FSSI at 30
On September 6, 1995, the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) was established following a landmark debt-for-development swap between the Government of the Philippines and the Swiss Confederation. This agreement, facilitated through the Swiss Debt Reduction Facility (SDRF), resulted in the cancellation of 42 million Swiss Francs (approximately Php 454 million at the time) in Swiss export credit debts owed by the Philippines.
In return, a counterpart fund was set up and entrusted to FSSI, which was tasked with supporting sustainable development initiatives to support marginalized communities across the Philippines.
As FSSI celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has transformed us from a debt relief initiative into one of the leading social investment organizations in the country.
Since its inception, FSSI has championed the triple bottom line (3BL) — People, Planet, Profit — as our standard and strategy for social entrepreneurship. Through the 3BL strategy, we have supported over 300 social enterprises that not only deliver economic value but also contribute to social good and environmental stewardship.
Building a Legacy of Impact
Our milestones from 1995 to 2025
1995
The Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) was established through a landmark debt‑for‑development swap between the Philippines and Switzerland.
1996–2000
FSSI begins operations, issuing its first loans and guarantees to social enterprises in underserved, unbanked communities, and develops its triple bottom line approach for sustainable, inclusive impact strategies.
Early 2000s
FSSI expands its reach with the launch of a grants facility for community-based sustainable enterprises and adopts its first Medium-Term Development Plan focusing on areas such as microfinance, coconut coir, and solid waste management.
Mid-2000s
Environmental sustainability is further embedded through the creation of an environmental management accounting system and the adoption of an environmental policy to guide partnerships.
A refreshed brand identity is introduced to reflect synergy, collaboration, and sustainability.
2010s
FSSI adopts the 2011–2016 Medium-Term Development Plan, shifting to a focus area-based strategy and introduces the 3BL Local Economy and Ecosystem Development (LED) framework.
FSSI strengthens its role in social enterprise advocacy, co-convening the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Coalition.
FSSI celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2015, doubling its original endowment and supporting around 200 partners.
Late 2010s
FSSI promotes the integration of social enterprise goals into the national development agenda.
The 2017–2019 Medium-Term Plan focuses on deepening 3BL outcomes through SE consortiums and inclusive value chains.
2020-2024
Under its 2020–2024 Strategic Plan, FSSI makes significant strides in portfolio and partner service quality, despite COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges.
FSSI publishes its 25th Anniversary Book, documenting its history and impact.
FSSI starts its Investing in Women program, with the support of the Australian government.
The endowment fund reaches the Php 1 billion mark — a milestone in financial stewardship.
2025
FSSI surpasses Php 2.5 billion in cumulative investments, supporting over 300 social enterprises.
With the launch of its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, FSSI renews its commitment to underserved communities and places greater emphasis on supporting agriculture-based and women-led social enterprises.
FSSI 3BL Social Enterprise Awards
The FSSI 3BL Social Enterprise Awards is a milestone initiative by the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) in celebration of its 30th founding anniversary in 2025. These awards recognize FSSI’s partner social enterprises that demonstrate excellence in implementing the Triple Bottom Line (3BL) strategy—empowering People, protecting the Planet, and driving Purposeful Profit.
30th Anniversary newsletter
In this special edition of our newsletter, we reflect on FSSI’s incredible 30-year journey, celebrating our milestones, achievements, and the social enterprises we’ve supported.
30 Partners at 30
To mark our 30th anniversary, we’re spotlighting 30 key partners. Our partnerships with social enterprises are vital in driving forward our mission to create real social and environmental impact. Explore their stories and the difference we’ve made together.
As we celebrate FSSI’s 30th year, we recognize JMJ SOLAR, a growing social enterprise that has brought clean and renewable energy solutions to communities across Caraga and Mindanao.
From humble beginnings, JMJ Solar has expanded its reach as a reliable provider of premium, high-quality solar power systems, from engineering design and cost estimation to installation and testing. With support from FSSI, JMJ Solar has scaled up its services and continues to champion accessible, sustainable energy for underserved areas.
