Social Innovation Program

Innovation for Inclusion: SPF's Highlights from the 2024 Philippine National SE Roadmap

November 28, 2024

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) proudly participated in the 2024 Philippine National Social Enterprise (SE) Roadmap Conference, held in Quezon City from November 13 to 15, 2024. Titled "Harmonizing Social Enterprise and Social and Solidarity Economy Initiatives for ASEAN’s Contribution to the SDGs", this significant event brought together key stakeholders to discuss and promote inclusive economic development through social entrepreneurship and the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE).

Understanding the National SE Roadmap

The National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap, a five-year strategic plan to advance social enterprises across the Philippines, is a significant initiative. Developed by the Bayan Innovation Group (BIG) and the Society for the Advancement of Professional Social Entrepreneurship (SAPSE), with support from the BPI Foundation, the roadmap aims to foster a robust ecosystem for social enterprises. The roadmap bring forth the power of six different sectors crucial to the development of social enterprise ecosystem in the country, such as cooperatives, MSMEs & People's Associations, corporations, NGO, academia and government.

Furthermore, the roadmap focuses on creating a supportive environment through policy advocacy, capacity building, and multi-sectoral collaboration. By promoting social enterprises, the roadmap seeks to address socio-economic challenges, enhance community resilience, and contribute to sustainable development. SPF supports this initiative as it aligns with our mission to promote inclusive economic growth and social innovation, ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from economic opportunities.

Promoting Inclusive Economic Development

SPF's involvement in the conference underscored its commitment to fostering gender equality, social inclusion, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The foundation's efforts were highlighted through various discussions and panels, emphasizing the importance of these elements in driving sustainable growth.

Key Highlights of the conference include:

Localization of the National SE Roadmap: SPF supports the localization of the National SE Roadmap by institutionalizing model areas in BARMM, Quezon City, and Odiongan. This initiative demonstrates SPF's dedication to regional development and social enterprise. By focusing on these areas, SPF aims to create replicable models of an ecosystem where local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders can sustain the growth of social enterprises. SPF hopes these models can be adapted and implemented in other regions, fostering a broader impact across the Philippines.
Government as Enablers: Engaging with local government leaders like Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City and Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic of Odiongan, SPF emphasized the crucial role of government in enabling social innovation at the grassroots level. These discussions highlighted how local governments can act as catalysts for social change by providing the necessary support and infrastructure for social enterprises to thrive.

Spotlight on Palu, Indonesia

In addition to its focus on the Philippines, SPF highlighted its impactful work in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.

During his opening remarks, Itsu Adachi, Executive Director of SPF, reiterated the foundation's mission to support social enterprises that address pressing social issues with innovative and sustainable business models.

Following the remarks, SPF moderated a panel discussion to highlight the collaborative nature of the foundation's initiative in Palu to foster social innovation.

Dr. Dissa Ahdanisa, SPF's Program Officer from the Social Innovation Program, shared the involvement of SPF in Palu through research and several on-going pilot projects that aims to benefit women and people with disabilities. These initiatives are conducted through multi-stakeholder partnerships, bringing together government, civil society organizations, and government-initiated business incubators (InBis). Through its initiatives, SPF hopes to provide access to empower marginalized groups and promote economic independence.

Innovative Policies and Collaboration:
Mr. Ardin from Palu City Regional Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) discussed policies and partnerships with organizations like Kopernik and InBis, highlighting the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration.

These partnerships have the potential to create innovative solutions that address local challenges.

Meanwhile, Ms. Wulan Lembonunu from Sikola Mombine emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She shared examples of how local wisdom and community participation have been integral to the success of social enterprises in Palu, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.

The panel discussion emphasized the importance of understanding the limitations and strengths of each stakeholder to do more, do better and work together in driving sustainable changes for the communities in need.

Investing with Impact: The role of catalytic philanthropy

On the third day of the conference, Ayaka Matsuno, Director of SPF's Social Innovation Program, participated in a panel discussion on "Investing with Impact: Regional Investors with Impact Intentionality and their Resonance with SE and SSE initiatives in ASEAN." She highlighted SPF's innovative funding strategies, including pre-design capital to support research and planning phases, ensuring impactful and well-planned initiatives. This approach allows SPF to thoroughly understand the needs and challenges of the communities they serve, leading to more effective and sustainable interventions.

Director Matsuno also highlighted examples of SPF work in the Philippines. To support the National SE Roadmap, SPF provided support in conducting a feasibility study of the Social Enterprise Financial Platform. The learnings from this study were then applied to developing the platform, which will benefit social enterprises in the nation.

Panelists Included:

Philo Alto, Founder of Asia Value Advisors
Dr. Jonathan Chang, Founding CEO of HeritageSG
Stella Schapero, Senior Financing Partnership Specialist at the Asian Development Bank

The panel discussion provided valuable insights into how regional investors can align their investment strategies with social and environmental goals, creating a positive impact across ASEAN.

The 2024 Philippine National SE Roadmap Conference was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of all participants. SPF's active involvement and insightful contributions underscored its commitment to promoting inclusive economic development and social innovation across Asia.

Together, we are transforming communities and promoting resilience through social entrepreneurship and the Social Solidarity Economy. SPF looks forward to continuing its work with partners and stakeholders to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

More information about the conference can be found here.

Photos provided by the Philippine SE Roadmap Secretariat.

Events

Unlocking Impact: Collaborative Insights from the AVPN Northeast Asia Summit 2025

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) recently participated in the AVPN Northeast Asia Summit 2025, held at Roppongi Midtown. This year's summit, themed "Transforming Northeast Asia, Transforming the World: Collaborative Solutions for a Sustainable Future," brought together over 200 participants from 20 different countries. The event featured 60 inspiring speakers across 24 insightful sessions, showcasing the power of collective action in driving sustainable change.

May 9, 2025

Events

Event Report: International Seminar on Climate Change and Adaptation in the Maldives

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation organized and conducted, in collaboration with Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan (GIF Japan), The Maldives National University (MNU) and the Maldives Housing Development Corporation (HDC), this seminar addressing the climate change adaptation strategies being undertaken in the Maldives through the reclamation of artificial islands, and also shed light on the evolving nature of migration in the Maldives, covering both traditional and climate-related causes.

March 18, 2025

Events

Nature2Nurture: Transforming Communities Through Nature-Based Solutions in Palawan

Nature2Nurture (N2N) is an innovative program dedicated to fostering sustainable development through nature-based solutions. By empowering local communities and promoting eco-friendly practices, N2N aims to address environmental challenges, enhance biodiversity, and create economic opportunities. The program focuses on supporting women-led and women-owned enterprises, recognizing their crucial role in driving sustainable change. Through a combination of mentorship, technical assistance, and financial support, Nature2Nurture is paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive future, where nature and communities thrive together.

February 26, 2025

Browse Latest News

pagetop

Innovation for Inclusion: SPF's Highlights from the 2024 Philippine National SE Roadmap

Related Articles

Latest News

Unlocking Impact: Collaborative Insights from the AVPN Northeast Asia Summit 2025

Event Report: International Seminar on Climate Change and Adaptation in the Maldives

Nature2Nurture: Transforming Communities Through Nature-Based Solutions in Palawan

Video Title