Since 2016, the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) program has become one of DLSU’s major programs in the area of social entrepreneurship. Its second batch of projects were presented last May 10 at room 302 of the Yuchengco Hall, marking the beginning of 28 Lasallians’ venture into social entrepreneurship.
Vice President for Lasallian Mission Fritzie de Vera explained that through social entrepreneurship, students are encouraged to “go out of their comfort zones” and come up with innovations in collaboration with people from different communities.
“We use [social entrepreneurship] to ensure that our adopted communities are not just mere beneficiaries but active stakeholders and partners in development with quality participation and relevant goals to play,” she added.
Planting the seed
The boot camp, conducted last May 5 to 10, featured orientations and exposure programs for the participants to acquire the proper knowledge needed in starting their social enterprise endeavors. Experienced social entrepreneurs also shared their experiences in the field, offering tips on how to work closely with communities.
The program also brought forth four idea pitches from the participants that aimed to solve a certain issue within a specific community in the Philippines. Among the ideas put forward were the improvement of mushroom production and processing through urban farming; distribution of water filtration devices for communities in need; establishment of training programs that upskill individuals and refer them to partnered companies for better and humane work environments; and the proposal of a direct distribution channel to sari-sari stores.
Each pitch is expected to receive a P30,000 grant as soon as they submit a full proposal and secure a memorandum of agreement signed by the student, their faculty adviser, and a representative from their respective community, according to LSEED Development Specialist Norby Salonga.
Weeding out the problem
Among the challenges the program currently faces are competition and commitment. “They have to compete with major players in the industry that offer the same products,” Salonga expounded, confessing that this could hinder the goals of the program’s social entrepreneurs.
Additionally, Salonga disclosed that students who graduated but have not yet finished their LSEED commitments are a concern for the program since they might quit on their projects prematurely. “We’re not sure how committed [they are] after graduation,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of enhancing student commitment, Salonga proposed that extending the mentorship of the participants even after they have already graduated could motivate them to continue their project.
Tilling the future
“These initiatives have enabled peace stakeholders of our university and partner communities to be highly engaged in the concepts of social entrepreneurship and social innovation,” de Vera claimed.
She praised the LSEED program and its ability to emphasize social entrepreneurship as an approach to merge the concept of entrepreneurship and social value and to create innovative solutions while simultaneously addressing different societal divides. De Vera pressed that both teaching and non-teaching University employees and alumni should also share their knowledge and skills to willing participants, either as mentors or resource persons.
Vice Chancellor for Academics Merlin Suarez held the same sentiments with de Vera, applauding the program for its recent accomplishments. Although Suarez admitted that the trimester schedule for the students could entail heavier workloads, she commended the participants in being able to balance out the tasks and “move beyond the academic requirements.”
Reminiscing on the LSEED program throughout the years, she noted how both the program and the University have mutually grown as a “community working together towards a single effort,” which she commented was “very Lasallian.”
with reports from Gershon De La Cruz
