Amplifying impact: The Collective Good 2025 drives social enterprise forward

The landscape for social enterprises in the Philippines is complex, marked by both immense potential and significant challenges in achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Addressing this vital need, The Collective Good 2025 stands out as a critical joint workshop cum fellowship initiative designed to deepen collaboration, sharpen practice, and amplify the impact of social enterprises across the country.

Spearheaded by two prominent organizations in social enterprise education and advocacy—the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt) and the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) Center —this collaborative program establishes a powerful platform. The goal is to align a common purpose with practical action, empowering participants to drive transformational change within their communities and the broader social enterprise sector.

A Diverse Community and Comprehensive Program

Participants from diverse backgrounds gathered in Faber Hall at Ateneo de Manila University last 26 to 27 November 2025 for the second phase of the program.  They engaged in interactive sessions and shared learnings to explore strategies, tools, and innovations. These activities were specifically designed to strengthen the social enterprise ecosystem and bridge societal and environmental divides.

Program Focus: Collaborative Action and Practical Solutions

The two-day second phase focuses heavily on building towards collective impact and putting the good into action. The program on 26 November was dedicated to "Working Together for Collective Impact" which included consultation for the next day’s presentation. Ms. Janine Chiong, CEO and Founder of Habi Footwear & Lifestyle shared her own journey in establishing her social enterprise. She highlighted the importance of having a clear purpose on starting a business and having HR systems and policies when working with communities to ensure that goals were are accomplished. 

The culminating day shifts to had the theme "The Collective Good in Action," where groups presented their solutions. Each team presented: A defined ecosystem challenge, their proposed intervention or collaborative solution and the role of their members as well as the practical tools or frameworks used. 

Esteemed Panelists Guide the Discussions
A critical component of The Collective Good 2025 is the feedback provided by a panel of esteemed social enterprise practitioners and policy advocates. The panel, composed of leading figures in the sector, ensured that proposed solutions are grounded in practical reality and poised for maximum impact. 

Panelists for the 27 November sessions included: 

• Dr Marie Lisa Dacanay, President, Institute of Social Entrepreneurship in Asia.
• Mr Ace Ver Vargas, Senior Manager, PWC Philippines
• Mr Rodmark Barriga, President, Society for the Advancement of Professional Social Entrepreneurship.
• Mr Allister Roy Chua and Mr Dexter Yu, Founders for Roots Collective 

The Collective Good 2025 represented a crucial commitment from ACSEnt and LSEED to empower social entrepreneurs. “We need more collaborations from different institutions now more than ever. The social enterprise scene in our country is very exciting and dynamic. We thank all our partners and stakeholders for being part of this collective good.” stated by ACSEnt Director Ana Tan.

In the closing remarks led by Dean Roberto Galang, PhD, of John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM), he mentioned how The Collective Good provided a platform for solutions to society’s pressing problems and strengthened the social enterprise ecosystem in the Philippines

To learn more about programs offered by ACSEnt, you may visit https://www.facebook.com/acsentsom or send an email to  acsent.jgsom@ateneo.edu.