Press Releases
Feb
Social Enterprises in the Philippines: 10 Fantastic Enterprises
Image courtesy of homegrown.ph Social enterprises in the Philippines – Ten awesome companies that you need to know about. How prevalent are social enterprises in the Philippines? According to a 2015 report by the British Council, social enterprise in the Philippines is vibrant and growing, and in years to come, will have a much wider presence and impact. More than a quarter of the 107 million population live below the poverty The country’s strong entrepreneurial culture that includes one million Medium and Small Enterprises, account for 99% of all businesses. According to a survey in 2007 there were 30,000 social enterprises established in the country. Below are some social enterprises in the Philippines that reinvests its profits in humanitarian and/or environmental causes that provide jobs for people and protect natural resources while helping improve living conditions. 1. BAMBIKE – Hand-made Bamboo Bicycles bambike.com Image courtesy of Banmbike Evolution Cycles Bambike,is a socio-ecological enterprise based in the Philippines in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, a movement that aims to address poverty in the country. , Bambike which manufacture hand-made bamboo bicycles, aims to make the greenest bikes on the planet. Their bamboo bike builders also known as Bambuilders, are hired local villagers that are provided with sustainable livelihoods. Before working as bike builders, these craftsmen were doing menial jobs in far places. Now, they are able to work, live, and participate in the development of their local communities. The company’s social causes include environment, employment development and skills training, and poverty eradication. Other programs include sponsorship of preschool teachers, scholarships, a weekly feeding program for children, and maintenance of a bamboo nursery for reforestation. 2. ANTHILL Fabric Gallery – Fashion and Lifestyle Gallery anthillfabricgallery.com Image courtesy of changemakers.com ANTHILL is a fashion and lifestyle gallery and workshop that specializes in handwoven fabrics and crafts. Its products include special fabrics woven into accessories, handbags, small gifts, jewelry pieces, and handmade dolls. fashion and lifestyle. ANTHILL stands for Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Ingenious/Indigenous Little Livelihood Seekers. It is a social enterprise that gives importance to cultural tradition/identity. It operates through multiple weaving communities throughout the country. It buys their raw materials, and then uses the talents of local designers to transform these indigenous fabrics into contemporary items that are sold in the open market. Proceeds from each purchase help promote handwoven fabrics and weaving traditions and create sustainable livelihoods for rural and indigenous communities such as the Aborigines. 3. Artwine – Felt Clothing and Accessories shopartwine.com Image courtesy of Instafedhz Artwine is a social enterprise made up of a team of designers and crafters who create colorful and whimsical pieces made from felt cloth. Their products included desk accessories, bags and pouches, clothing and cellphone accessories. With every Artwine purchase, a percentage of its revenue goes to the support of out-of-school youth and their families who live in marginalized communities in Talon Tres, Las Pinas City in Manila. Their products are available in shops in the Philippines and abroad via their online site. 4. Bayani Brew – Responsible Iced Tea bayanibrew.com Image courtesy of Dude for Food Bayani Brew is part of Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan which is an area transformed into a village university, social tourism destination, and where social enterprises are born. Supporting Bayani Brew is support to Gawad Kalinga’s many social programs geared towards reducing poverty. It provides housing and sustainable livelihoods in certain rural villages across the country. Bayani Brew uses local & indigenous ingredients sourced from organic farming communities such as the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted…