18 September 2024, Clark, Pampanga — The Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) with its continued commitment to empower women-led social enterprises (WSEs) supported the Pag-unlad at Paglago ng Pamayanan (PUNLA) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, launched by NLEX Corporation in partnership with the Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies (PHILSSA), which aims to strengthen local enterprises by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for growth and sustainability.
Facilitated by the PHILSSA, a member organization of FSSI, the PUNLA program conducted a four-session training from March to May 2024 for 60 participants from 12 small but promising women social enterprises (WSEs). The WSEs which took part in this capacity-building initiative gained valuable insights into enhancing their respective enterprises.
The program reached a significant milestone on September 18, 2024, during the PUNLA 2 Grand Enterprise Awarding held in Clark, Pampanga. The event showcased the achievements of participants from their training sessions and highlighted the potential of women-led social enterprises in driving change and generating profit in their communities.
FSSI Executive Director Sixto Donato C. Macasaet served as one of the judges for the occasion, alongside Angat Pinas Executive Director Raphael Martin Magno and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.
During the awarding ceremony, five women-led social enterprises were recognized and awarded cash grants from NLEX and FSSI to further enhance their operations. Vizal Sto. Nino Rice and Livestock Farmers Association and Balanga Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BARB-MPC) were chosen as runners-up. Central Azucarrera De Tarlac Employees Dependents’ Producers Cooperative (CAT EDPC) secured third place, Makabagong Agrikultura ng Dinalupihan Marketing Cooperative (MA-DMC) took second place, and Brgy. 171 Bagumbong Persons with Disabilities Association Inc. was declared this year’s Grand Enterprise.
These grants are designed to empower the winning WSEs, enabling them to scale their initiatives and continue contributing to the economic empowerment of women in their respective communities.
With the right support and resources, these women-led social enterprises are set to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond.
