University of Luzon Dagupan City · UNIVERSITY OF LUZON, DAGUPAN CITY: THE TRIPLE BOTTOMLINE...
Transcript of University of Luzon Dagupan City · UNIVERSITY OF LUZON, DAGUPAN CITY: THE TRIPLE BOTTOMLINE...
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SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROJECTS OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF LUZON, DAGUPAN CITY:
THE TRIPLE BOTTOMLINE APPROACH
Abstract
The idea of business opportunity and entrepreneurial development
through social entrepreneurship has become the focus not only of
Governments but also of civil society, the private sector and even the
academic institutions like the University of Luzon attuned to the
promotion of the concept of corporate social responsibility.
This study probed into measuring the impact of its initiatives
concentrating on financial literacy and entrepreneurial development
consistent with the triple bottomline approach (TBL) focusing on people
(social), profit (economic) and planet (environmental) indices as a way to
gauge the quality of life and standards of living of the beneficiaries.
Selected social entrepreneurship projects were assessed on the
basis of a 5-element criterion. In addition, weaknesses were identified
alongside the implementation and the management of the said projects.
Findings were then made as reference for the formulation of set of
interventions for the better execution and quality of the projects.
Key words: Social Entrepreneurship, Triple Bottom Line Approach, UL
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Introduction
At the 2005 World Summit it was emphasized that sustainable
development requires the reconciliation of environment, social equity and
economic demands which constitute the three pillars of sustainability or
the so-called triple bottom line that serves as a common ground for
numerous standards and systems.
With the triple bottom line approach, sustainability is viewed as a
totality economic growth, human development and environmental
protection requiring the involvement not only of Governments but also of
civil society, the private sector and even the academic institutions and
repeatedly highlighted in global conferences, including the 1992 Earth
Summit and World Summit on Sustainable Development, with the end in
view of implementing integrative and participatory strategies attuned to
the achievement of the core of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) which range from reducing poverty to improving health care
especially among children and women, increasing literacy levels and
ensuring environmental stewardship.
This perspective in development brought in the concept of Social
entrepreneurship which backs up the article of Clark (2010) in
http://content.undp.org to promote the economic recovery as a way to
achieve the MDGs.
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Indeed, social entrepreneurship has become very important in the
context of the race for globalization in the purview of poverty alleviation
in both developed and developing countries.
The idea of business opportunity and entrepreneurial development
through social entrepreneurship in meeting the challenges of the 21st
Century World has led to formation of organizations and redirection of
existing institutions. Be it non-government or government; school-based
or community-based; local, national, regional or international.
In keeping with the social entrepreneurship criterion “Considering
the relevant economic concepts and an entrepreneurial approach to
improve their quality of life and standard of living,“ the University of
Luzon SIFE (ULSIFE) made a phenomenal success in breaking new
grounds in the field of social entrepreneurship consistent with one its
core values – Social Responsibility, anchored upon business concepts of,
but not limited to, financial literacy and entrepreneurial development.
This expresses the commitment of the University to its philosophy of
perecias y valias (skills and values) to fulfilling its trifocal function:
instruction, research and community extension services.
Noting rigors and hardships of organizational management, project
implementation, monitoring and evaluation and most especially financial
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administration in the implementation of the social entrepreneurship
initiatives, the study concentrates on selected projects executed from
2010 to 2012 highlighting, among others, the Project WOW (Wealth on
Wonders) in Ifugao, Project SAVE+ (Sustainable Actions for Viable
Enviro-preneurship Plus), Project Intensified CARE (Community Actions
to Rescue the Earth) and Project WELL (Women Energizement towards
Life-long Livelihood) for the marginalized sectors in Pangasinan, in
particular, and the North Luzon Region, in general toward addressing
contemporary issues and concerns through the positive power of
business.
With these social entrepreneurship projects, UL did not only
assisted thousands of people but have upscaled in raising the level of
committed of the students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, the
administration and other stakeholders of the University in pursuit of
corporate social responsibility..
In view of the foregoing ratiocination, UL social entrepreneurship
projects were assessed along the five (5) evaluation elements of the single
criterion for social entrepreneurship ventures to offer a framework for
quality project management on alternative measures on economic
recovery for sustainable development.
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Relative to this end is the identification of the restrictions and
constraint that impedes project implementation essential to laying down
the strategies for the review and updating of financial literacy and
entrepreneurial development projects bringing diverse network of
students, professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission
of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of
business. Hence, by appropriately gauging the SIFE projects, the results
of this study could be a reliable input for improving the quality of lives of
the people specifically the underprivileged, the underserved and the
depressed thus serving as a powerful tool for change in making a
difference in the communities and at the same time develop the skills
and competencies of the social entrepreneurs and transforming them
into socially responsible business leaders.
Conceptual Framework
Measuring the impact and sustainability of social entrepreneurship
projects is generally in terms of quality of life. The social, cultural and
emotional circumstances of an individual or target groups, non-material
aspects and standard of living; the physical, financial and environmental
circumstances of an individual or target group are to be considered.
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Beyond the foundation of measuring sustainability on three
fronts—people, planet and profits—the flexibility of the triple bottom line
(TBL) allows organizations to apply the concept in a manner suitable to
their specific needs.
Encompassing the aforementioned guides to evaluation of UL
financial literacy and entrepreneurial development initiatives is a
framework of gauging the level of sustainable framework goes beyond the
traditional measures of profits, returns in investment, and shareholder
value to include environmental and social dimensions. The TBL
dimensions are also commonly called the three Ps: people, planet and
profits that relates to economic, environmental and social measures.
Economic variables ought to be variables that deal with the bottom
line and the flow of money. It could look at income or expenditures,
taxes, business climate factors, employment, and business diversity
factors.
Environmental variables, on the other hand, should represent
measurements of natural resources and reflect potential influences to its
viability. It could incorporate air and water quality, energy consumption,
natural resources, solid and toxic waste, and land use/land cover.
Ideally, having long-range trends available for each of the environmental
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variables would help organizations identify the impacts a project or policy
would have on the area.
As for social variables, these refer to social dimensions of a
community or region and could include measurements of education,
equity and access to social resources, health and well-being, quality of
life, and social capital.
This framework is generic to the operation model of social
entrepreneurship and its evaluation criterion, i.e., “Considering the
relevant economic, social and environmental factors which social
entrepreneur must effectively empowered people in need by applying
business and economic concepts and an entrepreneurial approach to
improve their quality of life and standard of living.”
This criterion, per SIFE guidelines, was divided into evaluation
elements that are framed in question form as follows:
• What are “relevant economic, social and environmental
factors?”
• How are people “effectively empowered?”
• Who are “people in need?”
• What is “applying business and economic concepts and an
entrepreneurial approach?”
• What is considered “quality of life and standard of living?”
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Indicators can be quantitative or qualitative. They should be
meaningful, direct, useful, and practical to collect.
The foregoing concepts provide the frame in the conduct of the
study. It is a methodical scrutiny of the social entrepreneurship projects
of UL and is based on the systems approach, otherwise termed as the
Input-Process-Output model.
The input phase covers the measurement of the UL projects per
the triple bottom line approach criterion and its five (5) elements as:
Relevant economic, social and environmental factors considered; Target
audience(s) effectively empowered; People in need targeted; Business and
economic concepts and an entrepreneurial approach applied; and
Quality of life and standard of living for its project beneficiaries improved.
It also includes the identification of the weaknesses and constraints
encountered in the conduct of the social entrepreneurship projects by
UL.
The said inputs were then processed by appraising the projects
using the single criterion and problems identified alongside their
implementation.
