A Filipino-owned fuel firm, operating with the mantra of providing “Affordable fuel for Every Juan,” Stone of Hope Fuels, opens its doors for franchising, guided by a mission to provide high-quality fuel oil products and services to its customers in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The launch was held at the historic Manila Hotel last 30 December 2024, graced by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) officials, providing their backing in the company’s bid to provide affordable but lucrative business to future micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.

“Today marks more than just a milestone for Stone of Hope Fuels; it’s a moment that we come together to explore the future — our future shaped by innovation, sustainability, and, most importantly, partnership. Together, we have the opportunity to fuel the country’s economic transformation. We don’t see our company as another fuel company as we have to make a difference,” said Artemio Dy, president of Stone of Hope Holdings.

Dy said their aim to revolutionize their fuel business doesn’t stop with franchising, but to have a purpose and create a lasting legacy to transform the energy landscape, ensure economic progress and improve the lives of every Filipino.

“We are here to encourage Filipinos to be part of something much bigger than just a business venture. We are offering them the chance to learn to share the future of the entire industry; to be a part of a movement that can transform the fuel sector into a key driver of sustainable economic growth and the chance to invest not just in a company with a mission to make energy more affordable, but sustainable and accessible to all,” Dy said.

Stone of Hope Fuels operates under the umbrella of Stone of Hope Builders & Dev’t Corp. (“Stone of Hope”), chaired by Phebie Jaime Dy, a one-stop-shop that has long started to carve its identity in the Philippine construction industry before its legal creation — as a sole proprietorship in 2012 and as a corporation in 2014.

Committing to net zero emissions by 2025

For her part, the Stone of Hope Fuels Chairman Phebie Jame A. Dy said their company commits to the global goal of attaining net zero emissions by 2050 and mitigating climate change as a moral obligation of their company.

Dy said while the Philippine government has pipelined policy measures, preventions and mechanisms to achieve net zero commitments by 2050 in the global arena, companies, including theirs, must recognize that this entails a whole of nation’s approach, as the government cannot do the herculean task alone.

“This is why, through collaboration, innovation, and investment, we take cognizance of the dire need to accelerate a clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transition toward carbon neutrality. And so, we at the Stone of Hope Builders Dev’t Corporation commit ourselves towards climate action through ecological and sustainable investment in full recognition of the universal claim that the urgency is loud and clear, as the clock of climate change is no longer ticking but banging noisily, shaking our very core,” Dy stressed.

The Dy couple maintained that Stone of Hope Fuels will be the next leading Philippine company that specializes in the importation and distribution of high-quality fuel products, with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Transforming lives through franchising

Meanwhile, PFA vice chairperson Bing Sibal-Limjoco addressed the attendees of the launch on how franchising can shape and transform the lives of future business owners.

“Franchising is a powerful tool. We have seen many big brands now that started small but through franchising, they have expanded their operations nationwide and even globally. Franchising is not just replicating a successful business model but creating a proven pathway for growth empowering individuals to become business owners, and unlocking opportunities that otherwise seemed out of reach,” she said.

Limjoco took as an example the life of Tony Tan Caktiong, the man behind the most successful Filipino fast-food chain, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC).

The brand has grown to encompass 1,668 locations across 17 countries as of January 2024. As of 2023, JFC operated 6,480 stores worldwide — 3,285 in the Philippines and 3,195 branches outside the country.

“As we continue to champion franchising as a business model, we must recognize that franchising has the potential to do even more. It is a force for national change and a platform where we can blend local best practices, driving innovation while staying tuned to our rules. By embracing franchising, we are not only helping businesses thrive but creating a ripple effect that spreads prosperity across the entire nation,” according to Limjoco.

PCCI Chairman George T. Barcelona, on the other hand, commends the Stone of Hope Fuels for engaging in the bid to uphold energy security and the availability of clean, affordable, and sustainable fuel in the country.

“This issue of cheaper sources of fuel and renewable energy is a very challenging task for the industry. I hope a franchise like this can help our country,” Barcelon noted.

Meanwhile, PCCI honorary chairperson and current treasurer, Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. maintained that the Stone of Hope Fuels franchise is very timely, as fuel is seen to continue to be a crucial part of the global energy mix for the years to come.

“The launch of the Stone of Hope Fuels is a new chapter that promises to reshape not only the fuel industry but also the very landscape of franchising in the Philippines. As we look to the future, the power of franchising cannot be overstated, as it offers us the unique opportunity to tap a thriving market, curate a lasting economic value, and foster local entrepreneurship in ways that can significantly impact our communities and economy,” according to Ortiz Luis Jr.