FSSI supports social entrepreneurs to grow local communities

Tweet

Social investment non-profit organization Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) continues to scale up social entrepreneurship by offering financial and non-financial products to Filipino enterprises, promoting inclusive socio-economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The British Council, supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, reported that social enterprises in the country have struggled to balance their environmental and financial goals to achieve business stability and effectively measure their overall impact. FSSI addresses this challenge through its triple bottom line (3BL) approach, which measures People, Planet, and Profit as the main indicators. Through this approach, FSSI has benefited over 280 local social enterprises, resulting in deeper support to the communities they belong to, more paths to sustainability, and more profitable businesses – all at the same time.

“Social enterprises aim to create social and environmental impact, while maintaining a viable business at the same time,” said Sixto Donato C. Macasaet, Executive Director at FSSI. “In order to achieve their goals, we and our partners from national civil society organizations and international organizations help them address their challenges through our needs-based services that include loans, developmental deposits, seed capital, and equity investment.”

Boost socio-economic impact

Women-led enterprise Mallig FST Multi-Purpose Cooperative is engaged in lending, savings deposits, agricultural inputs trading and mechanization services, and rice milling. In 2022, the cooperative expanded and opened a gas station in Mallig, Isabela to create jobs for their immediate community.

The cooperative also started the construction of a multi-purpose building which will be used as the cooperative’s office, convenience store, agricultural trading store for bulk purchase of agricultural supplies, and other stalls for rent. Through FSSI’s Investing in Women project, they are able to augment their working capital for agricultural inputs trading and thus, offer agricultural inputs to farmer members at a lower price. They also give them technical advice for better yield per cropping.

“We are now able to establish a one-stop-shop that will cater to the various needs of farmer members and non-members alike in Mallig,” said Marilyn Binag, Manager at Mallig FST Multi-Purpose Cooperative. She added that this will also be an opportunity for the cooperative to grow beyond its 642 members—234 of whom are women—by helping them realize their potential economic contributions through helping more communities even outside of Isabela.

Empower local communities

Nueva Ecija-based women-led social enterprise Kilusang Lima para sa Lahat Multi-Purpose Cooperative (K5 MPC) already began partnering with FSSI through a loan program in 2006 to sustain its financial support to its members who are farmers and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Our members' need for capital for various purposes outweighs the share capital contributed by investing members,” said Guillermo Bacsa, General Manager at K5 MPC. Guided by the 3BL approach, in 2006, FSSI offered K5 MPC a credit line to support their members and to empower the communities they serve and contribute to local economic development.

FSSI joined the inauguration of K5 MPC's Peaks and Waves Bed and Breakfast at Dingalan, Aurora. (L-R: Nikki Natan, FSSI Knowledge Management, Advocacy, and Communications Officer, Leah Embuido, FSSI Financial Services Manager, Mark Tañedo, FSSI Credit Officer, Evelyn Roxas, Sherlyn Alcantara, and Ma. Loida Dela Cruz, K5 MPC Board Directors)

In 2022, K5 MPC worked with FSSI, under a renewed partnership, to expand its services to nearby province, Aurora, and launched its first lodging business, “Peaks and Waves Bed and Breakfast.” FSSI supported the construction of the lodging house which now contributes to the local economy of the town of Dingalan through tourism, employment generation, and environmental protection by segregating, composting, and recycling wastes, and reusing containers to reduce plastic usage.

“Our members’ trust is a vital part of community development,” Bacsa said. “By empowering them and providing them solutions that fit their needs, our capital grew from PHP 60,000 to PHP 40 million to date.”

Founded on the principles of People, Planet, and Profit, FSSI offers customizable services that empower social enterprises to ensure they thrive in their respective sector and foster holistic community development.

To discover more about how FSSI supports local social enterprises, visit fssi.com.ph or go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FSSI.Philippines.

-------------------------------

About FSSI

The Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI), a social investment organization established in 1995, works for the development of sustainable communities through social entrepreneurship. We provide financial and capacity building services to social enterprises across the country which live out the triple bottom lines (3BL) of social equity, environmental protection, and economic development.

For loans and project-related inquiries, please contact our Project Development and Monitoring Unit through Nezar Viernes at nezar.viernes@fssi.com.ph or mobile 0967 221 3160 or Carol Cepeda at carolinecepeda@fssi.com.ph or mobile 0917 855 8129.

December 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tweet

On December 8, the Church celebrates one of the most important feasts of Our Lady, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the day when we remember and celebrate that God chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus from the very first moment of her being; the moment of her conception.

History of Immaculate Conception

It is a day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life.

For Roman Catholics, it is observed as a day of obligation with required church attendance.

The Immaculate Conception is a day whose meaning is often confused. By the sounds of it, one would think we would celebrate the day Jesus was conceived*. On the contrary, it is the day that the Blessed Mother Mary was conceived.