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Figure 1 Paradigm of the Study
Feedback
Input Process Output
The social entrepreneurship projects of ULSIFE per the triple-bottom line approach criterion along the following elements as:
1.
2. Consideration of relevant economic, social and environmental factors; Effectiveness in the empowerment of its target audience(s); Targeting people in need; Application of business and economic concepts and an entrepreneurial approach; and
3. Improvement of the quality of life and standard of living for its project beneficiaries
4. Constraints and weaknesses are cited in the ULSIFE projects in the purview of the SIFE triple- bottom line approach criterion and its elements
Appraisal of the of the social entrepreneurship projects of the University of Luzon Students in Free Enterprise based on the triple bottom line approach criterion and the weaknesses and constraints in the implementation of said projects
Proposed Effective and Efficient Alternative Courses of Action to Ensure Quality and Sustainable UL-SIFE social entrepreneurship projects towards sustainable communities
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Output of this process are proposed alternative courses of actions
aimed at quality and relevant UL-SIFE social entrepreneurship projects
en route to sustainable communities.
To complete the process is a means to set in place a feedback
mechanism in the attempt to properly addressed the problem at hand.
Statement of the Problem
This empirical study probed into the selected social
entrepreneurship projects from 2010 to 2012 of the University of Luzon,
Dagupan City, in an attempt to determine the impact of these per
requisites of the triple bottom line approach thereby providing baseline
information on relevant and effective project management towards
sustainable communities.
Specifically, it is premised on the following questions:
1. How do the social entrepreneurship projects of UL meet the triple-
bottom line approach criterion along the following elements as:
a. Relevant economic, social and environmental factors
considered;
b. Target audience(s) effectively empowered;
c. People in need targeted;
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d. Business and economic concepts and an entrepreneurial
approach applied; and
e. Quality of life and standard of living for its project
beneficiaries improved?
2. What constraints and weaknesses are cited in the UL projects in
the purview of the triple- bottom line approach criterion and its
elements?
3. On the basis of the inadequacies identified of the UL projects, what
effective and efficient alternative courses of action can be initiated in
order to ensure quality and relevant social entrepreneurship projects
that meet the triple bottom line criterion?
Conceptual Literature
Hereunder are some salient discussions presented as part of the
review:
Sustaining Social Entrepreneurship Through the
Triple Bottom Line Approach
The concept of sustainability addresses all aspects of an
organization, including the research and development of new products
that do not emit toxins or use non-renewable materials; innovation and
creativity, where organizations figure out ways of using or minimizing
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waste; marketing and advertising that addresses or supports local issues
and social causes; and increased stakeholder engagement, creating
dialogue with community partners, suppliers, competitors customers and
representatives for the natural environment. Sustainability is quickly
becoming a fundamental market force ignited through customer,
shareholder, and stakeholder demands.
A framework to help operate within this sustainability lens is the
TBL, which “focuses organizations not just on the economic value they
add, but also on the environmental value and social value they add –
and destroy. The three lines represent society, the economy, and the
environment according to Elkington (2004). Society depends on the
economy, and the economy depends on the global ecosystem, whose
health represents the ultimate bottom line. The test of a sustainable
organization is the degree to which its operations can be continued
indefinitely without negatively altering the factors that foster the
existence and creation of healthy communities and the natural
environment. As with the implementation of any new program or
movement, leadership plays a key role in successfully bringing about
change. To understand the leadership landscape surrounding the TBL,
we queried executives attending our programs to learn more about their
attitudes and actions regarding the TBL. We hoped to better understand
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the level of awareness and degree of importance leaders place on the
TBL; the outcomes and advantages leaders connect to TBL efforts; how
TBL efforts are integrated into day-to-day operations; and how
organizational culture and systems support or hinder TBL efforts.
The development of the TBL as a framework through which
organizations can present an account of their performance has prompted
a flurry of research, funds and consultancy organizations all trying to
improve the tools and the process involved. The Global Reporting
Initiative was established to provide a central focus for this activity, and
to set some international standards for sustainability reporting, which
have recently been revised (Global Reporting Initiative, 2006). This
explosion of interest in TBL reporting has spread across to the public
sector, especially among local governments, as well as down to smaller
companies, especially those companies involved in natural resources
management.
The application of the TBL by social enterprise are motivated by
the principles of economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Proponents who have developed and applied this sustainability
assessment frameworks focus on how to make an index that is both
comprehensive and meaningful and how to identify suitable data for the
variables that compose the index.
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Measuring Impact of Social Entrepreneurship Projects
through the Triple Bottom Line Approach Criterion
Consistent with the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)- formulated
criterion for measuring impact of social entrepreneurship as appearing in
www.sife.org: “Considering the relevant economic, social and
environmental factors, which SIFE team most effectively empowered
people in need by applying business and economic concepts and an
entrepreneurial approach to improve their quality of life and standard of
living” the following elements are identified to aid in the assessment of
projects:
1. What are “relevant economic, social and environmental factors?”
These three factors are in reference to the triple line concept, (i.e.
profits, people, planet) and are meant to illustrate that for a project or
initiative to truly be effective and sustainable it must make sense
economically as well as socially and environmentally.
• Due consideration must be given to the three factors
although one or more may have greater relevance in
particular circumstances.
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• To the degree that any of the three factors are relevant to a
situation, they should be addressed in an integrated manner
as part of the project rather than as separate activities.
1. How are people “effectively empowered?”
• By equipping them with the knowledge, skills and/or
confidence to move from dependency to self-determination
and independence.
• By involving them in collaboration and focusing on long-term
capacity building.
2. Who are “people in need?”
• Broadly interpreted to represent any potential group so long
as they are clearly lacking in the particular focus area of the
team’s project.
• Audiences are not limited to simply the poor, disadvantaged,
marginalized in society, underprivileged, and/or
economically challenged.
• A key evaluation is the team’s ability to illustrate the need(s)
of the target group(s) they worked with and why they chose
to address those needs.
3. What is “applying business and economic concepts and an
entrepreneurial approach?”
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• “Business and economic concepts” is an integrated point
clarifying the broad range of activities that can be delivered
as project solutions.
• “Business and economic concepts” should result in the
creation of economic opportunities through the application of
a business mindset to the project process, content and
delivery.
• “Entrepreneurial approach” should result in the
demonstration of “creativity, innovation and an
entrepreneurial culture” through.
4. What is considered “quality of life and standard of living?”
• Quality of life refers to non-material aspects: the social,
cultural and emotional circumstances of an individual or
target group.
• Standard of Living refers to material aspects the physical,
financial and environmental circumstances of an individual
or target group.
• Improvement of status should be illustrated through the
team’s achievement of outcomes (not just outputs, plans or
aspirations) that resulted in benefit or betterment of the
target group(s). Beyond this, questions as to how many
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projects teams choose to do, which audiences they target
their outreach efforts toward, whether they design original
educational material or use predesigned material, etc., are
all left to the discretion of each team.
The foregoing criterion elements allow additional insight or
clarification on the full scope, depth and impact of the teams' projects.
Research Literature
This section presents review of the corpus research literature, local
and foreign, that aided the researcher in having frame of reference for the
method and themes of the present study.
Measuring Impact of Social Entrepreneurship
Triple Bottom Line Approach to Social Entrepreneurship
In the paper of Mitchell, et al (2009) it evaluated the usefulness of
the TBL concept drawing on experience with Murrumbidgee Irrigation
and a review of other case studies in the literature. It argued argue that
TBL reporting can enable organizations to better manage their response
to the sustainability challenge when TBL reporting is approached as an
iterative learning cycle.
