The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has granted a P5-million credit facility to Earth Life Store Supply, Inc. (ECHO Store), a corporation run by a team of women entrepreneurs who call themselves “Power of Three Women.” The team is composed of president Maria Regina Francisco, corporate secretary Pacita Juan, and treasurer Marie Jeanne Javelosa.
Said credit facility shall be used to partly finance the company’s working capital to sustain its growing operations and for the expansion needs of its branches. ECHO Store has branches operating in Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global City; The Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City; Eton Centris Walk, Quezon City; Robinson’s Highlands, Davao City; Streetscape Mall, Cebu City; and in its main office at Salcedo Village, Makati City.
ECHO Store is the first of its kind in the country to position green products in a premium, specialty market segment. The store sells products that are environment-friendly, organic, and promote a healthy lifestyle. Its product line includes gifts, fashion and décor items, body care products, biodegradable home cleaning solutions, beverages, and books.
This credit facility is supportive of DBP’s Inclusive Lending for Aspiring Women (ILAW) entrepreneurs program which aims to empower women entrepreneurs, help businesses grow beyond micro-credit, create more jobs, and tap into the network of women’s organizations.
In May 2015, the ILAW program was awarded a plaque of merit during the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) Awards for its significant contribution to the nation’s socioeconomic, technological and human development efforts.
