It is about a year already since the Covid-19 outbreak
began in China. In the Philippines, it has been seven months since different
versions of community quarantine has been put in place to combat the spread of
Covid-19. If you are wondering what has been the effect of this year-long
menace to social enterprises and their beneficiaries, we have gathered some relevant
articles all over the world that you can read. The write-ups will show you that
while social enterprises are also gravely affected because they serve the most
vulnerable sectors, they also can be a model and important partner in recovering
from crisis because social entrepreneurs are knowledgeable and adept in solving
social problems for years.
Excerpts: Here we provide some key issues for social enterprise to
consider, some tips to work closely with your customers and some useful
information and financial assistance available from Governments that we will
endeavour to keep updated via the Social Traders website.
2.Impact-first: Social Enterprises in the Philippines Innovate to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic
Excerpt: Social enterprises are part of the MSME sector which makes
them not an exemption to the negative effects of COVID-19. Despite this crisis,
social enterprises continue to innovate to respond to the health emergency
whether by developing new products and services, providing alternative means of
delivery, or hacking
the current systems in place. Here is a list of social enterprises in the
Philippines who are not only sustaining their operations but also spearheading
support to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic.
Uproot - a social enterprise in the Philippines delivering farm produce during Covid-19
3.Social
enterprises also hit by COVID-19 pandemic
Excerpt: “Social enterprises in the
country are also suffering from the slowdown in business caused by the ongoing
health crisis. Sixto Donato Macasaet, executive director of the Foundation for
a Sustainable Society, Inc., told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon Friday that
more than half of its partners all over the country either had to fully or partially
stop operations due low revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
4. Why
social entrepreneurs are critical to our response to and recovery from the
COVID-19 crisis
Excerpt: "Social
entrepreneurs are battling at the forefront of this pandemic to serve the most
vulnerable populations using their ingenuity to confront the problems on the
ground.”
Do you have any information about social
enterprises and how they are coping in Covid-19? Let us know in the comments
below.
(Note: This is an English Translation of my article on Social Entrepreneurship which I posted here last January 29, 2014. I have done this for the benefit of you non-Filipino speakers around the globe who might chance upon this blog!)
Here is my first article
about social entrepreneurship. Although we often hear the term "social
entrepreneurship," many of us still find its meaning quite vague or
confusing. Even I myself who wants to be a social entrepreneur am still
confused over its meaning as well. Sometimes I ask myself if I could already consider
myselfas a social entrepreneur since I purposefully make my products in my online
business to be inspirational for young people. So I thought it best to study
first the concept of social entrepreneurship
and here I am sharing to you what I
have learned so far.
Social Entrepreneurship:
Definition
Social entrepreneurship
is a way of establishing and operating an organization by using business
approaches and principles but with the main objective of creating a positive change or providing
solutions to the problems of a community, often with regard to its on the
social, cultural, and environmental aspects. This concept can be used by
philanthropists, social advocates, co-operatives, charities, and any other
organization or individual with activities that aim to uplift a community. However, there is often
confusion over its definition especially
with regard to the question on whether a social enterprise should be for profit
or non-profit. Still, most people who are active in this work might agree
with this description: If the main measure of a regular entrepreneur to find out if his business is successful is
how much he earned or how great his
profit is, the social entrepreneur (the founder or manager of the social
enterprise) is concerned over how many or how much his enterprise was able to
help. (Social EnterpriseCanada)
Cherrie Atilano is the president of social enterprise Agricool, "a movement which dreams to build the lifestyle of healthy food consumption while creating agricultural opportunities in the Philippines." - See more at: http://gk1world.com/from-eco-warrior-to-eco-entrepreneur#sthash.0wmDRiVp.dpuf
Social Enterprise: Definition
Social entrepreneurship
can be used in a non-profit organization because it involves the use of business
principles and strategies to solve
social problems. Now “social enterprise” in itself is the very organization
that is established using the strategies
of social entrepreneurship to address social or global issues but this time, profitability
is an important mechanism to achieve
these goals. The social enterprise, thus, through its income generating business
or trade activities should be able to provide good social impact in his
community.