Using the TBL to create categories for sustainability issues is part
of the way in which the CRC Irrigation Futures Sustainability Challenge
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project approached its work with Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI). This
approach was in turn adapted from that used to develop a sustainability
reporting framework for the Australian fisheries industry.
In view of the results and discussions, it was recommended that
focus on the process of TBL reporting as a way of enhancing capacity to
address the sustainability challenge. Drawing upon case studies related
to TBL reporting in the literature we have recently published a set of
criteria which can be used to evaluate TBL reporting with the expressed
aim of improving TBL outcomes. Key elements of this evaluation
framework are:
1. A set of criteria to promote the engagement of staff and external
stakeholders in the reporting process so that there is greater
collective ownership of the actions that emanate from the process;
2. a focus on identifying any unsustainable trends across the TBL
using understandable indicators and clearly presented trends with
a view to collaborating on finding solutions and in generating
debate about trade-offs across the TBL dimensions; and
3. an emphasis that the process evolves into an iterative learning
cycle with a preparedness to challenge business-as-usual
operations when they undermine efforts to enhance sustainability.
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By implementing an iterative learning cycle, organizational
planning can build on collaborative reflections of changes observed after
actions undertaken by the organization in the past. At the centre of this
process is the opportunity to allow stakeholder engagement in the
process, both internal and external. TBL reporting is one way to promote
reflection on this, and there is an increasing level of experience and
resources to support organizations undertake TBL reporting. Given some
of the inherent constraints with organizational-based TBL reporting, it is
clear that TBL reporting be seen as a long-term process of adaptive
management.
Measuring Impact of Social Entrepreneurship Project
In the study of Abdu and Johansson (2009), it examined social
entrepreneurship by scrutinizing the concept as per experience of the
Students in Free Enterprise. It brought a deeper understanding of the
phenomenon by describing the particular purpose, the case of Umea
University as a social entrepreneurship model. The study is a qualitative
case study using semi-structured interviews. Six respondents have been
interviewed from different levels of the University in order to reflect the
entire organization. Further, it employed the deductive approach by
establishing a theoretical framework that guided the interviews and has
been used in the analysis of the empirical data.
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The main conclusions in this study show that the SIFE’s work with
social entrepreneurship is mainly about socio-economic and personal
development. Another conclusion is that cooperation with partners from
different sectors of the society is an important fundament in their work.
Moreover, SIFE Umea University can be considered as hybrid of a
voluntary organization and social enterprise since it includes similarities
of both organization forms. In addition, the study shows that
entrepreneurial skills play an important role in the social
entrepreneurship work. In conclusion, SIFE Umea University’s work with
social entrepreneurship can be divided into six steps: target group,
job/life training, commercial enterprises, personal development, socio-
economic development and partnership network.
Another qualitative case study on SIFE projects was pioneered by
Kelly (2008) in the aftermath accounting and corporate scandals, such as
Enron and WorldCom in Europe that have tarnished the image of the
business and has made it difficult for those promoting and supporting
the free enterprise system as a means of improving the standard of living
for all humanity. A renewed emphasis on promoting the free enterprise
system, one that includes the necessary components of ethical behavior
and social responsibility was conducted at all educational and
occupational levels of society. Henceforth, student organizations, such as
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the Franciscan University of Steubenville Chapter of Students in Free
Enterprise (SIFE), promoted a revitalized definition of the free enterprise
system.
This qualitative case analysis involves interviewing post-
undergraduate students who participated in the Franciscan University of
Steubenville Chapter of SIFE Presentation Teams in order to determine
what impact, if any, the chapter had on post-graduate student's
professional careers and societal perceptions and to also better
understand the successes of the program at Franciscan. The qualitative
research conducted revealed that the SIFE program at Franciscan
University did have a positive impact on the professional careers and
societal perceptions of the participants interviewed. Additionally, the
results indicate that it would be beneficial for other colleges and
universities, regardless of whether or not they possess a religious
affiliation, to emulate the philosophies and activities of the Franciscan
University of Steubenville Chapter of SIFE.
On a larger scale, in an ongoing effort, Mueller, et al (2011) have
collected data from 214 university students who participated in a new
method of community-based business education in China, New Zealand,
USA, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Zimbabwe and the UK. This SIFE
(Students in Free Enterprise) program operates in 48 countries and at
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1800 universities. SIFE students are empowered through an elaborate
system of program design and personal involvement of business leaders,
to teach members of the community about free market principles,
enterprise and good governance. We have also surveyed 31 faculty
advisors in those countries. Faculty advisors, usually university staff
members, ‘manage’ the student teams in the universities and connect the
student effort with university administration.
Students report they are willing to give up considerable leisure
time to participate in SIFE, and in many cases work on multiple projects.
They indicate significant educational outcomes for the community
participants, and a boost for their personal careers (presumably from the
connection to business leaders and the reference to SIFE in their CVs).
Faculty members confirm substantial learning outcomes for the
students, with new skills generated. They rank ‘entrepreneurship’
generally as being of high importance to their countries and their
universities and compare the SIFE experience favorably with other
student activities, such as business plan competitions.
The reviews based on the studies of Fry and Jonsson uncovered
that there are several organizations who are focusing on nurturing social
enterprise and social entrepreneurs. Each organization has a different
approach and philosophy toward the definition of social enterprise and to
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the support that is offered to those who are involved in it. Due to the
more complex nature of social enterprises in comparison to common
business ventures, evaluation is challenging. At the most basic level,
business venture can be evaluated in financial terms, whereas a social
enterprise has a range of economic, social and environmental goals that
need to be taken into account.
Applying these learning inputs to the present study, these enabled
the researcher to devise a process in understanding the approaches to
studying social enterprise particularly in terms of the operation model of
the University of Luzon Student in Free Enterprise.
Further, the reviewed materials along the ‘triple bottom line’ (TBL)
concept which is increasingly being used by organizations to report on
how they are responding to sustainability issues under the headings of
environmental, social and economic performance enriched the
understanding of the researcher. Just like in the work of Mitchell,
through the development of sustainability-related objectives under these
headings and matching each objective with an appropriate indicator,
organizations are able to monitor and evaluate their actions thereby
improving their capacity to respond. However, the predominant way in
which the TBL concept is used has its problems. Just like in the case of
this study where part of the problem statement zeroed in on the
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identification of the weaknesses and constraints relative to the social
entrepreneurship projects of UL-SIFE that are anchored from the triple
bottom line approach of the SIFE criterion.
Finally, in terms of evaluating the social entrepreneurship projects
particularly that of the SIFE projects, three researches presented along
this theme highlighted economic concepts which are considered
important to sustainability. These concepts are scrutinized and analyzed.
There is a lot of emphasis on economic elements, which affects
sustainability in various ways. The three pillars of sustainability affect
the various factors of sustainability in regards to natural resources.
Economic drivers influence the over-exploitation of natural resources,
which are important in development, but on the other hand, extensive
exploitation degrades them. Various socio-economic factors affects
sustainability and how the issue of sustainability needs to be addressed.
Research Method Used
The study basically made use of the descriptive type of research
method. This typology according to Best as cited by Adanza (1995) is
concerned with the conditions or relation that exist, practices that
prevail, beliefs, points of view or attitudes that are held, processes that
are going on, effects that are being felt or trends that are developing.
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The method is arrived at as the study pertaining to the social
entrepreneurship projects of the UL involves, to a large extent, analysis
and interpretation of the meaning of what is being described. The only
elements that the researcher manipulates are his methods of description
and by the way in which he analyzed. Generally, it is qualitative in
nature.