Together, we uphold our shared commitment to the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit, driving sustainable progress through clean and accessible solar energy.
As we mark FSSI’s 30th year, we recognize the Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative – FPSDC, a long-standing partner in promoting social enterprises and expanding access to responsive financing for grassroots communities.
More recently, through a partnership with Investing In Women, FSSI and FPSDC have collaborated on co-investment initiatives that support women-led enterprises, strengthen cooperatives, and scale up inclusive, impact-driven businesses. With shared values rooted in the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit, our partnership continues to create pathways for sustainable local development.
Home Organic PH – Plantsville Health is a woman-led social enterprise focused on conservation, livelihood, health, and climate change.
With support from FSSI, Plantsville promotes the protection and sustainable use of the endangered Philippine cinnamon tree. By planting and harvesting cinnamon, the enterprise helps absorb carbon, reduce climate risks, and create income opportunities for local communities.
The cinnamon is processed into natural health and wellness products—such as cinnamon coco sugar, essential oils, sanitizers, and liniments—supporting the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
May pera sa cassava!
Fatima MPC, a women-owned and led cooperative based in Calubian, Leyte, is showing how social enterprises can create meaningful and lasting change. With support from FSSI, through the Investing In Women (IW) program and a co-investment with Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC), their cassava enterprise continues to grow—fueled by innovation, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to community development.
Their journey proves that social entrepreneurship can drive inclusive growth and empower local economies from the ground up.
Since 1998, CENTER has grown into one of the largest farmer cooperatives in Nueva Ecija, supporting rice farmers through inclusive enterprise. With FSSI’s support, CENTER is taking a significant step toward building a modern rice processing center that aims to improve value addition and benefit smallholder farmers.
Their journey reflects how cooperatives can drive rural innovation and sustainable development.
QIMPC has been a partner of FSSI since 2012, working together to support farmers through improved access to finance and the promotion of Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA).
Formed in 2004 and officially registered in 2010, QIMPC serves farmers in Quirino and Isabela—most of whom are engaged in rice and corn farming. Through this partnership, QIMPC continues to advance sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices that support the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
Since 1999, MAVENCO has been serving market vendors in Mandaue City, providing financial access and fostering a culture of savings to help uplift their lives.
In partnership with FSSI and guided by the 3BL of People, Planet, Profit, MAVENCO has strengthened its capacity to serve members and expanded its role in supporting the wider community through both financial and non-financial services.
Their journey shows how market vendors, when empowered with access to capital, savings, and community support, can transform their livelihoods and create ripples of change that benefit families and the local economy.
Product 8, managed by the Tacloban Native Delicacies and Handicraft Producers Association, showcases native delicacies and handicrafts from local suppliers in Tacloban and nearby areas.
Formed in 2014 after being organized to build back livelihoods in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, the association has grown into the official supplier and distributor of local products for various community projects, with its showroom located at the Tacloban Convention Center.
With support from FSSI, Product 8 is receiving additional working capital and capacity building services to sustain operations, meet growing demand, and continue providing livelihood opportunities for local producers, advancing the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
Through the Investing In Women (IW) initiative supported by the Australian Government, FSSI partnered with the Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative – FPSDC to support Kauyagan Savers Mpc under a co-investment arrangement.
This collaboration improved Kauyagan Savers MPC’s operations and contributed to the construction of the Kauyagan Center for Progress, Peace, and Resilience, launched in August 2023. The new facility serves as both an office and a consumer store, giving members and the community better access to essential goods, advancing the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
Livegreen International Inc. is a fast -growing company in the Philippines specializing in the production, processing, and distribution of 100% fresh organic vegetables certified by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP).
As an advocate of organic farming, Livegreen collaborates with farmers nationwide, offering comprehensive training and support to guarantee the delivery of clean, nutritious, and safe produce.
The company’s strategic partnership with FSSI has provided access to crucial loan funds, enabling Livegreen to maintain operational stability, bridge cash flow gaps, and invest in sustainable farming initiatives. This synergy has fostered a thriving network of agripreneurs and eco-friendly farms, driving progress toward the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
ECLOF Philippines Microfinance, Inc. is a farmer-focused microfinance institution that provides fair credit, training, and technical support to smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1972 by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), an FSSI member, EPMI became independent in 1995 and started its microfinance operations in 2001.