Differences between Non-profit
Organization and Social Enterprise
A non-profit
organization (NPO) aims to provide service to a community that has specific
needs or to support an advocacy or groups who are working on projects that will create favorable impact on
society. The funds of an NPO often comes from donations given by private
organizations, individuals, and the government. In contrast to social
enterprises, an NPO does not need to develop activities to earn or generate
funds, but sometimes they may also conduct fundraising projects and similar
methods to raise additional funds for their operation or to create public
awareness about their cause. Nevertheless, the main goal of a non-profit
organization will always be to espouse
its advocacy. Members of NPOs may receive salary but many non-profit
organizers or supporters are volunteers. However, although social enterprises are often likened to NPOs, social enterprises must have the capacity to earn. It should be
self-sustaining in order to carry out its purposes. A social enterprise can
also be established by an NPO, however its
operation must be separate from the NPO itself because a large part of
its operations is related to activities concerning the financial aspects of the
business. The NPO-run social enterprise cannot simply involve itself in charity
works or advocacy campaigns unless the aim of such activities will serve as
marketing activities resulting in more revenue for the social enterprise. Any
private individual can also establish a social enterprise. He can be a sole
proprietor who has a clear advocacy or has placed a socially relevant facet in
his business. He may also encourage his
neighbors or the members of his community to put up a social enterprise or,
form a cooperative, a known type of social enterprise. Therefore, it can be
deduced that a social enterprise is a mix of
profit and non-profit since the enterprise is established for profit,
but the earnings are allocated not to increase the wealth of the organizers but
to give support to the people in a community, service to those in need, or
positive change in people or even the whole world.
Social Enterprise: Self-sufficient
A social enterprise may
also receive donations just like NPOs. However, it is important for it to be
able to stand on its own feet or be "self-sustaining" because its
operation requires continuous funds in order to serve its selected community or
advocacy. It is usual for social enterprises to employ workers from the
community they serve. One of the main objectives of most social enterprises is to
provide good and regular pay to their employees (who are members of the community that they serve) thus social enterprises cannot
rely on donations alone. It is the priority of social enterprises to reinvest
its earnings to the organization. The social entrepreneur earns only in accordance
with his/her role in the organization,
similar to how the workers’ wages are
computed. Sometimes though, a social entrepreneur works for the enterprise pro
bono because her only aim in working for a social enterprise is to help others
and support a cause (and that the social entrepreneur may in fact have
another job or sources of income).
Social enterprises also welcome volunteers and participation from
non-profit organizations and the government to ensure that they can properly
serve the community they selected. But clearly social enterprises cannot rely
on donations or grants. A social
enterprise should be a revenue-generating business.
Answer to My Personal
Question
I believe that I am not yet a social entrepreneur although my goal in building an online
business seems to include solving a particular social need. I have come to this
conclusion because I have not yet found a concrete community that will benefit
from my business. But this does not mean that my business is not good, only
that today my business is still in an area of entrepreneurship that is different
from social enterprise. Nonetheless, I would like to believe that my business is
anchored on doing good and has a corporate social responsibility (CSR). (Later
I will discuss what CSR is.) On the other hand, I have realized and thus would
also like to emphasize that, in my opinion, not everyone should aspire to
establish a social enterprise to become a good entrepreneur. It is already a
great help to society when businesses provide employment for its people while
engaging in trade with sound principles, noble intention, and fair practices.
This write-up is not meant to be a blow-by-blow account of
#TheDreamExpoMNL, but a point of view of a dreamer (me) who went to the event to get a
glimpse of what other dreamers look like and what they are doing with their
dreams.
The name of my social innovation is Dream Job Superhero
(DJS). One day, while conducting some research for DJS, I decided to type in
the word “dream” in the Facebook search tab to see and study other fanpages
that start with the word “dream.”
Soon, flashing before my eyes were these amazing keywords:
Filipino innovators, social innovation, youth initative, Asian Development
Bank, Bam Aquino.
The Dream Expo MNL Event Poster
And a few minutes later, I found myself typing what Dream
Job Superhero is all about and pitching why I should be included among the
lucky social innovators to be invited to the event.
Dream Job Superhero and the Dream Project PH
A week later came the announcement. Two hundred innovators
were chosen and, by the conspiracy of all the wonderful angels and saints
walking on earth (referring to the panel of judges who screened the
applicants—by the way, thanks a bunch, sirs and ma’ams!) Dream Job Superhero
was IN.
Fast forward to June 11, I set foot inside the Asian
Development Bank, a dream workplace of many Filipinos. And barely a minute in
the venue, I met a very nice, friendly, and passionate youth advocate, Kristel
Capio. She is Vice President for Advocacy of UST-Unicef. A few minutes more,
Kristel and I approached solo goers like us, Charles of Batasan/Polaris, and
Kamille of Century Tuna.
