I’m interested in social enterprises in the Philippines. How can I find more?

Julius, your last post made me think about identifying the “theories of change” I’ve come across when looking for companies and organizations that are changing poverty in the Philippines. I then tried to find patterns among the companies and organizations that I gravitate to the most.

I noticed three patterns among organizations that I am especially drawn to:

• They create quality jobs or improved income generation
• They have positive effects on quality of life (e.g. environment, working conditions, access to basic needs)
• They are financially sustainable

These patterns fall in line with the third “theory of change” you mentioned in your last post, re-inventing societal infrastructures. I am most interested in organizations that are re-inventing the way business is done in the Philippines to be more inclusive and to offer better job opportunities for workers.

These companies are social businesses that create better opportunities for stakeholders (employees, customers, people they serve) and cleantech companies that reduce negative impacts on marginalized communities.

Here are the companies I’ve found so far:

• Hapinoy
• Rags2Riches
• Human Nature
• RAD Green Solutions
• Route +63
• Go Negosyo
• Liter of Light
• Kalibrr
• Banco de Caloritas
• Food From Thin Air
• Doy Bags (UK)
• Eco Farm Asia (UK)

Some foundations with poverty alleviation in their mission

• Gawad Kalinga
• Gifts & Graces Foundation
• Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation
• Philippine Social Enterprise Network

I found a lot of these through the social enterprise directory clearlyso.com.

What patterns can you recognize among the organizations that interest you the most?

What would you add to this list? How can I find more?

– Charles A

The Trabajo Project