ago when all you see here is a mountain of trash, crime in every corner including drugs and abortion, it all indicates the hard work ahead of us.
“A stark picture of deterioration has been unfolding in our village,” he said. “It is heartbreaking but we have to do something about it and dream so that change can be initiated,” he explained.
The far side of the property has experienced a state of decay as it has turned into a haven for illegal settlers, drugs trade and even as an abortion center.
“If we desperately wanted to see change and achieve results, we have to be involved,” according to the civic-minded local official.
Change begins in barangay
When Ynion entered public service by winning his current post, he wasted no time to get rid of the persistent problems in his community.
Encouraged by his modest success, Ynion then ventured to expand his successes to create an environment that will benefit more Filipinos.
“We believe that developing relevant jobs is our key objective. To facilitate this, we have initiated programs aimed at achieving high quality education, all this under the backdrop of a clean and green environment, primed to be in step with the digital revolution. That’s the dream,” he added.
But what drives a businessman with a net worth of $200 million (P9.56 billion) based on his last statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) filing and a corporation that is one of the top taxpayers in San Pedro undertake programs for the benefit of one whole community?
“I was once a poor boy. I struggled a lot growing up then I took up different jobs as a customs broker, taxi driver and even a baker. Before I achieved what I have now, I went through very tough and challenging times,” he said.
“If I can help at least one person to achieve his dream, then we can help one family to rise from poverty. What if we can do more?” Ynion noted.
Innovation can be taught
He gave as his ultimate goal the conversion of a 10-hectare property in San Pedro into a digital learning institution that will be the center of innovation not only in the Philippines but for the entire Asian region. The facility seeks to widen opportunities for many Filipinos to excel in the digital space.
Initially, the Innovation Campus is envisioned as the epicenter of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data science. The campus would be home to institutes on advanced technology. Developments done on the campus are expected to benefit banking, fintech, and other industries.
Ynion wanted the digital hub to become the incubator for all local start ups.
“If I have the money, I want to support all local initiatives. A true angel investor that provides opportunities for everybody and allow a start up to finish their concept from start to finish.”
“We should help each other. If a struggling businessman has no capital, we should be able to provide financial extension. Our goals as Filipinos is to uplift our fellowmen and complement each other. We should always ask ourselves what we can contribute to the success of one another,” he added.
Surviving and thriving in today’s environment is largely dependent on the leadership ability of those who can initiate transformations. Ynion has successfully alligned his mindset and capabilities as a leader of transformation.
One thing is clear: Capable leadership is an enormously powerful in shaping communities.
Effective solutions come from people with vision such as Ynion who pushes ordinary people to dream and achieve them.
“Yes, we can,” Ynion said insisting the country is headed to one direction which is “up.”