logo
Dignity Made Launches to Fight Trafficking with Ethical Coconut Oil

Dignity Made Launches to Fight Trafficking with Ethical Coconut Oil

Yahoo31-05-2025

St. Paul, MN, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Dignity Coconuts, known for its premium, ethically sourced coconut oil, has rebranded as Dignity Made, a powerful new identity that puts its social mission front and center. More than a name change, the launch of Dignity Made signals a bold step forward in using business as a force to prevent human trafficking and empower coconut farmers in rural areas of the Philippines.
Rooted in the belief that ethical jobs can prevent exploitation, Dignity Made partners directly with coconut farming communities in the Philippines to provide dignified work, education, and economic opportunity- especially for women vulnerable to trafficking. With each product sold, the brand fuels real solutions to generational poverty and systemic injustice.
'We're not just making coconut oil. We're creating a path out of poverty, one jar at a time,' said Erik Olson, CEO of Dignity Made. 'Our rebrand reflects who we've truly been all along: a company committed to making better products and a better world.'
Same Mission, Bigger Vision
Originally founded in 2010 as Dignity Coconuts, the company has earned awards for its raw, centrifuge-extracted coconut oil and transparent sourcing model. Now, with a growing lineup of clean beauty and wellness products, the Dignity Made name reflects a broader commitment to both consumers and the communities behind each product.With the tagline 'Better for You, Better for All,' Dignity Made continues its pledge to offer clean, safe products while empowering the people who make them through fair trade, safe jobs, and skills-based employment.
Real Impact Where It Matters
To date, the company has helped over 200 families rise above subsistence living. Through on-the-ground programs in financial literacy, education, and job creation, Dignity Made is breaking cycles of dependency and trafficking vulnerability—replacing them with dignity, purpose, and hope.
'I used to feel hopeless,' says Angeline, one of the women employed through Dignity Made. 'Now my child is in school, I have peace at home, and I'm always smiling. I can't explain the joy—it's spreading through our whole community.'
As a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation, Dignity Made adheres to the highest standards of ethical production and environmental stewardship, including a goal to have zero-waste coconut processing that maximizes every part of the crop.
To learn more or explore Dignity Made's product line, visit www.dignitymade.com.About Dignity MadeDignity Made is a purpose-driven social enterprise committed to fighting poverty and human trafficking through clean, coconut-based products. By building direct trade partnerships with Filipino farmers and investing in community transformation, Dignity Made goes beyond commerce to create lasting change. Every product supports ethical labor, environmental responsibility, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live free from exploitation.
CONTACT: Press Contact: Heather Holmes heather@publicityforgood.com +1 (828) 332-5307 publicityforgood.comSign in to access your portfolio

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Philippine Billionaire Enrique Razon Consolidates Water Utility Assets In $671 Million Deal
Philippine Billionaire Enrique Razon Consolidates Water Utility Assets In $671 Million Deal

Forbes

time3 hours ago

  • Forbes

Philippine Billionaire Enrique Razon Consolidates Water Utility Assets In $671 Million Deal

The Wawa dam's reservoir will be the biggest built since 1967 to supply drinking water for Manila. Casino-to-ports billionaire Enrique Razon Jr.'s Prime Infrastructure is consolidating its water utility assets under Manila Water in a deal valued at 37.8 billion pesos ($671 million). Manila Water is buying WawaJVCo, the developer and operator of the Wawa dam in Rizal province, about 30 kilometers east of Manila, Prime Infra, the key shareholder of both companies, said in a statement. That will boost the utility's operating efficiency as it will now have access to two bulk water supply facilities, it added. 'The acquisition is financially accretive,' Manila Water, which services the eastern half of Metro Manila, said in is a separate statement, adding that this is 'strategically aligned with its long-term operational and water security objectives.' WawaJVCo has a 30-year bulk water supply agreement to supply Manila Water 518 million liters per day. Initial payment for the acquisitions will be made upon closing of the transaction on August 29, while the balance shall be paid in installments, to be agreed upon by both parties, Manila Water said. With a real-time net worth of $12.9 billion, Razon is the second-richest Philippine tycoon. Besides infrastructure, he also has controlling interests in global port operator ICTSI and Bloomberry, which owns two casino resorts in Metro Manila. Through Prime Infrastructure, Razon has been stepping up his investments in energy which includes his stake in the Malampaya gas field. Last month, it agreed to buy 60% of the gas assets of the Lopez family-backed First Gen for 50 billion pesos. In 2022, Prime Infra, which is also into power and waste management, postponed its IPO due to unfavorable market conditions.