While waiting for the event to commence, I decided to do an
ID selfie. Nevermind the round face. I was just elated to share my joy that day
(and I wished I started my #100happydays so I could have included that day!)
I also took a photo of the name of the event that was
projected on the screen. And then, when the invocation and singing of the
national anthem took place, I was taken to a trip to memory lane. I felt like
a high school student once again, imagining things that I could offer my beloved country.
It was a remarkable feeling which I sure will always remember with fondness.
Inspiring Words for Dreamers from Dreamers/Doers
There were so many inspiring words and stories that were said in Day 1. I
could imagine if those words were in the form of evaporated water and flew
straight to the clouds, it could have rained a lot of blessings in the entire
country!
Here are some amazing words that I found inspiring. Each of them will be followed by a short reflection on my part. I hope you get to make your own reflections too.
Sen. Bam Aquino discussing about the rise of social enterprises in the country since 2006.
1. "Nanay, it is nice that you have dreams for your children, pero
pwede rin po kayo mangarap para sa sarili ninyo mismo. Dream a little bit
bigger, Nanay. Para matuto rin mangarap ang
mga anak ninyo… Age-old problems can't be solved by
age-old solutions. There is a need for creative and innovative solutions."
- Sen. Bam Aquino
I was reminded of the Filipino saying: "Ang ginagawa ng matanda ay nagiging tama sa mata ng bata." Example will always be the best teacher, thus when the parents are doing their best to provide a good life for their family, albeit circumstances make it extremely hard to get out of poverty, the sincere and genuine effort to fight for a better life alone (couple it with love of course) will inspire the children to do the same.
Guido Sarreal,
Kawil Tours
2. “Any economic activity should benefit the locals first & foremost.
why is it so hard to establish a social enterprise? Because it is
community-based, but that is what is important, necessary.” - Guido Sarreal,
Kawil Tours Guido was a good storyteller like Ivan Henares. In fact, I felt like I have
already visited Culion and met the people there just by listening to him speak. Guido's story further made me realize that a community is willing to support someone who believes that their contribution as a community
matters. It must be remembered that a community is comprised of people who are a thinking people. They have knowledge. They are individuals with rights, thoughts, abilities, and aspirations. They are not just a bunch of charity case waiting to be helped and fed.
Earl
Martin Valencia, IdeaSpace Foundation
3. “As a 16-year-old, I wrote the things I wanted to
achieve when I reach 30. And though my friends then laughed at me because of
some things in my list (get a girlfriend, graduate with honors in college,
become an astronaut), having a list is
powerful. The list lead to where I am now. And yes my prom date that time is
now my wife. And I get to have the last laugh!” (paraphrased words excerpted from the talk of Earl
Martin Valencia, president and co-founder of IdeaSpace Foundation, and former
Systems Engineering Lead - Architecture at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems
and Manager, Business Development, Strategy and Incubation - Emerging
Technologies Group at Cisco, at #TheDreamExpoMNL)
Roxy Navarro, Works of Heart, www.worksofheartph.com
4. “There are three things to remember in pursuing a social enterprise. Have
the following:
a. Courage. Wherever you are remember the poor. b. Passion c. Hope” - Roxy Navarro, Works of Heart Roxy seemed very zealous with the cause that she
supports. She proved that one can hold on to one’s day job and still
successfully pursue one’s passion and help people. She also stressed that
artists (or anyone, for that matter), who works for social enterprises should
also receive payments for their work, albeit charging only a fair or reduced
price. This setting ensures that people could always give their best to their
works. Roxy did not exactly say this but I guess she harped on the idea that
there is a difference in doing volunteer works intermittently and working for
social enterprises full-time.
5. Relevant awesomeness - Scud Dy, Gugu I like the phrase “relevant awesomeness!” I think all products and services
should have this quality. Good idea, Scud!
