Social enterprises are the ‘missing’ ingredient for a sustainable and inclusive economy that works for all.

Social enterprises are social mission-driven and wealth-creating organizations that primarily serve the marginalized sectors, providing them access to basic services and sustainable livelihoods. SEs address poverty, pursue inclusive development, and accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in the Philippines.

The Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Bill seeks recognition of social enterprises as partners of the government in inclusive poverty reduction and sustainable development. It provides for support programs, incentives, and a governing body intended to provide an enabling environment for SEs to grow, become sustainable, and scale up their impact. If passed and implemented, the PRESENT Law will push for the adoption of social enterprise as an inclusive growth strategy in development plans, develop strategic economic sectors where the poor are concentrated and can be major players, institutionalize training and education in social enterprise development, encourage SE research and development, increase accessibility of enterprise funding, and facilitate the market integration and expansion of the sector.