Mary's mother was St. Anne and her father was Joachim. While they are not mentioned in the bible, their names appear in some very early Christian texts. Anne and Joachim had been a childless couple until an angel appeared telling Anne that she would give birth to a child that the world would honour. Anne became a saint as she offered her child to god's service.

This day has been celebrated since at least the eighth century, but the idea that the word immaculate means that Mary was born without original sin divided many theological scholars over the centuries. It wasn't until 1854 that the argument was decided when Pope Pious IX proclaimed this belief to be an essential dogma of the Roman Catholic Church.

*If you think about it, December 8th is unlikely to be the date that Jesus was "conceived". It is the Feast of the Annunciation that celebrates the visit of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce to her that she would become the mother of Jesus. The date of the Feast of the Annunciation is March 25th - nine months before Christmas Day. Once the date of Christmas was finally accepted, then the March 25th was a no-brainer to be the date of the annunciation.

Special Non-Working Holiday

In accordance to Presidential Proclamation No. 845, December 8 or Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is a special non-working Holiday in the Philippines.

On 29 December 2017 President Duterte signed Republic Act 10966, declaring 8 December of every year a special non-working holiday in the entire country "to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the principal patroness of the Philippines."

The Philippines has the third largest Catholic population in the world.

How Shopee Live Milyonaryo instantly changed the lives of lucky livestream shoppers

Tweet

Shopee Live, an interactive live-streaming feature on the Shopee app, has emerged as a powerful tool for Filipinos to explore new opportunities and build better lives. Its combination of engaging entertainment, enticing deals, and rewarding prizes has transformed how Filipinos shop and opened doors to rewarding experiences.

During Shopee’s Mega Pamasko Sale, the platform gave livestream shoppers a chance to become instant millionaires through Shopee Live Milyonaryo, where avid Shopee users Cyra Adona and Via Ingente were drawn as two of the life-changing promo’s lucky winners.

Via, an online clothing seller from Quezon province, has been using Shopee since the start of the pandemic to source items for selling through Shopee Live. This allows her to score incredible deals on wholesale items thanks to the app’s discounts and promos, such as free shipping and 70% off deals.

“Halos araw-araw po ako umoorder lalo na sa Shopee Live kasi nakaka-discount po ako. Mas malaki po ‘yung kinikita ko at ‘yung balik sa akin [I order from Shopee Live almost everyday because I am able to get discounts. I also earn more and get higher returns],” Via shared as she recalled the reasons why she became an avid fan of Shopee Live. Aside from livestreams of fellow online sellers, Via is also fond of watching live videos of creators and celebrities. “Nakakawili rin po kasi manood kahit minsan walang pambili[It’s fun to watch even if sometimes, I don't have the means to buy],” she said. Little did she know that her regular watching activity would lead her to claim the raffle code that would make her an instant millionaire.

“Isang beses lang po ako nag claim ng code, kaya ‘di ko po inakalang mananalo ako [I only claimed the code once, so I didn't expect that I would win],” Via said. She plans to use the cash prize to buy a new lot for her family. “Hindi po amin yung lupa kung saan nakatayo ‘yung bahay namin, so kapag pinaalis kami doon, wala na po kaming bahay at lupa. Gusto ko po sana ‘yung meron akong matatawag na akin [The lot on which our house stands is not ours, so if we get evicted, we will no longer have a home and a land. I would like to have something that I can call my own],” she expounded. To Via, winning one million pesos meant one step closer to her dream – having a home of their own.

First-time mom Cyra from Naic, Cavite, is among the early Shopee users since it was launched in 2015. She was drawn to the app because of its convenience when purchasing products online and the great deals it offers for shoppers like her. One of her favorite features is Shopee Coins since it can be used alongside platform vouchers.

Because mom duties can be a handful, Cyra prefers buying clothes and other products online, specifically through Shopee Live. It saves her the time and effort of having to go out, but at the same time, being able to see how the actual products look like. “Sa Shopee Live, nafeflex nang maayos ng sellers ‘yung mga damit, mas naipapakita kung ano ‘yung maganda at ‘yung actual sizes [In Shopee Live, sellers can showcase the clothes well, showing what looks good and the actual sizes more effectively],” Cyra said. Just like Via, she is also enticed by the many vouchers and discounts made available in Shopee Live.

Upon learning about Shopee Live Milyonaryo through one of the streams she watched, she simply claimed a unique code and eventually found herself as Shopee’s latest millionaire.

“Super blessed kasi hindi ko talaga ineexpect na mangyayari ‘yon. Sobrang bihira lang kasi mangyari ‘yung mga ganito, kaya sobrang saya lang talaga na hindi mo maipaliwanag [I feel super blessed because I really didn't expect that to happen. Instances like these are very rare, so it's just pure joy that you can't really explain],” Cyra explained.

