Ateneo ignites social change with KisLap, a social enterprise grant challenge

The Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt), with the support of the Kwan Laurel Social Enterprise Fund (KLSEF), formally launched KisLap - A Social Enterprise Grant Challenge on 25 September 2025, at the John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo de Manila University

KisLap is Ateneo’s premier social entrepreneurship grant initiative, designed to ignite bold ideas and support enterprises that create lasting social impact. Building on the success of last year’s IDeaCO, which highlighted the creativity and dedication of student innovators, KisLap now enters its second year with a broader vision. This year, the program extends beyond the John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) and the School of Humanities (SOH), opening its doors to the entire Higher Education community. Senior and graduate students are invited to form teams and develop ventures that tackle some of the most pressing social challenges facing the Philippines today.

At the core of KisLap is a challenge for students to design innovative, sustainable, and socially relevant enterprises that move beyond theory and into real-world impact. Three winning teams will each receive up to Php 1 million in seed funding to launch their ventures. Alongside financial support, winners will benefit from personalized mentorship by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts — helping them sharpen their business models, strengthen their strategies, and build the confidence to scale their initiatives beyond the university.

Dean Roberto Galang of JGSOM led the opening remarks, highlighting how KisLap is not only for funding but also opens opportunities for students to bring their ideas to life.

ACSEnt Director Ms Ana Tan introduced ACSEnt and the KLSEF. She mentioned that the purpose of KisLap was for students to be of service in helping solve present problems through innovative ideas.

The event’s keynote speaker, Ms Janine Chiong—CEO of Habi Footwear and Lifestyle—shared her journey as a social entrepreneur, which began with a class project during her student years at the JGSOM. She spoke about how her path was shaped by the influence of her mother and her passion for helping children. Ms Chiong also emphasized the importance of building trust with community partners, underscoring how authentic relationships serve as the foundation for sustainable social enterprises.

KisLap concluded with an engaging Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to raise their questions and insights. Through this initiative, Ateneo de Manila University reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a culture of social entrepreneurship. By equipping students with the skills, resources, and networks to build sustainable enterprises, Ateneo continues to shape changemakers poised to spark meaningful transformation in communities across the Philippines.

To learn more about KisLap and how to join you may visit their Facebook Page or you may send an email via: acsent.jgsom@ateneo.edu. Deadline of entries is 9 November 2025.