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The NGOs for Social Enterprise Development held an online symposium on April 25, 2024, featuring Learning Without Borders, Inc. and the Homenet Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The event provided participants with insights into the challenges faced by two of society's most vulnerable groups: youth and women. It also highlighted how these organizations are making a significant impact in uplifting marginalized communities. 

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Dr. Benjamin Quiñones, Jr., Chairperson of the NGOs for SE Development, opened the program, giving context on the SE Symposium, which aims to give social enterprises a platform to connect with financial and non-financial service providers. 

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Following Dr. Quiñones’ opening remarks, Rodmark Barriga, President of the Society for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (SAPSE), introduced Tatak SE™ and the National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap. Tatak SE™, which is a community-driven movement to inspire, enable, and empower social enterprises in the Philippines, is powered by the SE Roadmap: a 5-year, multi-sector, and nationwide strategic plan to advance social enterprises in the country. Barriga stressed that the success of the SE Roadmap lies in the buy-in and participation of SE stakeholders, and he encouraged the group to get involved and join the initiative. 

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Barriga then turned over the floor to Claris Quezon, Human Development Project Manager of Learning Without Borders Inc., a nonprofit that provides holistic education to indigenous communities and underprivileged youth in the Philippines.  

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Operating primarily in Central and Northern Luzon, the organization runs programs in Bulacan, Pampanga, La Union, and Benguet, providing much-needed access to education and community development for marginalized learners and vulnerable groups. Quezon emphasized their holistic approach, focusing not just on imparting knowledge and skills, but strengthening each participant’s moral compass.

Learning Without Borders adopts a "learning by doing" method, which integrates hands-on experiences and activities that are relevant to the students' needs and cultural backgrounds. Their approach is deeply rooted in the values of the Scout Method, which include trustworthiness, respect, helpfulness, and citizenship. Through this method, the spirit of service and commitment are instilled, encouraging participants to give back to their communities for collective betterment.

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Apart from providing literacy and numbers interventions, as well as digital and health education, Learning Without Borders is empowering its partner communities through social entrepreneurship programs. Their SE initiatives include training and skills development in digital arts, upcycling, and the selling of agricultural products. By engaging in entrepreneurial activities, participants not only gain valuable skills but become economically empowered and contribute to the sustainability of their communities.

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During the Q&A, Quezon shared that the biggest challenge that they are facing is the critical need to bring awareness to the educational disparities that IP communities face. Many children from indigenous communities are deprived of quality education due to systemic issues, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic challenges. These gaps in education perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit opportunities for future generations. Raising awareness about these issues is the first step towards creating meaningful change. 

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She also pointed out that many IP elders are accustomed to receiving one-time aid without sustainable follow-up, fostering a dependency culture. To build a foundation of trust, Learning Without Borders focuses on long-term engagement and collaborative efforts. This involves not only providing educational resources but also empowering the community to take ownership of their learning and development. By demonstrating a commitment to their holistic well-being and showing tangible results over time, the organization aims to shift perceptions from dependency to self-reliance.

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After the insightful discussion on borderless education, Maria Patricia Vito Cruz De Vera, Chairperson of the Homenet Multi-Purpose Cooperative (HMPC), shared their work in creating opportunities for another marginalized sector of society: those who make up the informal economy - particularly home-based workers and entrepreneurs, most of whom are women. 

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HMPC traces its origins to 2011, when a group of women leaders from different organizations and social enterprises formed a cooperative of home-based workers. Among their goals were to develop the ability of product creators to meet the needs of local, national, and global markets; to reduce and alleviate poverty and unemployment of Filipino home-based and/or informal workers and producers, as well as to strengthen their future sustainability; and to provide benefits to their members, the environment, and society. 

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Of the cooperative’s members, 70% are home-based workers; the majority of the remaining 30% are advocates from other sectors. While informal workers are often marginalized and seldom considered a part of the mainstream economy, HMPC advocates for their rights, recognition, and sustainable well-being. The cooperative also raises awareness of the contribution of home-based workers to the economy.  

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HMPC offers a wide range of fashion, food, and lifestyle products, as well as novelty items, which are proudly and ethically made by its member producers. Their products are environmentally sound, free of chemicals and additives, and reflect the rich, cultural heritage of the Philippines. 

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De Vera emphasized HMPC's commitment to the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE), a pathway to women's economic empowerment and sustainable development. The SSE five dimensions are (1) socially responsible governance; (2) edifying ethical values; (3) social development and inclusion; (4) environmental conservation measures; and, (5) economic sustainability. The social enterprises of co-op member producers are anchored in these five dimensions. The HMPC application and practice of the SSE five dimensions are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 13 – Climate Action; and, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. The cooperative aims to enhance the capabilities of its members, increase their productivity, and improve the quality and marketability of its products. This approach not only fosters economic growth but also promotes social cohesion and environmental sustainability. 

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Despite their success, De Vera shared that HMPC faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of production volume, financing, and capital. The cooperative is continuously striving to meet market demands, which requires substantial investment in resources and infrastructure. De Vera highlighted their ongoing efforts to secure adequate financing and improve production capabilities to ensure the cooperative can fulfill market needs and sustain its operations.

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The symposium concluded on a hopeful note, highlighting the pivotal role that social enterprises play in addressing socio-economic divides. The innovative approaches of Learning Without Borders and Homenet Multi-Purpose Cooperative exemplify how social enterprise can bridge gaps, empower vulnerable sectors, and foster inclusive, sustainable development. 

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To learn more about the SE Roadmap and Tatak SE™, connect with us through tataksocialenterprise@gmail.com. 

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