In particular, consistent with the objectives of this study, the
researcher employed case analysis and used documents in exploring
causation in order to find underlying principles. To attain triangulation,
focus group discussions and unstructured interviews were carried out
among the UL social entrepreneurs comprised of faculty advisers,
projects leaders and members.
Further, documentary analysis was also resorted to complement
the case study mode. Various documents and records were reviewed to
attain the said purpose.
Locale of the Study
UL is the only higher educational institution (HEI) in Region I
vested by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with
autonomous status in 2008. It is as well recognized by the Philippine
Association of Colleges and Universities-Commission on Accreditation
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(PACU-COA) as the institution of higher learning with the highest
number of accredited programs in 2012 for several years in a row.
Strategically located at the heart of the City, UL is situated along
the central business district of Perez Boulevard (see Fig. 2 on the next
page), bounded in the east by the municipality of Mangaldan; in the west
by the Muncipality of Binmaley, in the north by the Municipality of San
Fabian, and on the south, by the Municipality of Calasiao.
Data-Gathering Procedure
An in-depth scrutiny of the written records constituted the main
part of the data-gathering process. Series of review were observed in
order to extract the most reliable data for the study.
The data generated were then validated with the observations and
responses the UL-SIFE advisers, project leaders and the members
gathered in the course of the focus group discussions and interviews.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
For a qualitative case study as in this study, textual presentation
of data was primarily observed. The data were analyzed using the
univariate type of analysis since this research on social entrepreneurship
projects of the UL involved one variable. The second and third levels of
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interpretation were devised where level 2 is on giving meaning or
implication and level 3 on cross referencing or corroboration.
Results and Discussion
The Social Entrepreneurship Projects
of the University of Luzon
Selected social entrepreneurship projects of the University of Luzon
implemented from 2010 to 2012 The were appraised along the five (5)
evaluation elements as: (1)Relevant economic, social and environmental
factors considered; (2)Target audience(s) effectively empowered; (3) People
in need targeted; (4)Business and economic concepts and an
entrepreneurial approach applied; and (5) Quality of life and standard of
living for its project beneficiaries improved.
Relevant Economic, Social and Environmental Factors Considered
The triple bottom line goes beyond corporate social responsibility
but is about integrating a sustainable approach into the core business
affecting the overall impact of the business. The triple bottom line
emphasizes three strong points: creating or increasing profits, improving
the lives of people and that of the planet. Further, this part of the
criterion revolves only on three factors such as economic, social, and
environmental.
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Project WOW Ifugao
WOW stands for “Wealth on Wonders” which represents an eco-
cultural initiative featuring the majestic sceneries of the Mayoyao Rice
Terraces in Ifugao. This world renowned natural beauty is capable of
becoming country’s one of the best tourist destination and is likely seen
to be calling global appreciation.
It aims to bring in local and international tourists, as well as
students to Mayoyao for them to experience actual planting and
harvesting in the rice terraces. With this action, Mayoyao villagers are no
longer forced to vacate their places and move to urban areas. This
strategy allows them to focus on improving the Rice Terraces thereby
protecting it from degradation. This is the only eco-tour project initiated
by the youth within the municipality.
Part of the roles and responsibilities of the latter group is to aid the
Pochon Youth Group to intensively promote the eco-cultural tour by
developing tour packages among selected travel agencies in Dagupan
City and nearby places and massive promotions over the internet
featuring the bountiful natural resources offered by the Mayoyao
community.
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With the intervention of UL through its promotional schemes and
business management lectures, the eco-cultural tour project posted a
remarkable success in terms of its earnings.
Table 1
Revenue of the Eco-Cultural Tours Project
Ecotourism
Activity Fee per Head No. of Tourists Revenue
1 Php 3,900.00 46 Php 179,400.00
2 3,900.00 48 187,200.00
3 3,900.00 50 195,000.00
4 3,900.00 52 202,800.00
5* 4,900.00 63 308,700.00
6* 4,900.00 65 318,500.00
Total 324 Php 1,391,600.00
*with the UL intervention
Reflected on the table above is the revenue results of the eco-
cultural tours. It is noteworthy to mention that the highlighted items,
which are ecotourism activities numbers 5 and 6, are the results of the
operation through the intervention of the UL in the intensified marketing
and promotional efforts of the team. Number of tourists shows a clear
increase from 46 to 65 tourists since the implementation of the project.
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The allocation of the revenues varies among the groups who, in one
way or another, benefited from the undertaking of the said activities. But
it is interesting to note the local tour guides, the IK holders, the caterers,
the lodge-owners, transport group, the cultural performers, gets their fair
share on the fees collected.
Taken from the aforementioned table, is an elaboration and
graphical presentation of the number of tourists who participated and
visited the Mayoyao community for the WOW Ifugao project.
Graph 1
Number of Tourists
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Based on the graph above, the number of tourists visiting
Mayoyao, Ifugao escalated from 46 to 65 individuals, this due to the
intervention of UL in terms of promotional schemes made over the
internet and select travel agencies in Dagupan City featuring the
wonders of natural resources in Mayoyao, Ifugao. Likewise, it can also be
seen on the graph that 11 additional tourists arrived totaling to 63
individuals in the ecotourism activity number 5 as compared with only
52 in ecotourism activity number 4.
Graph 2
Revenue from the Operations of WOW Ifugao Project
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Depicted from the graph above is a clear graphical presentation of
the revenues earned from the ecotourism project.
Having the tourists being exposed to actual planting/harvesting
activities during the five day eco-tour, where farmers accepted their way
of planting, have saved much of their efforts. This also served as an
avenue to promote awareness among tourists about some ways to help
save our environment.
Project SAVE + SAVE+ stands for Sustainable Actions for Viable
Enviropreneurship Plus. “Enviropreneurship” is a word coined from the
words ‘environment’ and ‘entrepreneurship’ which brings to the fore the
idea of earning income and having business, at the same time,
addressing environmental hazards.
Project SAVE + has two objectives: (1) to lessen, if not to totally
annihilate, the environmental hazards brought about by the aforesaid
problems and (2) to provide alternative livelihood mechanisms.
It is noteworthy to mention, that the outputs of this project are the
results of the collaborative efforts of the City of Dagupan and UL. Hence,
UL directly and indirectly assisted the 800 displaced fisherfolk families in
the City of Dagupan. However, it is but proper to present the whole
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33
number of fisherfolk families affected by the executive order as indirect
beneficiaries of the Project SAVE + to reflect the totality of partnership
sealed between the City Government of Dagupan and UL.
As shown in the succeeding financial statement, a total net income
of Php 285,944.12 was earned by the beneficiaries. This came from the
proceeds of vegetables, farm products and hollow blocks sales. It can be
observed that the larger portion of the revenue came from organic
farming comprising sales from vegetable and farm products.
Table 2
Consolidated Statement of Operations of Project SAVE+
June 30, 2012
Sales Revenue from sales of vegetable products Php 72,564.00 from farm products 312,900.00
from hollow blocks 190,330.00
Total Sales Php 575,794.00
Cost of Sales vegetable Php (29,934.00)
farm products (51,550.00)
hollow blocks (160,760.88)
Total Cost of Sales (242,244.88) Gross Profit 333,549.12
Delivery Expenses Php (11,605.00)
Other Expenses (36,000.00)
NET INCOME Php 285,944.12
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This is because people are placing more consideration on organic
products as this would contribute to their healthy lifestyle. Likewise,
organic fertilizers are cheaper to use as compared to commercial
fertilizers hence, they were able to sell their outputs at a lower price.
Project iCARE
In its sixth year of organization, UL had intensified its actions in its
war waged against unmanaged solid wastes which poses peril threat on
the human race and to our only planet. This led to the idea of
introducing Project iCARE or Intensive Community Actions to Rescue the
Earth. This is an extension of the Project SAVE+ wherein the
biodegradable wastes collected from Project ICARE are used by the
beneficiaries as organic fertilizers and the non-biodegradable materials
such as plastic bottles are used for hollow blocks making. By products
are then sold to junk shops to serve as fund raising activity of the team.
Taken as a whole, this project is primarily intended to help our ailing
environment thus necessitating the action of all.
The ICARE project is concomitant with the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000, Clean Air Act and Green Philippines Program
in the proper solid waste management and at the same time income
generation out of recyclable materials. Furthermore, innovative livelihood
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35
recycling sessions were introduced to the community for them to see the
benefits and economic opportunities from solid wastes.
Part of the strategies to intensify the community participation
towards helping our environment is the conduct of series of lectures in
some barangays in Dagupan regarding proper waste segregation and
disposal. Speakers of such seminars came from the City Waste
Management.
Table 3
UL Project iCARE STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS
Year Ended June 30, 2011
School Year Date Semester
Total First Second
2006-2007 July 20, 2006 Php 5,155.75 Php - Php 5,155.75
2007-2008 July 8, 2007
13,125.00
November 11, 2011
12,907.00
26,032.00
2008-2009 July 15, 2008
15,244.50
November 15, 2008
12,207.25
25,451.75
2009-2010 July 16, 2009
10,035.00
November 25, 2009
10,701.00
20,736.00
*2010-2011 July 23, 2010
10,600.00
September 27, 2010
34,153.50
December 22, 2010
21,959.00
January 23, 2011
5,640.00
72,352.50
TOTAL Php88,313.75 Php63,414.25 Php 151,728.00
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Presented on the table are the proceeds of the intensified efforts of
ULSIFE team under this project for its six years of operation.
The amount presented is the accumulated earnings of ULSIFE
from its six (6) years of operation. However, the amount earned
exclusively for the SIFE Year 2011-2011 totaled for only Php 72,352.50.
This posted the highest earnings for the team due to the intensified
efforts made to promote environmental advocacy especially to the young
generation.
Graph 2
Cash Receipts from Sale of Scrap Materials
(Per Semester)
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As shown in Graph 2, proceeds from selling of scrap materials
have increased dramatically in the school year 2010-2011 due to the
intensified advocacy of UL in teaching the young generation, specifically
the UL students, with their responsibilities towards helping the
environment through plastic bottles collection, among others. It can also
be seen that from year 2006 to 2011, larger income is earned during the
first semester, except for school year 2009-2010. This is basically due to
the fact that more students are involved in the collection process because
of the higher enrolment rate as compared to the second semester.
Graph 3
Cash Receipts from Sale of Scrap Materials
(Per School Year)
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Graph 3 presents the graphical presentation of earnings from
scrap selling in terms of school year to reflect the proceeds of the Project
ICARE. It can be observed that amounts tend to fluctuate per year as
this was the result of price changes of scrap materials. However, greater
amount of earnings was noted in the school year 2010-2011 because of
the increased number of participants representing the various areas in
the province of Pangasinan.
Project WELL
WELL stands for Women Energizement towards Life-long
Livelihood is specifically intended to empower the women sector in the
city. The idea was to make housewives become productive and dignified
members of the family and to the whole society as they are commonly
ignored since they do not provide income to the family. Consequently, UL
thought of providing them with the skills and knowledge for them to earn
additional income such as innovative milkfish (bangus) products like
milkfish dimsum, milkfish chicharon and milkfish pulvoron. Likewise,
ULSIFE taught the beneficiaries on the production of other innovative
products such as yema, chocolate-coated pulvoron, among others.
According to Vaquilar-Romo (2009), skills development among
individuals is very necessary. Developing a high quality Filipino
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workforce is very much needed to uplift the condition and have a strong
economic performance.
Presented subsequently is the information with regard to the
implementation of the project.
Graph 4 reflects the comparative analysis of the production of
milkfish innovation, one of the product innovations offered to the
community.
Graph 4
Comparative Analysis of Milkfish Innovation
Production Outputs
It can be gleaned the table that the production escalated from 5
percent to 17 percent which is tantamount to a 340% increase in its
Production
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production. This means that little by little, the innovations on the
products of the beneficiaries and ULSIFE are gaining popularity due to
the increase in demand as reflected in its production.
Also presented on the following subsections is the elaboration of
the market analysis per distribution channel covering the period March
1-31, 2011.
Graph 5
Average Production of Milkfish Innovations
Based from the Distribution Channels
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Specifically, Graph 5 shows the results of production of milkfish
innovation based on the demands posted from the five distribution
channels in Dagupan City and Lingayen. It can be seen that milkfish
innovations tend to mark almost similar demands as compared with the
normal milkfish commercials. This is due to the fact that people are
continuously looking for variety preparations for milkfish, while the third
classification, termed as ‘others’, represents other seafood products being
sold in the market.
Graph 6
Comparative Average Income of the Beneficiaries
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The graph in the preceeding page shows the comparative average
income of the beneficiaries based on the operation of project SAVE+. As
seen on the graph, the project enabled the beneficiaries to earn Php
7,200 average monthly income during the year 2011 as compared from
Php 0 in year 2008, thereby indicating relative escalation in income.
Target Audience Effective Empowered
In essence, engaging target audience to a collaborative approach is
the first step in empowering.
Project WOW Ifugao
The ecotourism project is jointly implemented by the Pochon Youth
Group, the ULSIFE, the Mayoyao Tour guides, Trekkers, and Indigenous
Knowledge Holders Allied Organization (MATTIKHAO), the
AKHA’KHAEMEH Cultural Performing Group, the host community, the
transport group and the catering section, and the lodge-owners, with the
support of the Mayoyao Local Government Unit.
UL contributed to the betterment of the ecotourism activity
through the upliftment of business ideas and dynamics of the project.
The Pochon Youth Group provides the initiative and at the same time the
link to the target market of participants.
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Similarly, UL introduced series of seminar-trainings to equip
community beneficiaries with the proper knowledge on cash
management, simple booking, and other financial management skills.
Project SAVE+
UL thought of having a project that will help them provide a steady
source of income through environmentally friendly endeavor – organic
farming and hollow blocks making.
After identifying the needs of those affected, UL started the project
by informing the communities (farmers and fisherfolks) on the benefits of
composting and partnered with the City Waste Management Division of
the City Government to orient the beneficiaries on proper waste
management and disposal.
UL introduced livelihood alternatives to the displaced fisherfolks.
The farmers from Barangay Lucao, Dagupan City and some portions in
San Carlos City received the technical know-hows about organic farming
which contributed to the increase in their harvest income. On the other
hand, the displaced fisherfolks in the City of Dagupan were likewise
ventured onto organic farming by way of utilizing idle lands in the City.
Another milestone of the UL is the introduction the production of hollow
blocks made out of oyster shell wastes and plastic bottles. This
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technology is the result of the research and development efforts of the
University of Luzon SIFE team.
Furthermore, the beneficiaries were likewise trained on other
livelihood means such as yema making, among others.
To complete the process, ULSIFE educated the farmer fisherfolks
on finance and management techniques needed to run the organic
farming business and hollow blocks business.
Project iCARE
To increase the level of awareness of the people in Dagupan City
and nearby places, UL spearheaded various activities such as conducting
massive clean-up drives, in coastal and land areas.
Furthermore, the team also aided WMD in the information
dissemination campaign of the City on proper waste management and
disposal. Seminars were conducted to orient people regarding the
consequences of improper solid waste management and some possible
courses of actions to rescue the earth. Speakers on the said seminars
came from the Waste Management Division of Dagupan as this is a joint
undertaking of the City government and ULSIFE.
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The intensified solid waste management system of garbage
collection and disposal includes home garbage segregation, home
garbage evacuation and finally recycling. As part of changing the
mindsets of the people, the City Waste Management Division is not
collecting the wastes which are not properly segregated. And to further
and ultimately ensure the success of this undertaking, the
Barangayshave been empowered to get their fair share on this noble
responsibility through the re-operationalization of their Material Recovery
Facilities as mandated by RA 9003 to facilitate solid waste management
activities.
Project WELL
UL also ventured in empowering the unemployed women by
coaching them on business dynamics such as on how to start a business
and the requisites of a successful entrepreneur..
Furthermore, UL is proud to have spurred the coaching of the
beneficiaries on various milkfish innovations such as milkfish siomai,
milkfish pulvoron, milkfish ‘chicharon’, among other milkfish
innovations. This creative productions are in consonance and in support
with the “one town, one product” advocacy of the Department of Trade
and Industry.
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After the production, products are marketed which involves
partnership with private organizations like chain of malls or other
suitable venue to showcase the product. Finally, in able for the women
beneficiaries to monitor their undertaking, they received various lectures
on financial budget calculations, cost control, risk management, break-
even analysis, among others.
People in Need Targeted
The third part of the criterion talks about the people in need. This
clearly identifies who are and should be the beneficiaries of the project.
Project WOW Ifugao
The direct beneficiaries of the eco-cultural tours are the host
communities, the local tour guides, the cultural performers, the
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Holders and scholars who will be conducting
lecture-demo on native house construction, the transport group, the
caterers, lodge owners, and the tour participants themselves. The
indirect beneficiaries on the other hand include the PochonYouh Group,
University of Luzon and the Municipal and Barangay Government Units.
The host communities benefit from the tours by being able to save
from the expenses of the planting/harvesting activity due to the fact that
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the tourists participate in the planting/harvesting activity. The local tour
guides were given their appropriate tour guiding fee for the assistance
they extend in guiding the participants on the trekking part of the
activity. The cultural performers and the IK holders are also paid their
fees for the performances they render. The transport group and the
caterers including the lodge-owners also get their respective fee for the
services they render. And the participants’ benefits come in the form of
unforgettable and authentic experiences during their stay in Mayoyao.
The conduct of this project resulted to impacting approximately
100 direct beneficiaries of the Mayoyao community, directly and
indirectly.
Project SAVE+
In coordination with the City Agriculture Office, ULSIFE conducted
a needs assessment survey to study the situation of the inhabitants of
Dagupan, particularly in the fishing villages.
In summary, in this project it attempted to provide solutions for
the environmental hazards and at the same time providing livelihood
mechanisms to the inhabitants of Pangasinan.
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As part of the objectives of this project towards providing livelihood
mechanisms to the inhabitants of Pangasinan, especially the displaced
fisherfolks of the City of Dagupan due to the effectivity of the Executive
Order, ULSIFE targeted the fisherfolk families from various communities
in Dagupan City. Further, this project also catered the farmers of San
Carlos City.
The beneficiaries received series of coaching and training on
composting for organic farming and hollow blocks production made out
of pulverized oyster shells and ground/cut plastic bottles.
A total of 1,100 inhabitants in Panagsinan were covered by this
project in the province of Pangasinan.
Project iCARE
Project ICARE caters the inhabitants of the City of Dagupan and
its nearby towns via promoting proper solid waste management.
Particularly, in this project, the students of the University of Luzon were
directly involved into this undertaking bringing thousands of kilos of
salable materials such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and the like as
a way to awaken and increase the awareness of the people.
Approximately 4,500 individuals are said to be impacted by this
project, in any way, through the intensification of solid waste
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management efforts of UL in partnership with the City Government of
Dagupan.
Project WELL
UL aims to increase the earning power of every family in
Pangasinan by way of energizing the mothers, who are actually
considered as unemployed, this presents 186 needy families in the
province particularly in Dagupan City.
The unemployed women were engaged on intensified technical
trainings about various income-generating activities, such as yema
making, pulvoron, peanut butter making, jam making, among others.
Beneficiaries were likewise grouped into self-help groups to
promote financial independence and self-reliance among women.
The project catered two groups or communities, each of which has
been offered to produce innovative products suitable to their market
environment and ability to make. These two groups are the unemployed
mothers in Saint John Child Care Center (SJCCC) and Barangay Pantal.
Connected with the over-all strategy of UL, each group of women was
engaged into organizational development by forming Self-Help Groups
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which can aid them in building camaraderie and unity in their respective
business ventures.
Business and Economic Concepts and an
Entrepreneurial Approach Applied
Business and economic concepts should result in the creation of
economic opportunities through the application of a business mindset to
the project process, content and delivery. Entrepreneurial approach
speaks to the manner in which projects are developed and delivered.
Project WOW Ifugao
UL conducted series of seminars teaching the beneficiaries relative
to tour guiding techniques, simple bookkeeping and financial
management, among others. This will prepare them to be holistically
ready in facing new challenges in their lives such as becoming financially
independent. Likewise, UL helped the partner communities through
intensive marketing methodologies such as using the social media in the
internet to advertise the new tourist destination and entering
memorandum of agreement with select travel agencies in Dagupan City
to create new travel packages featuring the Mayayao community and the
rice terraces.
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Project SAVE+
The project started form the idea of converting the negative
situation to a winning outcome. From those affected by the executive
order issued by the city government against the existence of illegal fish
pens and fish cages, UL intervened by introducing livelihood projects to
those affected by the order. UL thought of teaching people alternative
livelihood projects that will continuously provide family income in any
period of the year. The idea of organic farming is getting the excess of the
Material Recovery Facilities that are considered compostable and use it
as fertilizers. Simultaneous with the organic farming under the Project
SAVE Plus, is the strategy used by UL to convert the unprecedented
accumulation of oyster shells along the streets and the commonly thrown
plastic bottles, that serves as deterrent to the beautification of the city,
can be used to produce hollow blocks.
Project iCARE
The Project ICARE has two main thrusts: environmental advocacy
and entrepreneurship. Environmental advocacy means that we are all
accountable to our mother earth and that we are obligated to do
something, whether big or small, to help save our environment. This is
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done by managing our wastes and practicing the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and
recycle scheme. The second is on the premise that we can earn profit out
of our responsibility to help our ailing environment. By collecting
trashes, we can convert it into useful products or just simply selling
them to earn income.
Project WELL
This is an innovate approach of empowering unemployed women to
become productive members of the society. In the past, housewives are
only seen spending their time to unproductive manners such as chatting,
gambling, etc. Through ULSIFE intervention this mothers were taught
about some innovative approaches in making and selling bangus
(milkfish) products, pulvoron, yema, among others, which can help them
augment their family expenses. The strategy was first to teach them
financial literacy such as the basics of business establishment and
management, simple bookkeeping, tax compliance, and values for
money. After which a demonstration was conducted to educate them on
the process of creating the product and the advantages of engaging into
this line of business. UL is operating under two project phases: micro-
enterprise and micro-finance. Monitoring is then conducted to supervise
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the project developments and check quality controls and the necessary
corrective actions if needed.
Quality of Life and Standard of Living
Quality of life refers to non-material aspects such as the social,
cultural and emotional circumstances of an individual or target group
while standard of living refers to material aspects such as the physical,
financial and environmental circumstances of an individual or target
group.
Project WOW Ifugao
The Mayoyao people are considered part of the indigenous groups
in the country. Hence, their rights are often compromised and they are
not given equal treatment as compared to those living in the urban areas.
Through this project, the team empowered them to be competent and
capable in facing new challenges. With this, they were able to regain their
confidence and improve their communication abilities through some
lectures and training conducted that is useful in tour guiding operations.
Also, with the administration of this project, it was accounted that
there was an increase in the average number of tourists per season from
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46 to 65 individuals thereby escalating ecotourism revenue to 178%. The
opening of these economic opportunities truly contributed to the
upliftment of in Mayoyao, Ifugao.
Project SAVE+
Through project, the beneficiaries were given alternative sources of
income such as organic farming and hollow blocks making. Aside from
that, through the project’s intervention, the city is spared from the
increasing volume of oyster shells and plastic bottles accumulation by 60
percent and reduced the incidence of indiscriminate burning by 70
percent. Likewise, organic farming uses biodegradable wastes to serve as
fertilizer which are usually the by-product of MRF in the barangays.
In a nutshell, ULSIFE opened 209 job opportunities for fisherfolks
in partnership with the City Government of Dagupan realizing an average
return on sales of 49.66 percent.
Project iCARE
This project generated fund amounting to Php 151,728.00 as
proceeds of materials collected from clean-up and waste collection
campaigns. The re-operationalization of 10 units of MRFs in Dagupan
City resulted to 90 percent decrease in unmanaged solid wastes thus
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55
marking a decrease in solid wastes collection by 20 tons as referred by
the City Waste Management Division. Through the intensified campaign
made by the team and the city government, it can be accorded that 85
percent of business firms and 70 percent of households are now
practicing proper solid waste management as compared to the 10 percent
and 5 percent respectively in the past. Also, this paved the way to the
creation of 75 job opportunities.
Project WELL
The project successfully federated self-help groups which gave the
beneficiaries a sense of unity and camaraderie. Because of the project,
housewives were able to express their importance in the family as they
themselves contribute to the family income thereby adding more dignity
on their standing. The project posted a remarkable increase in income
from Php 0 to Php 7,200.00 for each beneficiary. Therefore, it uplifted the
household economy, in varying levels, of 186 needy women from
impoverished state.
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Weaknesses and Constraints in the Conduct of UL-SIFE
Social Entrepreneurship Projects
The following are the identified constraints and weaknesses as
cited in the ULSIFE projects in the purview of the SIFE triple- bottom line
approach criterion and its elements:
Financial Constraint
The source of funding of UL comes from various fundraising
activities such as merchandising, solicitation, scraps-for-a-cause,
auction derby, trade fairs, and grants, among others.
Likewise, due to financial constraints, projects that are considered
necessary to address community needs are either partially implemented
or eliminated due to the limitations of funding. These are but some of the
constraints UL is facing in pursuit of sustaining its social
entrepreneurship projects.
Lack of Funds to Support More Relevant Trainings for the Members
UL social entreprenuers must be equipped with the proper
knowledge and skills to handle the various aspects of project
implementation. UL recognizes the fact that some activities slated for its
members are sacrificed to give way for the more important activities.
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Such activities like high-end trainings which require relatively large
amount of investment are most often delayed or disregarded.
Lack of Community Awareness
UL projects are introduced to the community through partnerships
with the barangay or other organizations. It is clear that a project must
be a concerted effort of the implementers and the partner communities
hence, counterparts must be developed and tasks must be assigned.
However, some communities tend to expect that everything will be
provided by the team and thereby resulting to overreliance. For every
project undertaken by UL, a memorandum of agreement is established to
identify tasks and to clearly assign responsibilities and accountability of
each party. This activity is made known to the leader of the community
and the whole SIFE team. Certain projects were terminated prematurely
because of the lack of community awareness regarding the project
nature. The expected counterparts on the part of the partner-
communities such as the needed assistance from the barangay officials
or officers of the partner organizations, information dissemination, and
referrals were not actually made leading to its failure.
Lack of Sustainable Partnerships
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Aside from the agreement entered into by ULSIFE with its partner
communities, the team also signs an agreement with government
agencies or private organizations in order to strengthen the
implementation of its projects. According to Gonzales (2001) as cited by
Vaquilar-Romo (2009), claimed that with various economic and social
problems confronting our people in the rural communities, there is a
need for some assistance from other professionals in order to move them
out from pit of ignorance and inadequacies to the land of knowledge.
Inadequate Manpower and Time Allocation in some Projects
The University has implemented several social entrepreneurships
to date.
Also part of the inherent constraints in the project implementation
is the fact that students implementing such projects are merely
volunteers which means that they are only to contribute their most
valuable time during their free hours.
Lack of More Detailed Project Monitoring and Evaluations Tools to
Measure Social, Economic, and Environmental Developments
The lack of more detailed monitoring and evaluation tools that is
applicable to specific unique projects will entail difficulty in measuring
project impact.
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UL is using observation and interview to monitor and evaluate
project impact. This requires team members to frequently visit the
community to recognize developments or to perform corrective actions if
needed. However, some beneficiaries might give misleading or false
representations about the real status of the project. This collected data
are then used by the team as inputs for their evaluations which might
result to unreliable information outcome of the project. Also, sometimes
the team does not possess the expertise needed to measure project
developments. Hence, this resulted to miscalculations on the project
status and results.
Lack of Risk Management Techniques for Micro-Enterprise Projects
Micro-enterprise involves teaching the beneficiaries about the
basics of business establishment, values for money, and financial
management. This is done for them to become equipped and ready in
facing new challenges in managing their own business. However, the
team failed to discuss and impart some measure related to risk
management specifically strategies in handling threats and business
hurdles. This means that businesses established by the beneficiaries
might encounter internal or external threats in which they are not
capable of handling thereby affecting the sustainability of the project.
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Alternative Courses of Action to Ensure Quality and Relevant
Social Entrepreneurship Projects of UL
On the basis of the inadequacies identified of the UL social
responsibility projects, the following are the effective and efficient
alternative courses of action can be initiated in order to ensure quality
and relevant social entrepreneurship projects that meet the triple bottom
line criterion
Goals for Revitalized Social Entrepreneurship Projects
Attuned with the triple-bottom line (e.g., social, economic, and
environmental) measurement of the SIFE criterion, UL is geared towards
implementing projects that aims to create financially independent and
self-sustaining communities. These projects are characterized to have
strong impact since this requires collaboration among key players in the
community.
Anchored on the preceding purpose, the following aims and
objectives were crafted with their corresponding indicators:
Over-arching Goal
Empower community people to become financially independent
and socially responsible members of the society through sustainable
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project development and management that improves the quality of life
and standard of living for people in need.
Goal # 1: Establish livelihood project that will help increase their family
income.
• Provide intensified technical training on innovative product
development
• Conduct lecture on financial literacy (e.g., simple bookkeeping and
business establishment and management)
• Teach the beneficiaries about business ethics and values for
money
Goal # 2: Provide opportunities for social development
• Organization of Self-Help Groups
• Conduct trainings on leadership and group management
techniques
• Deepen understanding of beneficiaries on social mobilization
• Increase community participation
Goal # 3: Increase awareness on environmental issues and concerns
• Conduct awareness campaign on environmental status
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• Offer eco-friendly projects to help save our environment
• Lessen environmental hazards
Goal # 4: Develop a mechanism for monitoring and evaluation
• Conduct continuous community visits
• Use appropriate evaluation methods to measure quality of life and
standard of living
• Encourage inter-visitation of communities for cooperative
sustainable development
Goal # 5: Intensify inter-agency partnership and collaboration
• Organize inter-organization support for project implementation
• Maintenance of “Self-Reliance/Self-Help” activities and projects,
a mode for Refinement Level in Development
Project Strategy
UL is committed on delivering holistic and sustainable community
projects which provides an avenue for social, economic, and
environmental development.
