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Meet the visionary Filipino college dropout who built a billion-peso empire while saving the planet

At just 30 years old, Kharl Gibran Borja Lataza has redefined success by combining blockchain innovation with environmental sustainability. The Cebu City native, who once left his studies at Cebu Technological University (CTU) to pursue entrepreneurial dreams, is now a self-made billionaire and a driving force behind the Ora Coin Foundation. Alongside co-founder Brian Christopher Aguilar, Lataza has created Ora Coin, a cryptocurrency valued at $4.4 USD per coin on the Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20) network.

Ora Coin’s concept is revolutionary: for every coin purchased, a tree is planted. This initiative has fueled the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative, which aims to create a lasting environmental impact. “Ora Coin is more than a business—it’s a commitment to future generations,” Lataza explains. The cryptocurrency has amassed PHP 1.3 billion in wealth within just months, capturing global attention for its blend of financial growth and ecological advocacy.

Despite his unconventional path, Lataza’s success is rooted in innovation and determination. Reflecting on his journey, he states, “My journey is proof that failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone toward it.” Today, he is back at CTU—not as a student, but as a partner, collaborating with his alma mater and NGOs across the Middle East to advance his environmental goals.

The One Billion Tree Planting Initiative integrates cutting-edge 3D GPS tracking and interactive systems, allowing sponsors to remotely monitor their trees and even meditate with them online. This fusion of technology and sustainability has drawn the attention of investors and environmental advocates alike.

Lataza’s efforts go beyond tree planting. The Ora Coin Foundation’s initiatives symbolize a broader vision for financial and ecological sustainability, inspiring others to rethink the potential of blockchain technology. “We are creating wealth that does not just benefit individuals but also heals the planet,” he shares.

As the initiative gains momentum, Lataza’s leadership continues to inspire. His story exemplifies how determination and innovation can turn challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a brighter, greener future.