How Thailand Is Betting on Digital Nomads to Offset Tourism Dip
How Thailand Is Betting on Digital Nomads to Offset Tourism Dip

Skift

time4 hours ago

  • Skift

How Thailand Is Betting on Digital Nomads to Offset Tourism Dip

While the aesthetic of Thailand's latest pitch to digital nomads leans Instagram-friendly, the real aim is to boost the economy. Thailand is expanding its focus beyond traditional holidaymakers. Its latest campaign targets a growing niche: digital nomads. Tourism Authority of Thailand's new initiative, LOCO(AL) Working Space, promotes scenic, community-rich hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as remote work destinations. Thailand's message to remote workers: work from the country, stay longer, and spend more. 'The digital nomad and remote worker segment is of great importance in Thailand's tourism strategy, as it is a market with continuous global growth, especially after Covid-19,' a spokesperson from TAT's domestic marketing group told Skift. The Philippines, where tourism has yet to fully rebound post-Covid, is also setting its sights on attracting digital nomads, with plans to introduce a dedicated visa for remote workers. 'This tourist segment has a high spending rate. Data indicates that they can generate a combined income of over THB 1.7 million per month for Thailand's three main cities,' the TAT spokesperson said. The Global Digital Nomad study conducted in 2023 estimates that digital nomads contribute $787 billion to the global economy annually. A Weak First Half Thailand's tourism sector is underperforming in 2025. Between January and early June, the country welcomed just over 15 million International visitors, this is nearly 3% fewer than during the same period last year. A sharp drop in Chinese arrivals is largely to blame. Once Thailand's top source market, China now trails behind Malaysia. In the first quarter of 2025, Chinese arrivals dropped 24% year over year. Safety concerns, economic caution, and changing travel habits have kept many Chinese travelers away. Officials have since revised their 2025 forecast for Chinese visitors down to 6.7 million, the same as last year, and well below the pre-pandemic peak of 11 million. The decline has left a sizable gap, one Thailand hopes to fill by attracting smaller but higher-value segments. Why Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket? Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are the 'primary target areas' for the LOCO(AL) initiative. 'These are areas with high readiness and existing popularity among the digital nomad community,' the TAT spokesperson said. The campaign also seeks to promote lesser-known parts of these provinces by working with local entrepreneurs. This emphasis on community integration is central to the project's design. Rather than building new infrastructure, the initiative focuses on using existing spaces such as homestays, local cafés, and small businesses that can serve as co-working spots. 'This helps reduce environmental impact and supports existing small businesses,' the spokesperson said. 'Utilizing local spaces as co-working spaces' is a key part of the campaign's sustainability approach. In Chiang Mai, the campaign highlights villages like Mae Mae and Mae Sa Noi as peaceful, nature-connected getaways. Within the city, locations such as Alt ChiangMai and Alt PingRiver offer furnished accommodations with high-speed internet, shared kitchens, and lounges. In Bangkok, Trok Dilokchan, a narrow alley brimming with culture, is being positioned as a work-friendly neighborhood with walkable charm and strong cultural character. In Phuket, TAT is promoting islands like Ko Lon and Ko Naka Yai for their mix of seclusion and digital infrastructure. Building with Local Partners TAT is working with regional tourism providers to design experiences aligned with its '5 Must Do in Thailand' strategy: eat local, learn crafts, buy handmade goods, explore nature, and find peace. Travel routes curated around these themes are being promoted through an e-catalog aimed at trade partners. Participating businesses also get exposure through influencer campaigns and test trips. 'The project requires joint promotions with operators in the target areas, such as co-working spaces, hotels, and restaurants, for no less than 10 instances,' TAT said. The aim is to keep tourism spending in local communities rather than concentrating it in large hotel chains.. Moving Past Tourist Arrival Numbers Thailand's tourism strategy is shifting. It is no longer just about how many people visit, but about how much they spend and how connected they become to the destination. 'The project's primary objective is to stimulate an increase in their spending on goods and services,' said the TAT spokesperson. TAT said it will evaluate the campaign's success through repeat visits, word-of-mouth promotion, and deeper engagement with local communities Thailand still faces a challenging year. The government has already lowered its 2025 tourism revenue target from THB 2.3 trillion ($69 billion) to THB 2 trillion ($60 billion), well below earlier expectations. Without a full rebound from China, a return to pre-pandemic highs looks unlikely. The target for tourists arrivals has also gone down to 35.5 million compared to the initial 39 million. But TAT appears ready to pivot. Rather than chase mass arrivals, it's betting on quality over quantity: fewer tourists, longer stays, and deeper local engagement. 'This project utilizes a content marketing strategy to build awareness and reinforce Thailand's image as 'the ultimate destination that caters to the digital nomad lifestyle,'' the TAT spokesperson said.

