QUEZON CITY - For most parents, having children with disabilities presents many challenges that impact their capacity to find traditional work. Apart from being pressured to earn for their family, they must also attend to the unique needs of their kids. Without adequate support and services in place, they are one of the first groups in society to be left behind.
Fortunately, in Quezon City, the Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities is a space where parents can get the help they need. It provides free healthcare, empowerment and livelihood services for children with disabilities and their families. And it is just one of the many efforts being undertaken by the local government to assist marginalized sectors in the city.
It is in this spirit that Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bayan Innovation Group (BIG) and the Society for the Advancement of Professional Social Entrepreneurship (SAPSE) on November 21, 2023 to formalize the partnership for the “Tatak SE, Kabahagi Ka Sa QC” program.
Why “Tatak SE”? Mayor Joy shared in her speech: “Ang Social Entrepreneurship o ‘SE’ ay hindi lamang salita; ito ay isang pilosopiya na naglalagay ng tao at komunidad sa gitna. Ito ay tungkol sa paggamit ng pagnenegosyo upang lumikha ng positibong pagbabago, upang itaas ang antas ng pamumuhay, at upang itayo ang isang mas inklusibong lipunan.”
(Social Entrepreneurship is not just a term we use lightly; it is a philosophy where we place people and community at the center. It is about setting up businesses that strive to create positive change, raising people’s quality of living, and building a more inclusive society.)
The mayor laid out the goals of its “Tatak SE, Kabahagi Ka Sa QC” program, which are to 1) establish Quezon City as a model for other local government units for the Social Enterprise roadmap; 2) mobilize key stakeholders to collectively assist the growth of SEs in the city; 3) create inclusive work and steady livelihood opportunities - with first priority given to families and children with disabilities; and 4) roll out the interventions recommended by the SE Roadmap, starting with the social entrepreneurship training programs by BIG.
The signatories of the MOU were Bayan Family of Foundations President Prof. Jay Bernardo, BIG Executive Director Prof. Carlo Sagun, and National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap Co-Secretariat representatives Maan Sicam and John Francia. Also in attendance were the QC Heads: Ms. Karen Sagun of the QC Center for Children with Disabilities (QC Kabahagi), Mr. Rogelio Reyes of QC Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and Ms. Mona Yap of QC Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office (QC SBCDPO).
Maan Sicam, founder and President of the social enterprise Happy Helpers, spoke on behalf of SAPSE and pledged to support the “Tatak SE, Kabahagi Ka Sa QC” program. SAPSE, with its network of SE professionals, will deliver complementary services through training and mentorship for QCitizens who want to set up their own social enterprises.
To end, Mayor Joy shared her vision of a more organized, inclusive, and steadfast Quezon City where nobody is left behind and discriminated against, where even children with disabilities and their families can thrive. “Ang ating paglalakbay ay nagsisimula ngayon, at sa inyong suporta, iiwan natin ang isang hindi malilimutang tatak, isang "Tatak SE," para sa mga henerasyong darating.”
(Our journey begins now, and with your support, we can leave a long-lasting legacy - a “Tatak SE” that will impact future generations.)
For more information on the National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap and Tatak SE, connect with us through collaborate@bayaninnovationgroup.org.
This article was written by Trish Lim Francia of the Bayan Family of Foundations.
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