Today, it supports more than 15,000 farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, promoting financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods across communities.
San Vicente Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative was formed in 1992 and was formally registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 2022. It aims to uplift the income of small coconut farmers in Makilala, Cotabato, and nearby areas.
Today, the cooperative counts over 100 coconut farmers among its members. With FSSI’s support, it has strengthened its whole nut trading activities by consolidating higher volumes from farmer-members.
Through this partnership, San Vicente Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative continues to advance farmers’ livelihoods and community resilience.
Coopville is a women-led social enterprise in Cagayan de Oro City. Established in 2011 by Typhoon Sendong survivors, it has grown from 15 to 80 members.
The cooperative offers credit and savings services, produces coco sugar, and provides water services to Brgy. Mambuaya and nearby communities. Its coco sugar enterprise creates local jobs, while its water services ensure reliable access to clean water.
Through our IW partnership with FPSDC, Coopville expanded its coco sugar production and strengthened members’ livelihoods. Investing in rural women is key to economic growth and social change. With access to training, funding, and markets, they build sustainable businesses, uplift their families, and strengthen communities.
Peoples’ Sustainable Employees Credit Cooperative (PSECC) is a women-led social enterprise partner of FSSI and one of our investees under the Investing In Women (IW) project.
A primary cooperative of the employees of the Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative – FPSDC, PSECC was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority on December 21, 2020.
Through our IW partnership, PSECC launched a transport service project in Quezon City, providing sustainable livelihood and essential services for its members. This initiative reflects FSSI’s advocacy for the triple bottom line (3BL) by improving people’s well-being, encouraging environmentally responsible practices, and ensuring financial sustainability for long-term community impact.
Trunk to Gold Agribusiness (T2G) is a women-led social enterprise and one of FSSI’s investees under the Investing In Women (IW) program, supported by the Australian Government.
With support from FSSI, T2G has expanded its coconut-based product lines, doubled its revenue, and created sustainable livelihoods for women in the community. By integrating gender inclusion with enterprise growth, T2G strengthens local economies and advances FSSI’s advocacy of the triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Profit.
Prime Innov8 Manufacturing Co. is a woman-led social enterprise that produces high-quality, affordable cleaning and home care products for Filipino households and establishments.
Founded by Ms. Celia Pajel, a chemist and environmental consultant, Prime Innov8 combines science, sustainability, and social purpose. The enterprise uses a sustainable production system to deliver products that meet market standards while helping protect the environment—supporting the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
Kilusang Lima (5) Para sa Lahat Multipurpose Cooperative (K5 MPC) is a women-led social enterprise and one of FSSI’s investees under the Investing In Women (IW) project. Registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), K5 MPC began with microfinance services and has since expanded into credit, agricultural production, trading, marketing, rentals, and tourism.
The cooperative operates in Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Northern Samar, and Metro Manila, supporting women and strengthening local livelihoods. In Dingalan, Aurora, they offer Peaks and Waves Bed and Breakfast by K5-Coop, an eco-conscious lodging service designed to minimize environmental impact while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for members and the community.
Through its partnership with FSSI, K5 MPC champions women’s economic empowerment, sustainable community enterprises, and environmentally responsible practices, demonstrating how cooperatives can uplift lives while caring for people and the planet.
The cooperative operates in Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Northern Samar, and Metro Manila, supporting women and strengthening local livelihoods. In Dingalan, Aurora, they offer Peaks and Waves Bed and Breakfast by K5-Coop, an eco-conscious lodging service designed to minimize environmental impact while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for members and the community.
Through its partnership with FSSI, K5 MPC champions women’s economic empowerment, sustainable community enterprises, and environmentally responsible practices, demonstrating how cooperatives can uplift lives while caring for people and the planet.
