The Philippines boasts a vibrant social entrepreneurship scene, where visionary Filipinas are quietly yet profoundly shaping their ventures to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Driven by a deep desire to combat poverty and hunger, Filipina entrepreneurs create innovative businesses that not only thrive economically, but also foster decent work and economic growth.
Their focus is particularly on enabling those who have historically faced economic and social marginalization, creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Yvette Marie Celi Punzalan demonstrates her dedication to empowering women through her inspiring enterprise, Yvette’s Bag and Bead Collection.
Punzalan’s venture extends a lifeline to incarcerated women, providing them with not just a dignified income, but also a chance to rebuild their lives with respect and purpose.
“It was a form of livelihood that my father’s friend asked me to impart. The network became bigger through word-of-mouth,” Punzalan recalls of her beginnings as a volunteer teaching simple crafts to women in jail.
Despite holding a degree in computer engineering, she found her true calling in transforming her crochet hobby into a meaningful venture. What started with plastic twines and a modest group of learners grew into a significant social enterprise.
Oftentimes, Punzalan sees herself as an “accidental entrepreneur”, navigating her entrepreneurial patch through numerous challenges – from material thefts to operational hurdles. Yet these setbacks further strengthened her unwavering resolve that social entrepreneurs possess to balance business goals with social impact.
With only P500 investment and 20 women working with her, Yvette’s Bag and Bead Collection has grown significantly. Today, it supports over 300 individuals, including families and tribal communities, fostering a strong local network.
She attributes the expansion to the powerful narrative of transformation and empowerment woven into each product. These beautiful creations represent hope and a brighter future.
The enterprise’s impact extends beyond financial gains; it has been instrumental in restoring self-esteem and providing a sense of purpose to the women it employs.
The initial group Punzalan trained has not only been successfully reintegrated into society, but now forms the core of her operations staff, leading production and ensuring quality.
Punzalan proudly shares stories of these hard-working women who can now send their children to school, highlighting the transformative power of her social enterprise.
Punzalan’s story is a powerful testament to the potential of social entrepreneurship in addressing complex social issues through innovative and sustainable business models.
Her work underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement and strategic planning in achieving both financial viability and social impact.
Punzalan and her enterprise exemplify the spirit of resilience, creativity and community service, proving that business can indeed be a powerful force for positive social change.
The success of Yvette’s Bag and Bead Collection highlights the importance of collaboration. Continued support from government, NGOs, and the private sector is crucial for scaling social enterprises and maximizing their impact.
Filipina social entrepreneurs like Punzalan are wpaving the way for a brighter Philippines, one where sustainable business practices and social responsibility go hand-in-hand to create a more just and equitable society.