ACSEnt works with Lasallian social enterprise center to launch social enterprise conversation series

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The Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt) and the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) Center successfully hosted the SE Conversations: Presentation of the Social Enterprise Profiling Report on 18 June 2025. Held at Room 1703 of the Andrew Building at De La Salle University and streamed via Zoom, the event brought together educators, social entrepreneurs, students, and ecosystem enablers from across the country.

The centerpiece of the event was the launch of the report titled “Understanding the Profile of Social Enterprise in the Philippines,” which presents a comprehensive overview of the goals, structures, funding mechanisms, and social impact of social enterprises (SEs) nationwide. With a sharp focus on how SEs contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable, inclusive development, the report offers valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike.

The event highlighted an exciting and insightful exchange of ideas, moderated by Dr Norby Salonga of the LSEED Center. The panel featured esteemed experts including Dr Marie Lisa Dacanay of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), Melanie Cabotaje of the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries, and Ana Marina Tan, Director of ACSEnt. The discussion was a productive dialogue on the current landscape, challenges, and transformative role of social enterprises in the country—highlighting the critical contributions they make toward inclusive and sustainable development.

The report was authored by Dr Marie Lisa Dacanay (ISEA), Ms Melanie Cabotaje (UP), Mr Gomer Padong (ISEA), Ms Ana Marina Tan (Ateneo de Manila), Dr Norby Salonga (DLSU), the late Dr Antonio Marañon, and Ms Ma Zunally Rapada.

This event also reflects the growing collaboration between Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines and De La Salle University. Both ACSEnt and LSEED are champions of social entrepreneurship and sustainability. LSEED, which supports over 70 social enterprises, chairs the National Association of Social Enterprise Educators, while ACSEnt—the first university-based SE center in the Philippines—co-chairs ISEA. Both centers are active members of the PRESENT Coalition, advocating for the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Bill.