Anya Lim, Ant Hill
6. “Have a dialog with them. Don't tell them hey let's do this business because
my idea will work.” - Anya Lim, Ant Hill Because I am a textbook editor, I was elated when Anya said she owes her
passion for her craft and her love for the country to her Sibika at Kultura
Grade One book—that as a child, the poem in the book about the different ethnic
groups in the Philippines intrigued her a lot and the characters there, all in
their glorious ethnic dresses, served as her Cinderella and Snow White and
other fairytale princesses. I realized further how one’s childhood could really
inspire a child to someday become a good member of the country, and how one’s family can develop certain aspirations
in a child. Her family believed it important to travel first within the country
before exploring other nations. And thus, Anya’s loved for the country
blossomed. 7. "Hindi ko na tinigilan." - Cristine Mansinares, Tourism Officer
at City Government of Sipalay The phrase refers to how as a child, she already dreamed of serving her
hometown by promoting it as a tourism destination. This dream she nurtured after
being able to explore Sipalay with her mother who was a biology teacher, if I
remember it correctly. Again, this is another testimony on how parents can
nurture dreams in a child. 8.“Sorry for the inconvenience. We
are changing the world.” – Anna Oposa, Save Philippine Seas I love how Anna reiterated that we should not remain passive, that Filipinos
should be restless and take an active stance in protecting the Philippine Seas.
9. H-harnessing O-opening your wallet P-perspiration E-empowering others – Jay Jaboneta, Yellow Boat of Hope I haven’t really immersed myself fully with my dream social innovation Dream
Job Superhero as I still do many other income-generating activities which eat
most of my daytime. And yet, I can completely relate to Jay’s definition of
Hope, especially the “O” part. Because a social enterprise “is” an enterprise,
a person engaging in it should learn how to work around money and use whatever
available resources to ensure that the social enterprise survive and thrive.
Prim Paypon, The Dream Project PH
10. We have to teach children how to dream not only for themselves, but also
for the country. – Prim Paypon I dream the same thing with Dream Job Superhero. I pray that Dream Job Superhero can help the youth of today become motivated
to do their best in their studies so they can attain their dream jobs. Yet, their dreams should not end there. Dream Job Superhero also aims to inspire the youth to use their future profession/career/vocation and the skills and talents they
have developed for themselves to help make the nation and the world a better
place to live in.
Yours truly with fellow participant Kristel Capio of UST-Unicef and Dream Expo Innovator, Prim Paypon
With Marc Wendolf Duque of Promdi, Ateneo De Manila and Charles Ladia of the House of Representatives
Day 1 ended with me wishing that I did not make other plans
for June 12 (Day 2 of the Expo). I would have loved to be there again and learn
some more. But at least I was sure I will return on Day 3 (And I did! Please read my blog about it too, here!) And the best thing
that I realized in Day 1 is that whether I push on with Dream Job Superhero or
pursue a different project altogether, there are many social innovations in the
country that I can support as much as there are many social innovators out
there who are also ready to help me. After all a social innovation is a social
movement. And the collaboration of many is the essence of making a social
innovation work.
Narito
ang una kong artikulo tungkol sa social entrepreneurship. Kalimitan
na nating naririnig ang salitang social entrepreneurship ngunit
nakalilito pa rin ang kahulugan nito. Ako mismo na gusto maging isang
social entrepreneur ay nalilito pa. Minsan tinatanong ko ang aking
sarili kung matatawag na ba akong isang social entrepreneur dahil sa
layunin kong maging inspirasyonal para sa mga kabataan ang mga
ginagawa kong produkto sa aking online business. Kaya minabuti kong
aralin muna ang konsepto ng social entrepreneurship at heto na nga at
inihahain ko rin sa inyo ang aking natutuhan. Filipino ang ginamit
kong wika para sa artikulong ito para mas maunawaan nating lahat.