SRMPC is a women-led social enterprise based in South Cotabato and one of FSSI’s partners under the Investing in Women (IW) program in collaboration with FPSDC.
Through this partnership, SRMPC received working capital for its cassava enterprise, allowing the cooperative to expand trading, offer fair prices, cut out middlemen, and provide its farmer-members with stable markets.
WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. is a renewable energy company dedicated to building a sustainable future for Filipinos through solar solutions and climate education programs.
Since 2022, FSSI has supported WeGen with a loan that helped the company recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling stalled projects to move forward and expanding its social transformation initiatives.
The partnership has opened opportunities for collaboration, from clean energy training to community engagement, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing sustainability and inclusive progress.
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Mountain Ridge Christian School, Inc. (MRCSI) is a non-stock school in Sitio Mahusay, Salaysay, Marilog District, Davao City. It began with only 11 students and has grown steadily while keeping education accessible to underserved communities.
MRCSI is the only private school in Marilog District offering free tuition, dormitories for students from distant areas, and lessons in voice, piano, violin, and guitar. It also offers a Technical-Vocational Strand, providing students with practical skills to prepare them for future careers.
With support from FSSI, MRCSI is building multipurpose and science laboratory facilities to improve infrastructure and provide better learning spaces for students and staff. Together, we are helping equip young people with education and skills that can transform their lives and their communities.
#FSSIat30
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MRCSI is the only private school in Marilog District offering free tuition, dormitories for students from distant areas, and lessons in voice, piano, violin, and guitar. It also offers a Technical-Vocational Strand, providing students with practical skills to prepare them for future careers.
With support from FSSI, MRCSI is building multipurpose and science laboratory facilities to improve infrastructure and provide better learning spaces for students and staff. Together, we are helping equip young people with education and skills that can transform their lives and their communities.
#FSSIat30
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Mallig Fst Multi-Purpose Cooperative is a women-led cooperative in Victoria, Mallig, Isabela. It offers lending and savings services, agricultural mechanization, rice milling, and gas station services to its community.
Through the Investing In Women (IW) Project with FSSI, Mallig FST established a building that housed an agricultural farm trading facility and a convenience store. This project was designed to meet community needs, provide members with opportunities to rent stalls for future businesses, and integrate services to boost sales and strengthen local livelihoods.
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FSSI has been instrumental in supporting Kisandal MPC’s mission to empower its members and strengthen the community. Since 2023, FSSI has provided vital working capital to boost the cooperative’s Agri-store and General Merchandise operations, ensuring a steady supply of agricultural inputs and essential products for farmers.
With this support, Kisandal MPC has expanded its reach, reinforced its resilience, and continued providing financial, agricultural, educational, and other services that uplift its members. The cooperative’s steady growth reflects the strength of its partnership with FSSI in advancing sustainable livelihoods and community development.
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With this support, Kisandal MPC has expanded its reach, reinforced its resilience, and continued providing financial, agricultural, educational, and other services that uplift its members. The cooperative’s steady growth reflects the strength of its partnership with FSSI in advancing sustainable livelihoods and community development.
#FSSIat30
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FSSI has been a key partner in supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of the Bukidnon Development Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BDMPC). Through this partnership, BDMPC was able to acquire land and a building asset—an important milestone in strengthening its foundation and capacity. This investment is a step toward expanding business ventures, opening wider markets, and creating more opportunities for members.
FSSI’s support has gone beyond financing. It reflects a partnership built on trust, guidance, and shared values, inspiring BDMPC to pursue sustainable enterprises that benefit its members and community.
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FSSI’s partnership with the New Rural Bank of San Leonardo, Inc. (NRBSL) reflects mutual trust and a shared commitment to sustainable development. With a strong focus on providing accessible and affordable financial services to rural and agricultural enterprises, NRBSL empowers smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities.
