Cover Dina Tantoco, founder of Next Gen, deputy social secretary, marketing and retail executive; Bianca Zobel, founder of Next Gen, social secretary, entrepreneur
Dina Tantoco, founder of Next Gen, deputy social secretary, marketing and retail executive; Bianca Zobel, founder of Next Gen, social secretary, entrepreneur
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As the new administration revives the promises of a revitalised and better society, meet a group of young business leaders who are one of the first in line in thrusting the country forward. A non-governmental organisation, Next Gen strengthens the enduring partnership between public and private enterprises to exhilarate the country's economic post-pandemic
Aside from pursuing a vision of a better, brighter, stronger Philippines, this group of enthusiastic individuals in today’s dynamic economic landscape shares a passion for nation-building. After hearing the policies and goals of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (PBBM) and Vice President Sara Duterte during their massive electoral campaign that has drawn over 30 million votes, they showed their support for the two and continue to do so at the onset of this new administration. The non-governmental organisation Next Gen will be officially launched in the fourth quarter of this year, and is set to provide as much support as it can to the country’s developmental goals.
Headed by its president Princess Go, who has years of experience and a strong background in the business and logistics sector, Next Gen comprises a Board of Trustees, each hailed and recognised in their respective fields and industries. Founding directors Paolo Del Rosario, Anton Benson, Sam Young, Bianca Zobel and Dina Tantoco have expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, real estate, marketing and retail. Zobel and Tantoco also serve as the social secretary and deputy social secretary, respectively, under PBBM’s Cabinet. Meanwhile, Paolo Martel, an entrepreneur with vast experience in human resources, fintech, retail and publishing, is an active member and special advisor to Next Gen. With this group of young minds, each successful and knowledgeable in different aspects of our country’s economy, Next Gen oozes promising potential in genuinely making a difference.
Above Paolo Del Rosario, founder and director of Next Gen, entrepreneur
Paolo Del Rosario, founder and director of Next Gen, entrepreneur
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Next Gen, initially formed during the 2022 National Elections, has a shared vision to empower the youth and help the underprivileged. The group then successfully organised youth engagement activities including concerts, sports clinics and tournaments, as well as spearheaded feeding programmes and disaster relief operations, especially in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette. Their first-hand experience in disaster relief efforts led to the realisation that their combined efforts as part of the business community made mobilisation faster and more responsive to victims’ needs. The collective experience also led to the decision that the group could make a positive difference with more work and initiatives, especially through “bridging” the public and private sectors. The group firmly believed that the combined resources and experiences of the public and private sectors would lead to next-generation solutions in these challenging times.
Above Anton Banson, founder and director of Next Gen, finance
Anton Banson, founder and director of Next Gen, finance
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Thus, the idea to incorporate Next Gen as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) was formed to drive advocacies and issues close to its members’ hearts. The NGO will be the platform to create and launch more programmes to contribute to nation-building, starting with the youth by harnessing partnerships between the public and private sectors.
“We are in the process of identifying industry pillars and coordinating programmes,” says the Next Gen to Tatler in a collective statement. “Over the next few years, we will support not only the goals of PBBM’s administration but also launch and support programmes that will make Filipinos future-proof, adaptable and resilient especially given the current economic challenges, the pandemic and the threat posed by global warming. We intend to make this foundation relevant and responsive to the average Filipino for generations.”
Above Paolo Martel, active member and special advisor to Next Gen, entrepreneur with vast experience in the fields of human resources, fintech, retail and publishing
Above Princess Go, president of Next Gen, entrepreneur with solid logistics background, early childhood education and finance
Paolo Martel, active member and special advisor to Next Gen, entrepreneur with vast experience in the fields of human resources, fintech, retail and publishing
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Technology is an integral part of the group’s research now. Their focus is to find technological solutions, among others, for tourism, agriculture, climate change and education.
“Our position is that these partnerships in various sectors are vital for the Philippines to develop and reach its fullest potential,” Next Gen continues in its statement. “We need fast, efficient and innovative solutions, which can be done by investing in technologies to address issues in agriculture, health, delivery of basic services, education, disaster prevention, climate change resiliency and local governance.”
As the new administration leverages the accomplishments of the previous Duterte administration and pushes further populist goals, the ‘Next Gen’ will see that each step towards sustainable development is for the common good. “We are positive and excited about the future of the Philippines. It will not be easy, but we believe that now is the time to invest in the future of the next generation”, the group concludes.
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Credits
Photography: Mark Nicdao, Wesley Villarica, and Artu Nepomuceno
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
