The National Social Entrepreneurship Conference (NSEC) 2025, held on 29-30 April 2025 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, was a transformative gathering of over 500 changemakers—social entrepreneurs, government leaders, academics, grassroots advocates, and impact investors—committed to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future through social enterprise. It was spearheaded by four remarkable institutions—the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt), the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), the University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI), and the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PReSEnt) Coalition. The conference highlighted both the urgency of our nation’s social and ecological challenges and the powerful role that over 164,000 social enterprises across the country are playing in response. With its theme, “Scaling Change: Advances of Social Enterprises in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development,” the event served not only as a platform for sharing solutions and innovations, but also as a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and our shared responsibility to center people, planet, and purpose in economic life.
A Gathering Rooted in Shared Purpose
As I entered the venue that morning, there was an unmistakable energy in the air—a palpable excitement among fellow changemakers, united by the belief that social entrepreneurship is not just a model but a movement. The conference theme, “Scaling Change: Advances of Social Enterprises in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development,”captured what many of us in the sector have been striving for: impact that goes beyond pockets of success and leads to systemic transformation.
The two-day conference offered a space for dialogue, solidarity, and knowledge-sharing. It was a celebration of innovations and resilience, and more importantly, a call to deepen collaborations among social enterprises, government institutions, the private sector, academia, and grassroots communities.
Moderating a Milestone Moment for Women’s Economic Empowerment
I was humbled to be invited as moderator for the Launch of the PRESENT Coalition Working Group on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) as Community of Practice, which took place on April 29 at 11:45 AM. That moment was deeply meaningful to me, as a woman who has witnessed the transformative power of economic empowerment in conflict-affected communities.
Facilitating that session gave me the opportunity to highlight the voices of women social entrepreneurs and leaders from marginalized communities—many of whom have turned their pain into purpose, and their trauma into thriving enterprises. Together, we explored how women are not only beneficiaries but powerful agents of change in addressing poverty, climate resilience, and the digital divide.
It was also a time to lift up the urgent need for gender-inclusive policies, access to capital, and mentorship networks—all vital components of a supportive ecosystem for women-led social enterprises. The launch of this working group marked a new chapter in our collective work, and I felt both hopeful and committed as we laid the groundwork for a sustained Community of Practice in this area.
Conversations that Matter
Throughout the conference, I joined several panel sessions and listened to keynote messages that reaffirmed the central role of social enterprises in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions ranged from financing models to technological innovations for social good, from enabling policy environments to real-world partnerships that scaled change across communities.
I was particularly inspired by the Social Enterprise Expo, where I saw a diverse range of grassroots innovations—from climate-smart agriculture tools developed by farmers themselves, to mobile apps built by youth from underserved areas tackling health, education, and livelihoods.
Equally powerful were the stories shared by fellow social entrepreneurs working in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Their stories reminded me of the path we walk in Coffee for Peace and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.—journeys marked by courage, learning, and deep partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, women, and conflict-affected communities.
For two days, the UP campus became a living laboratory of change. Hallways and open spaces buzzed with conversations between youth innovators and seasoned social entrepreneurs. Panel discussions echoed with stories of resilience—from cooperatives recovering from conflict zones, to youth-led platforms tackling mental health and education gaps in rural barangays. The Social Enterprise Expo showcased real solutions that have changed real lives.
What made this gathering particularly profound was the spirit of shared ownership. There was no divide between those on stage and those in the audience. We were all co-travelers in a journey toward a transformed economy—one that centers people, planet, and purpose.
What We Carried Home
The conference ended with a renewed commitment to scale not only our impact but our solidarity. Among the many outcomes, I noted these that resonated most with me:
- A shared understanding of the critical role social enterprises play in inclusive and sustainable development.
- Stronger cross-sectoral partnerships to co-create policies and ecosystems that support innovation and growth.
- New opportunities for impact investing, community-driven solutions, and capacity-building.
- A deepened call to amplify the leadership of women, Indigenous Peoples, and youth in building a just future.
A Personal Reflection
As I left the UP campus, my heart was full. These gatherings remind me that we are not alone. They strengthen the web of relationships that undergird our work and give us renewed courage to keep walking—step by step, cup by cup, community by community—toward a future of peace and shared prosperity.
As someone who has spent decades walking with peacebuilders, farmers, and Indigenous Peoples through our work at Coffee for Peace and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc., I found myself deeply moved and renewed. This conference did not merely affirm our approach—it ignited a deeper fire to keep scaling not only our operations, but our love for people, our solidarity with the marginalized, and our responsibility to steward the Earth.
Indeed, the NSEC 2025 was more than a gathering of minds. It was a movement of the heart. And I will carry its spirit forward with even greater resolve.
To all the organizers, speakers, participants, and community partners who made NSEC 2025 possible—thank you. You reminded me, once again, that scaling change begins with scaling compassion, listening deeply, and acting with integrity.
May we continue to brew hope, one social enterprise at a time.
