ALSE OF-LIFE holds round table discussion on sustainable livelihoods and social enterprises

On 2 December 2024, the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) through the Executive Education Program, Ateneo Overseas Filipinos’ Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy, and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE OF-LIFE), hosted a dynamic Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on Sustainable Livelihoods and Social Enterprises. This event provided a platform for practitioners, alumni, and representatives from government institutions to discuss and reflect on the initial findings from 20 case studies of social innovations and enterprises established or scaled by ALSE OF-LIFE alumni. The presentations focused on understanding the operational dynamics, challenges, and successes of these enterprises driven by Filipino migrant workers, fostering a deeper appreciation of their socio-economic contributions and potential for sustainable development.

The RTD commenced with opening remarks from ASoG Dean Randy Tuaño, PhD, who underscored the critical role of sustainable livelihoods and social enterprises in driving transformative social and economic change. He highlighted how these enterprises serve as engines of inclusive growth by addressing pressing societal challenges through innovative, community-driven solutions. Following his remarks, Dr Cristina Liamzon provided a comprehensive overview of the project, outlining its objectives to document, evaluate, and analyze a selection of enterprises initiated or expanded by ALSE OF-LIFE alumni. Her presentation emphasized the critical challenges these enterprises encountered, including resource mobilization, market access, and sustainability, while also recognizing their resilience and potential to create lasting socio-economic impact.

Prof. Rainier Almazan introduced an integrative framework for understanding sustainable livelihoods and social enterprises, emphasizing their potential to address socio-economic issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. This theoretical foundation set the stage for Prof Mary Lou Alcid's presentation, which detailed preliminary findings from interviews with social entrepreneurs. Her insights underscored the balance between profitability and social responsibility, focusing on strategies that prioritize people and the planet.

The event also featured firsthand accounts from several case study participants, who shared their experiences in establishing and expanding social enterprises across the Philippines. Their stories illuminated practical lessons on resilience, scalability, and community engagement.

Government representatives from key agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Migrant Workers - National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipinos (NRCO), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), actively participated in the discussions. They provided valuable perspectives on policy frameworks, support programs, and potential areas for public-private partnerships.

Ms. Sharon Grace Yabut, Head of the Executive Education Program, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders. She outlined actionable next steps aimed at nurturing a robust ecosystem for sustainable livelihoods and social enterprises, particularly for Filipino migrant workers and their families.

Moderated by Dr Edgardo Valenzuela, the RTD facilitated an engaging and dynamic exchange of ideas among the 35 onsite participants at ASOG and over 200 online attendees worldwide. This convergence of diverse stakeholders sparked discussions on innovative solutions and collaborative opportunities poised to create meaningful social impact.