These projects are premised on the various needs of the
beneficiaries based on the needs assessment conducted. From here, the
team will have to devise projects aimed at addressing their problems.
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These projects will be implemented based on the established detailed
plan of action relating to the two (2) project phases: Micro-enterprise and
Micro-finance. At this point, social mobilization and people empowerment
are the keys for success. Then monitoring and evaluation will be
conducted to measure project development and impact. This approach
will be adapted for every project implementation of UL.
The following are the effective and efficient alternative courses of
actions that can be initiated by UL in order to ensure quality and
sustainable social entrepreneurship projects:
Creative Fundraising Activities and Appropriate
Internal Control Policies
UL must undertake lecture-trainings on financial management
such as developing events for fundraising, proper money management,
and budgets so as to secure sustainable existence for the team. Likewise,
it is vital that UL must have records to show for its financial status.
These records include statement of fund operation and assets and
liabilities, and other relevant financial reports. It is advisable for the
team to use the standards applicable on accounting for non-profit
organization. Further, delegation of duties must be observed such that
there should be a definite person assigned to do the recording of each
activity. Hence proper segregation of duties must be observed to avoid
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possible fraudulent activities, that is, the team must establish line of
positions which prevents incorporating incompatible functions to only
one person. Thru this, we can be able to attain strong internal control
with the organization.
Include learning programs in entrepreneurship teaching to
develop social entrepreneurs expertise and commitments
Community people must be oriented on the basics of
entrepreneurship. This will further help them in creating innovative
measures towards establishing and managing their own business. In
order to do this, project implementers must be equipped with the proper
knowledge and skills in teaching the beneficiaries.
Strong and Clear Partnerships with the Community
UL must see to it that the terms of agreement are clear and are
properly communicated with both parties. The success or failure of the
project lies on the ability of the parties to perform their job and act on
their own responsibilities. Hence, formal dialogue must be developed
between the two parties to iron out expectations. It shall also be clear to
the beneficiaries that the role of the implementers shall not encompass
the totality of the project. Counterparts must be developed to sustain the
ownership of the project. Thus, it is expected from the community to
assign people and devise marketing strategies for their products since
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the realization of their projects reside on collaboration of both parties. In
order to do this, community officials must observe cooperation among
beneficiaries. According to Maslang (2000), some of the reasons why a
project fails is because of the lack of beneficiary participation in the
project. Because of this, beneficiaries will not develop the sense of project
ownership, thus, will lead to dole-out. Also, the second reason is the lack
of coordination between and among agencies or organizations operating
in the project site and the lack of effective referral network. Because the
individual organizations tended to focus on their respective performance
targets and were confronted with limited human and material resources
they were reluctant to share their time, expertise and resources with one
another. More often than not, this led to competition, duplication of
efforts and wastage of resources. All of this must be affirmed by both
parties so as not to encounter confusions among them which might give
way to the failure of the project.
Creating Project Partnership Criteria
It is proper for the team to further analyze the needs of the
community to serve as a basis for choosing the right partner. The team
must also investigate the background of the prospective partner
organization in order to warrant their commitment in the conduct of the
project. It is also important that both parties have laid down their job
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responsibilities and further agreed to iron out unexpected
miscommunications or wrongdoings that will hinder the success of the
project.
Creating Appropriate Monitoring and Evaluation Tools
in Measuring Project Developments
UL can use various mechanisms to gather relevant findings
regarding the project such as social performance management.
Social Performance Management (SPM) project is an innovative
approach of identifying the needs and achievements of the beneficiaries
and report on their social effect. A key part of SPM is a survey scorecard,
known as the ‘Progress Out of Poverty Index’, that asks clients 10 simple
questions. A range of additional indicator questions are also asked, on
access to health services, school attendance of children and other factors
associated with poverty. Such measurement can help UL to measure
project impact characterized by quality of life and standard of living.
Conclusion
The UL social entrepreneurship projects, that is, Project WOW
Ifugao, Project SAVE+, Project iCARE, and Project WELL have positively
complied with the triple bottom line approach criterion focusing on the 5
evaluation elements (1)Relevant economic, social and environmental
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factors considered; (2)Target audience(s) effectively empowered; (3) People
in need targeted; (4)Business and economic concepts and an
entrepreneurial approach applied; and (5) Quality of life and standard of
living for its project beneficiaries improved.
Weakness and constraints were determined and are appropriately
addressed with effective and efficient alternative courses of action in
pursuit of quality and relevant UL social entrepreneurship projects
towards sustainable communities in Dagupan City and its environs and
the Province of Pangasinan.
Recommendation
In view of the findings and conclusions drawn, the following
recommendations are hereby forwarded.
1. The University must establish a strong organizational structure
which will help standardize processes within the team such as
project implementation assignments, monitoring and evaluation,
and fund raising activities. Certainly, it will help the team to secure
sustainability among its projects.
2. A variety of evaluation tools must be developed to measure
qualitative and quantitative results of the different projects. This
would lead them to properly understand the outcome of the project
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such that they can be able to formulate corrective solutions if
needed.
3. Strengthen partnerships with other public agencies or private
organizations to increase the coverage of the project and to help
the team in the implementation of its projects such as the needed
expertise or financial assistance.
4. Furthermore, the researcher recommends the try-out of the
proposed alternative courses of action by ULSIFE team for its
project implementation.
5. It is also encouraged to future researchers to pioneer more studies
along social entrepreneurship and other aspects of operating social
entrepreneurship organizations particularly the higher education
institutions.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
Maslang, Editha
(2000) Program Planning, Implementation,
Monitoring and Evaluation Philippine Encyclopedia of Social Work. 2000 Edition Volume , Megabooks Company and the National Work Ediucation, Inc. (NASWEI)
Leones, Jeremias and Nilan Yu (2000)
Livelihood and Enterprise
Development Evaluation Philippine Encyclopedia of Social Work. 2000 Edition Volume 1, Megabooks Company and the National Work Ediucation, Inc. (NASWEI)
Researches
Abdu, Akrem & Erik Johansson 2009
“Social Entrepreneurship: A Case
Study of SIFE Umeå University” Jonsson, Jayne 2010
“Exploring the Role of Business Model
for Social Entrepreneurship in the Philippine Context”
Mitchell, Michael, et.al. 2009
“Can the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ Help
Organizations Respond to Sustainability Issues?”
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Mueller, J, et. al.
“Bridging from University to
Community: An Evaluation of the
Effect of Student Outreach Work
in Communities in Australia,
New Zealand, China, the United
States and Four Other
Countries”
Kelly, Tomas E.
2008
“A Qualitative Study of the Academic
Program Students in Free
Enterprise at Franciscan
University of Steubenville and its
Impact on the Professional
Careers and Social Perceptions of
Post-Undergraduate Students”
Vaquilar-Romo, NecyCasaria
2009
“Skills Training and Technology
Transfer in Ilocos Sur Provincial
Jail: An Assessment” (University
of Northern Philippines, Vigan
City, Ilocos Sur)
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Website
www.sife.org www.hks.harvard.edu www.globalurban.org http://content.undp.org www. socialedge.org www.sifeaction.com www.slideshare.net www.commerce .otago.ac.nz http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Students_in_Free_Enterprise Periodicals Keh, Harvey S. 2009
Social Entrepreneurship in the Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer