Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339253 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Series/Report no.: 
PIDS Discussion Paper Series No. 2026-05
Publisher: 
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Quezon City
Abstract: 
We probed the evolving landscape of social enterprises (SEs) in the Philippines by examining how practitioners define their identity, legitimacy, resilience, and ecosystem support needs. Using key informant interviews (KIIs) with SEs affiliated with The Spark Project (TSP), we unpack grassroots perspectives on certification, government engagement, and the risks of "social washing." Our findings revealed that while SEs share a strong social mission and community focus, the lack of a harmonized definition and inclusive certification system hinders trust-building and policy integration. Respondents express the need for flexible legal recognition, context-sensitive standards, and government support beyond regulation, including access to finance and storytelling. By situating practitioner voices within global SE typologies and aligning them with national innovation policy frameworks, we provide actionable insights for building an enabling environment that fosters authenticity, inclusion, resilience, and impact.
Subjects: 
social enterprise
certification
inclusive innovation
ecosystem governance
JEL: 
L31
O35
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.