Together with FSSI, NRBSL continues to strengthen inclusive finance and promote sustainable agricultural development, advancing opportunities for communities traditionally underserved by mainstream banking while upholding the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
#FSSIat30
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Together with FSSI, NRBSL continues to strengthen inclusive finance and promote sustainable agricultural development, advancing opportunities for communities traditionally underserved by mainstream banking while upholding the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
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Bacbacan MPC is a women-owned and -led social enterprise in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Through FSSI’s support under the Investing In Women (IW) program and co-investment with NATCCO, the cooperative expanded from palay consolidation into milling, packaging, rice marketing, and coffee processing.
With its growing retail network and post-harvest facilities, Bacbacan MPC provides fair prices, reliable markets, and new livelihood opportunities for its members. This partnership strengthens local farmers, promotes inclusive enterprise, and advances the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
#FSSIat30
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#PeoplePlanetProfit
The National Confederation of Cooperatives (Natcco Network), a member of FSSI, partnered with us through a co-investment arrangement under the Investing in Women (IW) project. This collaboration allowed us to jointly support three women-owned and women-led social enterprises (WSEs): Lourdes Multipurpose Cooperative, Kisandal Multipurpose Cooperative, and Bacbacan Multipurpose Cooperative.
Through these partnerships, Lourdes Multipurpose Cooperative was able to enhance its working capital for the procurement of agri-farm inputs. Kisandal Multipurpose Cooperative received support for its agri-farm inputs trading and general store operations, while Bacbacan Multipurpose Cooperative expanded its working capital for palay and agri-inputs trading.
Since 2020, FSSI has been an impact investor partner of IW, an Australian Government initiative in the Philippines.
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NCCB is the first consolidated cooperative bank in the Philippines, formed through the unification of six cooperative banks: Agusan del Sur, Camarines Norte, Leyte, Capiz, Sorsogon and Southern Leyte. It strengthens financial services in rural and underserved areas. National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), a member of FSSI, serves as its Strategic Third-Party Investor.
With FSSI’s support for its working capital and lending services, NCCB delivers accessible and affordable credit to cooperatives and their members, funding agricultural and enterprise development projects while upholding environmental, social, and governance standards. This partnership advances sustainable finance and the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
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NSCC Cooperative is a woman-inclusive cooperative committed to advancing women’s economic and leadership empowerment through training, capacity-building, and safe spaces for collaboration. By prioritizing women’s participation in decision-making and reducing gender gaps, NSCC fosters inclusion and community growth.
Through FSSI’s financing program and support, NSCC has strengthened its capacity to deliver key services in agriculture, financial access, and social development. This partnership promotes cooperative growth, amplifies community impact, and advances the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
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Caviteño Isabelino Multipurpose Cooperative (CAISA MPC), based in Magleticia, Echague, Isabela, is actively engaged in agriculture-based livelihood activities. The cooperative markets fresh pineapples and bananas and produces a range of value-added products, including pineapple jam, candies, wine, and vinegar. These initiatives help create sustainable income opportunities for its community.
FSSI supports CAISA MPC in strengthening its pineapple and banana enterprise. This partnership aims to increase production to meet growing market demand and provide more employment opportunities for local residents.
CAISA MPC also advocates for sustainable and regenerative agriculture by encouraging its farmer-members, who supply their raw materials, to adopt organic farming practices. This approach promotes healthier soils, more resilient crops, and improved livelihoods for farmers while protecting the environment.
#FSSIat30
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Kabangasan-Mapua Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Kamada Arc Cooperative) is a community-based cooperative in Misamis Oriental that works to uplift farmers and small entrepreneurs. Established in 2001 in Barangay Mapua, Balingoan with support from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), KAMADA began by offering lending and livelihood services to agrarian reform beneficiaries. It has since expanded into a consumer store, agricultural marketing, and trucking operations in response to the evolving needs of its members.
Today, KAMADA provides a range of financial and non-financial services. These include savings and credit, consolidation of abaca, cassava, and coconut, and logistical support through trucking. One of its key loan products is the Ginagmay nga Negosyo Loan, which supports small business owners and is currently the cooperative’s most availed loan program.
FSSI supports KAMADA through a loan facility that helps sustain and expand the Ginagmay nga Negosyo Loan window. This enables the cooperative to reach more micro-entrepreneurs and contribute to inclusive local economic development.
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