Social
Entrepreneurship: Depinisyon
Ang
social entrepreneurship ay isang paraan ng pagtatayo at pamamalakad
ng isang organisasyon sa pamamagitan ng mga pamamaraang pang-negosyo
subalit may pangunahing layunin na makapagdulot ng mabuting pagbabago
o mabigyang solusyong ang mga suliranin sa isang komunikad, kalimitan
sa aspektong panlipunan, pang-kultura, at pang-kalikasan. Ang
konseptong ito ay maaaring gamitin ng mga pilantropo, mga taong may
adbokasiya, mga kooperatiba, mga kawanggawa at ano pa mang mga
aktibidad na nagpapalawig ng isang gawaing makabubuti para sa isang
komunidad.Subalit
kalimitang nagkakaroon ng pagkakalito sa depinisyon ng isang social
enterprise, lalo na sa usaping kung dapat bang ang isang social
enterprise ay for profit o non-profit. Gayunman, karamihan sa mga
aktibo sa ganitong gawain ay sumasangayon sa paglalarawang ito: Kung
ang pangunahing tanong ng isang regular na entrepreneur (negosyante)
upang malaman kung matagumpay ang kanyang negosyo ay kung magkano
at malaki ba ang kaniyang kinita, ang sa social entrepreneur
(nagtatag o nagpapatakbo ng negosyong makalipunan) naman ay gaano
karami ang kaniyang natulungan. (Social Enterprise Canada)
Cherrie Atilano is the president of social enterprise Agricool, "a movement which dreams to build the lifestyle of healthy food consumption while creating agricultural opportunities in the Philippines." - See more at: http://gk1world.com/from-eco-warrior-to-eco-entrepreneur#sthash.0wmDRiVp.dpuf
Social
Enterprise: Depinisyon
Ang
social entrepreneurship ay maaaring gamitin sa isang non-profit
organization sapagkat ito ay ang paggamit ng mga prinsipyo at
estratehiyang pang-negosyo upang maresolba ang ilang mga suliraning
panlipunan. Ngunit ang social enterprise ay ang mismong
organisasyon na itinatag gamit ang mga estratehiya sa social
entrepreneurship upang matugunan ang mga isyung panlipunan o maging
global kung saan mahalaga ang magkaroon ng kakayahang kumita sa
sariling pamamaraan upang makamit ang mga layunin. Ang social
enterprise, sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga business o trade activities
ay dapat na magbigay ng mabuting social impact sa kanyang komunidad.
Pagkakaiba
ng Non-profit Organization sa Social Enterprise
Ang
isang non-profit organization ay may layuning bigyang serbisyo ang
isang komunidad na may pangangailangan o bigyang suporta ang isang
grupo o adbokasiyang may mainam na maidudulot sa lipunan. Kalimitang
nanggagaling ang pondo ng isang non-profit organization mula sa mga
donasyong bigay ng mga pribadong organisasyon, indibiduwal, at
gobyerno. Taliwas sa social enterprises, hindi rin layunin ng isang
non-profit organization na gumawa ng mga aktibidad para kumita at
magkaroon ng pondo, subalit minsan ay nagsasagawa rin sila ng mga
fundraising at iba pang pamamaraan na makalikom ng pondo para sa
kanilang organisasyon. Laging ang pangunahing layunin ng isang
non-profit organization ay palawigin ang adbokasiya nito. Maaaring
tumanggap ng suweldo ngunit kalimitang boluntaryo ang mga miyembro ng
non-profit organizations.Samantala,
dahil sa layunin ng isang social enterprise na makatulong sa isang
lipunan, kalimitan itong naihahantulad sa isang non-profit
organization. Subalit ang social enterprise ay may mas mataas na
pangangailangan na magkaroon ng kapasidad na kumita. Dapat itong
maging self-sufficient upang maisakatuparan ang mga layunin nito.
Maaari rin naman itong itatag ng non-profit organization subalit
hiwalay ang pamamalakad dito sapagkat malaking bahagi ng pagpapatakbo
nito ay may kinalaman sa mga gawaing may kinalaman sa pinansiyal na
aspekto ng negosyo. Hindi maaaring haluan ito ng mga kampanya o
kawanggawa maliban kung malinaw na direkta itong makakapagdulot ng
direktang kita para sa social enterprise. Maaari ring itatag o
umpisahan ng isang pribadong tao ang isang social enterprise. Isa
siyang sole proprietor ngunit malinaw ang adbokasiya o social
relevance ng kanyang negosyo. Maaari ring himukin ng pribadong taong
ito ang kanyang mga kapuwa at kasamahan sa komunidad na sila ay
magtulong-tulong para sa isang negosyong makalipunan, kahantulad ng
isang kooperatiba na isang kilalang klase ng social enterprise.Sa
isang banda, masasabing ang social enterprise ay mix ng for profit at
non-profit dahil itinatag ito para kumita (for profit) ngunit ang
kinita nito ay ilalaan hindi para sa ikayayaman ng organizers kundi
para magbigay ng kabuhayan sa mga tao sa isang komunidad, serbisyo sa
mga nais paglingkuran, o mabuting pagbabago sa sambayanan o maging sa
buong sanlibutan.
Social
Enterprise: Self-sufficient
Maaari
ring tumanggap ang social enterprise ng donasyon gaya ng mga
non-profit na organisasyon, subalit mahalagang dapat makatayo sa
sariling mga paa o maging “self-sustaining” ang social enterprise
pagdating sa aspektong pinansyal sapagkat ang operasyon nito ay
nangangailangan ng tuloy-tuloy na pondo upang walang patid na
mapaglingkuran ang napiling komunidad or adbokasiya. Karaniwan sa mga
social enterprise ang kumuha ng mga tauhan o manggagawa mula mismo sa
komunidad na pinagsisilbihan nito. Isa sa mga pangunahing layunin ng
social enterprise ang mabigyan ng magandang pasuweldo ang kanilang
mga tauhan kaya hindi maaaring umasa ang social enterprises sa
donasyon lamang.Prayoridad
ng rin social enterprise na ibalik sa organisasyon ang mga kinita
nito. Ang mga social enterpreneur ay kumikita lamang nang naaayon sa
kanyang papel sa pamamalakad ng organisasyon tulad ng mga manggagawa
rito. Kung minsan pa nga ay libre lamang ang serbisyo ng isang social
entrepreneur sapagkat ang tanging motibo nya lamang ay makatulong sa
kapuwa at sa adhikain (at maaaring ang social entrepreneur na ito ay
may iba namang hanapbuhay o pinagkakakitaan). Tumatanggap rin ang
social enterprise ng mga boluntaryo at partisipasyon mula sa mga
non-profit organization at gobyerno upang masigurong mapaglilingkuran
nila ng maayos ang napiling komunidad. Ngunit malinaw na hindi
maaaring dumepende ang isang social enterprise sa donasyon. Dapat
itong maging kumikitang negosyo.
Sagot
sa Aking Pansariling Tanong
Sa
aking palagay ay hindi pa ako isang ganap na social entrepreneur
bagama't maganda naman sa palagay ko ang aking layunin sa pagtatayo
ng online business na aking napili. Narating ko ang kongklusyong ito
sapagkat wala pa naman akong kongkretong komunidad na napag-aalayan
ng serbisyo o benepisyo sa pamamagitan ng aking negosyo. Ngunit hindi
ibig sabihin nito na ang aking negosyo ay hindi mabuti. Iba lamang
ang mundong ginagalawan ng aking negosyo sa ngayon kung ikukumpara sa
mga social enterprise. Ngunit maaari kong sabihin na ang aking
negosyo ay inspirasyonal at mayroong corporate social responsibility
(CSR). (Sa susunod ay tatalakayin ko naman kung ano ang CSR na ito.)
Sa iba pang kagaya ko na nais ring maging negosyante, sa palagay ko
ay hindi naman lahat ay dapat naising makapagtayo ng isang social
enterprise. Malaking tulong na sa lipunan ang isang negosyo na
nakakapagbigay ng trabaho sa iba at nakikilahok sa kalakalan nang may
prinsipyo, marangal, at patas na pamamaraan.
Mga
Sanggunian:
Bromberger,
A. R. 2007. Social
Enterprise: A Lawyer’s Perspective. Retrieved
from http://www.alissamickels.com/BrombergerSE.pdfConcept
Paper for the ILS Research Industry Tours in Bulacan, Pangasinan and
Baguio “Promoting Gender Equality Through Sustainable Social
Entrepreneurship” Retrieved
from http://ilsdole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012socialenterprise.pdfWalters,
K. (2007). The rise of the social entrepreneur. Retrieved from
http://startups.co.uk/the-rise-of-the-social-entrepreneur/What
is social entrepreneurship. The New Heroes. Retrieved Jan. 20,
2014 from http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/whatis/Copyrhttp://www.socialenterprisecanada.ca/learn/nav/whatisasocialenterprise.htmlhttp://www.centreforsocialenterprise.com/what.html
If I need to explain what social enterprise is to anybody, well, maybe specifically to a fellow Filipino, I would just cite Human Nature and he/she will surely understand what a social enterprise is. I am still currently writing a feature on social entrepreneurship which I hope to serve as an introduction on the field for readers. So for now, let me just share with you this interview I conducted in 2010 for my Master of Development Communication class in UPOU. I am certain you will have a good grasp of what a social enterprise is after seeing the video or reading the transcript below.
1. Interviewer: What is a social
enterprise?
Ang social enterprise ay isang venture
na hindi lang profit ang tinitignan. It is a business venture but at
the same time may tinatawag tayo na social advocacy or social
dimension.
2. Interviewer: What is Human
Nature?
It started November 28, 2008. Ang
nagtayo ng Gandang Kalikasan which is the manufacturer/supplier of
Human Nature Products is yung dalawang anak ni Tony Meloto. Si Anna
at saka si Camille together with the husband of Anna, si Dylan Wilk.
