HeritageFinds joins PRESENT Coalition

Advocacy for Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Reduction

HeritageFinds has joined as member of the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Coalition, with memberships comprising of advocates and leaders from social enterprises, local government agencies, the academe, the private sector, and community organizations and NGOs. The main aim of the coalition is to propose actions and legislative reforms that would enable a conducive environment for social enterprises to thrive and succeed. 

Why is social entrepreneurship a big deal?

A 2017 study done by the British Council and PhilSEN, with support from the European Union (EU) and UNESCAP, estimated that there may be as many as 164,473 social enterprises in the Philippines. They comprised17% of the total registered enterprises. More than half operate as micro, small, and medium sized enterprises. Their potential for contributing to the wider economic development is enormous, and their presence in underrepresented sectors and communities bridge a  development gap between formal and informal economies. Many social enterprises also work with vulnerable sectors and communities whose livelihoods and identities are at risk to external pressures and climate change and natural hazards. 

However, they face many challenges such as scalability and market reach. Several systemic factors affect their growth including lack of access to markets and capital and an ecosystem of support and capacities.

With this backdrop, the Coalition is pushing for vital reforms for social entrepreneurship in terms of capacity development, grants and funding for growing their enterprises, metrics for social impact measurement, and more institutional and harmonized support delivery from government, private sector and the academe.

You may check ISEA and PRESENT Coalition's works and advocacy here: https://www.isea-group.net/present-coalition/

British Council & PhilSEN, 2017. Reaching the Farthest First: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/sites/default/files/social_report_bc_fa_102517_web-compressed.pdf

ADB Brief on Strengthening SE Roadmap: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/514471/adb-brief-112-social-entrepreneurship-road-map-philippines.pdf

Participation in Trade Fairs in 2024

HeritageFinds has collaborated with ISEA and the PRESENT Coalition in two Trade Fairs in 2024. as well as other learning events with partners in the Philippines and in the region.

Pasig Mega Trade Fair, May 23-26, 2024, Ayala Malls the 30^th, Pasig City

Theme: Shop with Purpose, sustainably; Empowering Communities

The event is a partnership with Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship – Asia (ISEA), Australia in the Philippines (DFAT), Oxfam Pilipinas and Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Prof. Lisa Dacanay of ISEA led the opening ceremonies, together with officials and representatives from the Pasig City Local Economic and Investment Office (LEIDO).

Event Feature: 

https://pasigcity.gov.ph/news-and-releases/in-photos-pasig-city-trade-fair-2024-833

Social Enterprise Trade Fair, March 11-14, 2024, Philippine Senate

Theme: “Empowering Women and Ending Poverty Through Social Entrepreneurship”

 HeritageFinds was one of the featured women entrepreneurs during the event, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024. The event is a partnership with the Office of Hon. Senator Risa Hontiveros, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship – Asia (ISEA), PRESENT Coalition, Roots Collective, Australia in the Philippines (DFAT), Oxfam Pilipinas and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

The Trade Fair was opened Hon. Senator Risa Hontiveros, Her Excellency HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust), Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary, and Ma. Kristine Balmes, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Video link: https://www.facebook.com/ISEA.Manila/videos/508221948430652