When asked about her plans with the prize money, Cyra said that she is going to use it for her five-month-old baby who is currently confined in the hospital due to pneumonia, while the rest will be set aside to fund her baby’s education.

Both Via and Cyra expressed how Shopee has gone beyond being a platform for shopping and entertainment and how it has become a transformative force in the lives of Filipinos.

Participate in more rewarding experiences while you shop for Christmas presents and enjoy 70% off Pamasko Deals plus free shipping during the upcoming 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale. Watch out for raffle codes from your favorite Shopee Live sellers from December 1 to 12 and get the chance to become the next Shopee Live Milyonaryo!

HONOR on the Rise: Is it Far Ahead of Other Brands

Tweet

The leading global smart devices provider HONOR is asserting its presence with the introduction of the HONOR 100 Series, positioning itself as a formidable contender against its competitors in terms of specifications and features. Recently, HONOR's Chief Executive Officer, George Zhao Ming, disclosed the company's objective to penetrate the European market and disrupt technology monopoly, aiming to catalyze industry-wide transformation and innovation.

-----------------------------------------------------

HONOR 100 Series hinted to set new industry standards and crush competition

-----------------------------------------------------

“Twenty years ago, who would have imagined that the iPhone could surpass Nokia? We should not shy away from challenging the powerful iPhone. Success requires the presence of challengers and a belief in our own potential,” said HONOR CEO George Zhao Ming.

HONOR ignited its 100 series with two phone models – HONOR 100 pioneered Snapdragon 7 Generation 3 phone, and HONOR 100 Pro, one of the earliest models to upgrade over MagicOS 8.0.

The HONOR 100 Series serves as the revolutionary successor of the previous HONOR 70 and HONOR 90 series. As such, enthusiasts and dedicated followers of the brand can anticipate a continuation of the high standards and innovative features set by its predecessors.

Launched in China in November 2023, HONOR 100 Series is available for pre-orders on the first week of December 2023 and is expected to be launched globally in 2024.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

NREA’s new officers to be introduced at in-person business meeting on December 7

Tweet

The National Real Estate Association (NREA) is capping off yet another productive year with an in-person business meeting on December 7, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To be held at the Makati Sports Club on L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, the upcoming event will feature important announcements and an awarding ceremony that is meant to recognize NREA’a achievements of 2023 and spur the association on a sustained path of success in the new year.

Ruth Marie C. Atienza, outgoing NREA National President, disclosed that the special guest and resource speaker will be Honorable Rafael M. Fajardo, Board Member of the Professional Regulatory Board for Real Estate Services (PRBRES). Fajardo is slated to discuss updates on the PRBRES’ programs and policies, and its mandate as a regulatory body created by the Real Estate Service Act.

Also lined up for the business meeting is NREA Chairperson Imelda C. Magtoto’s introduction of the association’s officers-elect for 2024. Among them are Imelda C. Magtoto, Board Chairlady; Ruth Marie Atienza, Board Vice Chairlady; Red Rosales, National President; Ma. Lorena Sales, Executive Vice President; Jovi Francis Tupaz, VP-internal; Atty. Ador Tolentino, VP-external; Zeny Fruto, VP-chapters; Loudette Carlos, secretary general; Nicole Choa, treasurer; Jeffrey Bongat, auditor; and Christian Mulingbayan, PRO.

Incoming trustees—Rodolfo Leonen (concurrently Education Chairman), Flerida Atayde, Jonathan Caro, Alma Grace Sarra, Emelina Pulido and Dave Lubong—will likewise be introduced.

NREA’s National President, Red Rosales

NREA’s National President, Red Rosales, will deliver a short message and provide a brief preview of his plans and programs for 2024. The induction of NREA’s new members will also be held.

While Rosales is set to explore future strategies, a highlight of the event will delve into past achievements—NREA’s Best Chapter and Best Chapter President of 2023 will be given due recognition.

Meantime, NREA’s PRO Jeffery Bongat has announced that as part of the NREA’s community social responsibility (CSR) projects, the association will hand over its donation to the Smokey Mountain Foundation, as well as its paint donations to the Department of Education, courtesy of Davies Paints.

NREA’s business forum is fully supported by its major sponsors: Pag-IBIG Fund and Hausland Development Corporation. The NREA likewise acknowledges their year-round sponsors: the OFW Party List; Mapecon Philippines, Inc.; Duraville Realty & Development Corporation; Davies Paint Philippines, Inc.; Bria Homes, Inc.; E. Ganzon, Inc., and SM Development Corporation.

Finally, the business meeting on December 7 will segue into a joyful Christmas celebration for NREA members and friends, who may look forward to hours of party time with social activities, games, and the de rigueur raffle with grand prizes in store.