So silang tatlo yung nag-start. They contacted their friends if they
will be able to formulate the products.
Human Nature, A Social Enterprise from Human Heart Nature website: www.humanheartnature.com
3. Interviewer: What are the
products of Human Nature?
Ang products ng Human Nature from
babies to senior citizens. So it’s not really a beauty product per
se kaya nga personal care na tinatawag.
Human Nature Products
4. Interviewer: What makes Human
Nature a social enterprise?
Di ba ang Human
Nature ay pro-Philippines, pro-poor, pro-environment? So that’s the
philosophy behind it. Lahat ng ginagawa, whether it’s the product
or the process, kinuha sya dun sa philosophy na yun.
Human Nature: Mission, Vision, and Values
Interviewer: Yun ba ang hinahanap ng
mga tao ngayon?
For the consumer, I think it’s a plus
factor that it’s Philippine made. Kasi the brands like Avon,
NUskin, Revlon, etc., lahat iyon abroad. These are imported brands.
Na meron lang Philippine arm, which markets these products. Pero yung
pinagmumulan ng formulation, yung pinagmumulan ng packaging,
everything, abroad yun. Dito, Pilipino talaga yung gumagawa.
5. Interviewer: What is the impact
of Human Nature to society?
May tatlong catch
words yun eh. Doing good, doing well, and doing right.
Interviewer:
Ano-ano po yung ibig sabihin ng mga ito?
Okay, yung doing
good, kasi meron agad ito immediate impact sa society. Di ba. Parang
kapag sumali ka dito o kaya naging parte ka ng Human Nature, meron
kang direct impact on society in two ways: one is you promote
Philippine made products which already gives employment or livelihood
to the farmers, unlike before na kapag puro palay ang tinatanim ng
mga farmers tapos six months silang naghihintay, nababaon sila sa
utang pero pag ngayon, im talking of farmers who are GK residents and
also farmerswho are members of local farming cooperatives in the
provinces, so we are talking here of not individuals, we are talking
of families. Kasi for example, sa Bacolod lang, yung nagtatanim ng
Tanglad, yung lemon grass, 42 families yun.
Interviewer: Dati
ang tinatanim nila is palay?
Palay, sugarcane so
kumbaga, sa ngayon, (they plant) high valued crops. We call it high
valued crops, yung mga sunflower, aloe vera, citronella, tapos
mabilis ang harvest. Hindi sila maghihintay ng anim na buwan para
nila anihin yung tinatanim nila. So you’re giving them an
alternative rather than sticking to one produce which is rice, you
are gving them an alternative so nag-co-crop rotation sila. So at the
same time, ang important, hindi na sila nababaon sa utang, kasi meron
na silang regular na kinikita. Tapos meron na silang pambili ng
ipupunla para sa susunod . So regular yun.
6. Interviewer: Human Nature and
Gawad Kalinga
Ang Gandang
Kalikasan is a partner or a sister/affiliated enterprise ng Gawad
kalinga. Kasi may tie-up din ang Gawad kalinga with NGOs in the
provinces. One example is the Philippine Federation for the
Environmental Concerns. And then yung tinatawag na Alternative
Indigenous Development Foundation. Ito yung mga NGOs na nagpoprovide
ng hydropower tsaka solar energy sa mga farms tapos naka-tieup din sa
mga regular coops ng farmers. Tinutulungan sila magkaroon ng
equipment before, yung initial equipment before dalhin sa planta yung
raw materials. At saka what’s important is they are given fair
trade prices for their produce so hindi sila binabarat. Hindi sila
nalulugi, in fact kumikita sila kasi maganda talaga yung produkto,
it’s at the market rate.
Human Nature Social Enterprise Gifts from Partner Social Enterprises
Interview: Plus may
training pa kayong binibigay.
May training for
organic farming. Kaya sabay-sabay yon. Yun nga yung mga Gawad kalinga
residents na pumunta na rin into organic farming, hindi nagtapos ang
pagtulong kapag natayo na ang bahay nila. Kasi maraming mga tao lalo
na if they come from depressed areas tapos irerelocate nila into a
site na may bahay or magtatayo ng bahay, they always say paano yung
kabuhayan nila. Di naming maiiwan basta-basta. But if you are giving
them an alternative means of livelihood wherein the whole family can
participate, kasi ang pagtatanim pati bata (pwede). It is also a good
way of family bonding.