Smart and PayJoy Partner to Expand Access to Credit, Empowering More Filipino Consumers
Smart and PayJoy Partner to Expand Access to Credit, Empowering More Filipino Consumers

Associated Press

time12 hours ago

  • Associated Press

Smart and PayJoy Partner to Expand Access to Credit, Empowering More Filipino Consumers

SAN FRANCISCO and MANILA, Philippines, June 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of smartphone users in the Philippines is forecasted to grow in the next four years, reaching more than 80 million consumers. To keep up with this demand, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with PayJoy, a Public Benefit Corporation focused on bringing responsible financing to underserved customers in emerging markets to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those new to credit, the opportunity to purchase smartphones through PayJoy's financing solutions. 'This collaboration aims to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those with limited budgets and no access to traditional credit, the opportunity to purchase mid to high-end smartphones through innovative financing solutions that will enable them to upgrade their means of communication and easier access to information,' said Jac Bocalan, Department Head/VP at Smart. Customers in the Philippines can now acquire smartphones by simply providing an ID and phone number, without needing a traditional credit card. Payments can be made weekly over a period of four, six, or nine months, making it easier for individuals to own high-quality devices to stay connected at home, work, or school. 'Our partnership with PayJoy aligns with our commitment to serve more Filipinos through innovative solutions. By providing accessible financing options for smartphones, we are helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can benefit from our extensive 4G/LTE and 5G network which allows them to access their essential productivity, entertainment, gaming, and other favorite apps on the go. We also encourage our customers to upgrade from 3G to LTE or 5G so that they can enjoy a better experience on their Smart-powered mobile phones,' said Christian So, OIC-AVP Sales Head at Smart. PayJoy, currently serving 66 million low-income consumers in the Philippines, provides responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection. 'Our mission is to unlock financial freedom for the next billion people worldwide. By partnering with Smart, we are enabling more Filipinos to access the technology they need to stay connected and improve their lives,' said Rene Payan, Country Manager at PayJoy. Smart continues to lead the way in expanding 4G/5G connectivity in the Philippines, covering 97% of the population and offering unparalleled coverage and availability. This expansion allows customers to enjoy faster internet speeds, seamless streaming, and improved mobile gaming experiences, further enhancing their digital lifestyle. Customers who purchase a participating mobile device bundled with a Smart/TNT Prepaid SIM and avail of a nine-month device amortization from PayJoy will be eligible for a free one-month device amortization, applied to the last payment term. This promo runs from April 9, 2025, to February 24, 2026. This partnership is aligned with PLDT's mission to contribute to the country's achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. About PayJoy PayJoy is a Public Benefit Corporation providing responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection. Learn more at About Smart Communications Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., the Philippines' largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 97% of the country's population with its combined 4G/LTE and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content, supporting the country's growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PayJoy

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store