FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading end-to-end logistics provider, has urged APEC member countries to drive green, inclusive supply chain with “big brother” approach.
FAST CEO for Logistics Manuel L. Onrejas Jr. amplified the country’s voice on sustainability and inclusivity in supply chains as he represented the Philippines at the APEC Workshop on Promoting Green SMEs Logistics Service Providers Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, held on September 29–30 at the Fortuna Hotel in Hanoi.
Speaking before representatives from APEC member economies including Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Chinese Taipei, Onrejas urged governments, corporations, and multilateral organizations to adopt a “whole-of-society approach” in helping SMEs transition to green logistics.
“Greening logistics cannot be done in isolation. It will take big brothers — large companies, governments, and multilateral institutions — working together to help small and medium enterprises make the shift,” Onrejas said. “After all, what’s at stake is the survival of our planet, our shared home.”
Big Brother
Onrejas spoke in two sessions of the workshop. In Session 5: Case Studies in APEC Member Economies, he presented FAST’s “Big Brother” approach to supporting SMEs. This model enables small entrepreneurs and farmers to access professional logistics solutions typically enjoyed by multinational companies and leading conglomerates.
By leveraging FAST’s FMCG logistics expertise, SMEs gain access to proper packaging in stackable boxes, insured shipments, and reliable delivery to resellers and trade partners.
FAST also assists small trucking companies through bank loan access, discounted fuel and tires, and regulatory compliance support. These partners are integrated into FAST’s transport systems, including GPS tracking, AI-powered route planning, and a Transport Management System.
The company further reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity by creating opportunities for women drivers, persons with disabilities, and returning overseas Filipino workers across its warehousing and transport network, the largest in the Philippines.
Partnerships
In Session 3: Opportunities, Challenges, and Approaches in Greening the Logistics Sector, Onrejas outlined the difficulties of greening supply chains in the Philippines’ archipelagic context, including multimodal transport costs, port congestion, and climate-related disruptions. He stressed that these challenges make sustainability even more vital for long-term resilience.
He also highlighted FAST’s pioneering initiatives, such as the Philippines’ first fully electric trucks, solar-powered charging stations, and renewable-powered warehouses. Community-based logistics kiosks were also introduced to consolidate SME shipments, reduce empty miles, and extend greener solutions to micro-entrepreneurs.
Onrejas pointed to FAST’s partnerships with major companies as proof that collaboration accelerates innovation. Leading corporations have worked with FAST to establish a renewable-powered mega distribution center and deploy electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
“These partnerships prove that scaling green logistics is possible,” Onrejas noted. “But SMEs need the support of bigger players and institutions to overcome barriers like high upfront costs and limited demand for green solutions.”
FAST has also been working with government agencies, particularly the Supply Chain and Logistics Group of the Department of Trade and Industry, to strengthen the capabilities of SMEs and promote sustainable logistics practices.
Onrejas also noted that FAST recently committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and launched its ESG Strategy, anchored on four priorities: customer welfare, workplace empowerment, transition to a low-carbon economy, and strong governance.
Concluding his presentation, Onrejas called on APEC economies to sustain collaboration through virtual working groups, pilot projects, and knowledge-sharing platforms that can help replicate successful models across the region.
“It truly takes a village to green SME logistics,” he said. “With APEC as a catalyst, we can build sustainable and inclusive supply chains that uplift small businesses while protecting our planet.”