7. Interviewer: Human Nature and GK
Villages
Tapos ang isa pang
paraan kasi merong immersion program of the Human Nature dealers with
the GK villages. So we do it once a month. We started last January
dito sa Quezon City branch nung January 24 and then on February 27,
we will have the second batch of dealers who will be joining. Hindi
lang limited to dealers ito kasi the dealers can bring two other
people who are not dealers. Kaya nga meron isang dealer dala niya
buong family niya eh. Mga anak niya kasama. Family activity. As in
elementary yung mga anak.
On February 16, we
are going to have a similar interaction program with entrepreneurial
students of UST, graduating batch. Sila yung nag-request if we can
have an orientation with them. Then isasama din naming sila dun sa
one of the GK Villages to encounter similar experiences as the Human
Nature dealers.
Tapos yung iba, ang
naging offshoot non natuwa sila, nainspire sila dun sa initial
interaction, merong isang dealer na preschool teacher pala siya. Sabi
niya gusto ko na ito maging regular basis for me. I will do once a
week to that GK village kasi may preschool doon na mga bata, yung
Sibol. So parang nag-vovolunteer teacher siya. Kasi dinodocument din
eh. So yung mga leaders, they will see the pictures of the actual
pagwowork nila dun. Tapos yung lunch is niluto ng mga nakatira sa GK
residences. So sila yung nagpoprovide ng lunch tsaka yung merienda
para sa mga participants.
8. Interviewer: Why Human “Heart”
Nature?
Kasi ang tao, mahal
niya ang kalikasan. Instead na Human loves Nature, Human heart
nature.
When
I decided to quit my job and go into business, I really was not sure
if I was ready. But I knew I had to do it because I was no longer
happy at work and I did not want my attitude to affect the quality of
my outputs. Of course, I was worried over how long will I be able to
endure months without a sure source of income. After all, just like
majority of minimum income earning Filipino families, I too share in
paying for our monthly bills. Yet, I still
decided to take a leap of faith, very much like as if I'm opening
myself to the possibility of a romantic relationship. I knew that
starting a business comes with many challenges, but I did not expect
that it will take this long for me to get used to how business really
works. Nor was I prepared to see my stash of money quickly
evaporating and the calendar shedding pages in a rush before I could
even sell an item from my online store. Honestly, sometimes, I
thought of giving up, but then, I would look at this little note I
wrote just a few months ago and I am reminded why I decided to
venture into this unknown world.
Yes,
the business that I have put up is a sort of a social enterprise and
perhaps, this is also one of the major reasons why I am having
difficulties with this quest. I hope to combine earning plus being
able to inspire people, in this case, by putting up a business that
creates products that inspire children, most especially those in
small private schools and public schools, to dream and strive for
their dream jobs. I design, create and market the products. And then,
I also search for articles on the web to post on my business fan page
to inspire readers. I do everything on my own, and that is also
another reason why business is still slow. Add to this is the fact
that I accept editing and writing jobs because I still need to earn
for my family and to have funds to keep my business afloat. I think I really am spreading myself thin.
In
times of despair and wanting to give up, I look back at my little
note to self. And then the passion flares again!* (Yep! This line is
from the song "Sometimes when we touch!") I realize that a
little note could contain my business mission statement, and seeing
it every day would be my key to sticking to my business goals and
objectives.
Now,
with my business mission statement written down clearly, I am also
becoming more open to other possibilities. Like perhaps, I am just an
instrument of this business idea which is really intended for someone
else or for a bigger group. Perhaps, I can convince an NGO or other
social entrepreneurs to join me or I could endorse my idea to them.
And then I could go back finding a job where I could read and write
and edit and promote stuff - four things that I also truly love
aside from forming business ideas. And through that job, I could
still inspire children because I was able to fulfill another dream of
mine - earn a decent living through writing.
I also read this quote every day, something I found posted in Bo Sanchez's fan page which said:
"Never
give up on the dreams that God has placed in your heart. But you can
experiment in various ways in fulfilling them - until you find the
right one." - Bo Sanchez
It
may take me years to realize my dreams (business and personal dreams at that), and similar to planting a tree, it is normal to wait and have faith that soon I will see my labors bear fruit.
---------------
*This
strategy of writing down one's purpose for doing something is
something that I have incorporated in the wall charts which I offer
in my business. I practice what I preach! See the wall charts here (click the link):
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