Social entrepreneurship is one of the many concepts in business that is not widely recognized in the field of entrepreneurship. Its impact on our society is lesser known by many because of its limited exposure as a business concept. This premise was the rationale behind the webinar titled “IGNITE: Discovering the Social Entrepreneur in you” held on November 6, 2021.
The webinar, which was open to students. faculty members and professionals from other institutions, aimed to heighten the interest of students and aspiring entrepreneurs to build their social enterprise by introducing and promoting the concept of social entrepreneurship through the actual stories of the invited speakers.
The speakers were both practitioners in the field who continue to make an impact in their respective target communities. Calriger MC Technologies founder Mr. Giancarlo Capco, is an internationally recognized entrepreneur because of his solar-ready Sanitary Aqua Vendo Water Vending Machine. Calriger MC Technologies was established to improve lives through their solar technology.
Karabella Dairy founder Ms. Erika Courteille and currently the Director of Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) at the SGV & Co. EY Philippines, was the other speaker.
Both speakers shared how they started their own social enterprise and what motivated them to continue with their mission despite challenges, even up to the present time of the pandemic.
Capco emphasized the importance of a God-driven mission, powered by knowledge, principles, and virtues. He also made mention of the importance of getting the right partner in a business- a partner who is aligned to your mission and advocacies. He also pointed out that sharing knowledge to interested communities or individuals is the central core of their enterprise – education and providing the right skills and knowledge.
For her part, Courteile shared that she saw an opportunity in the challenging farming industry in the country. She discussed how the enterprise supports farmers to continue with their local business of producing milk by partnering with them as the primary source of milk for their ice cream and gelato products. She also shared the importance of having an eco-friendly operation in a dairy business; understanding the role of social entrepreneurs in the community and the environment; and making sure that the social enterprise is anchored with a purpose.
Graduate School Dean Prof. Michael Anthony Vasco, Ph.D., formally opened the program, Business Cluster Head Dr. Elizabeth Recio, delivered the objectives of the webinar, and course facilitator Dr. Fernando Trinidad, delivered the closing remarks.
