Quezon City, Philippines. At the Regional Summit on Inclusive Economic Empowerment to Accelerate Climate Action and Low Carbon Solutions, Vince Rapisura, co-founder and president of the Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI), delivered a compelling presentation on the state of nano enterprises in the Philippines—highlighting their struggles, resilience, and potential to contribute to climate adaptation… Read more: SEDPI Calls for Urgent Action to Support Nano Enterprises at UN Women Summit

Strengthening Social Protection for Nanoenterprises or the Informal Sector in the Philippines: A SEDPI Policy Paper I. Executive Summary This paper calls for urgent legislative intervention to address the exclusion and inequity of the current SSS contribution structure, particularly for self-employed individuals and nanoenterprise operators. While Republic Acts 1161, 8282, and 11199 mandate the government… Read more: Strengthening Social Protection for Nanoenterprises or the Informal Sector in the Philippines: A SEDPI Policy Paper

At the 2025 National Social Enterprise Conference, Priya Thachadi, Co-founder and CEO of Villgro Philippines, delivered a bold and urgent message: the social enterprise financing ecosystem is failing the very entrepreneurs it claims to serve. Drawing from her nearly decade-long experience in the Philippines, Priya outlined the persistent barriers that early- to growth-stage social enterprises… Read more: Bridging the Capital Gap: Priya Thachadi on Redesigning Finance for Impact Enterprises

Insights from Cauchie Garcia, Deputy Executive Director, Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) At the 2025 National Social Enterprise Conference (NSEC), Cauchie Garcia of the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) delivered a compelling presentation on the realities and lessons in financing social enterprises (SEs), especially those working with rural and marginalized communities. Garcia began by outlining… Read more: Financing from the Ground Up: Peace and Equity Foundation’s Strategic Approach to Social Enterprise Development

“We all say we love collaboration—but we have to actually do it.”—Priya Thachadi, Villgro Philippines The 2025 National Social Enterprise Conference’s breakout session on Financing and Resource Mobilization convened some of the country’s most insightful voices in the impact ecosystem for an honest and energized exchange of ideas. With social finance reformers Vince Rapisura of… Read more: Breaking Barriers: Financing Realities and Bold Solutions for Social Enterprises Take Center Stage at NSEC 2025

In a world where profit often trumps purpose, how do social enterprises thrive—much less survive? This was the central question I raised during my talk at the 2025 National Social Enterprise Conference (NSEC) breakout session on Financing and Resource Mobilization for Social Enterprises. Despite the noble intentions behind the concept of impact investing, the practice… Read more: Rethinking Impact: How SEDPI is Decolonizing Finance and Mobilizing Social Investments in the Philippines

The open forum at the Women Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion event—organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt), the World Bank, and the Australian Embassy—offered a dynamic exchange of insights among panelists and participants. Moderated by Ana Tan, the session brought together Vince Rapisura (SEDPI), Dr. Liliana Sousa (World Bank), and Conrad De Jesus… Read more: Open Forum Highlights Diverse Yet Complementary Views on Women’s Financial Empowerment

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt), in partnership with the World Bank and the Australian Embassy, held a landmark forum on “Women Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion.” One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of a field-based study by Vincent Rapisura, President of SEDPI, focusing on the resilience of… Read more: SEDPI Highlights Women Nano-Entrepreneurs’ Resilience in Mindanao at World Bank-Ateneo Forum

The following is the transcript of the paper presentation delivered by Vince Rapisura, President of the Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) and Lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, during the forum “Women Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion.” The event was held at the Ateneo de Manila University on March 20, 2025, and co-organized by the… Read more: Resilience of Women Entrepreneurs in Mindanao and the Impact of Access to Finance and Digital Technologies – Presentation Transcript

Strengthening Communities Through Sustainable Finance SEDPI KaNegosyo proudly marks another milestone with the grand opening of its 17th branch, a testament to its unwavering commitment to empowering nanoenterprises across the country. With this expansion, SEDPI continues to provide sustainable financial solutions, social protection, and housing support, fostering economic resilience among small business owners. “Our mission… Read more: SEDPI KaNegosyo Opens 17th Branch, Expanding Support for Nanoenterprises

Ateneo de Manila-SEDPI NanoEnterprise Development Program(formerly the Ateneo Microfinance Capacity-Building Program) Course Objectives: Course Description: This course equips branch managers with essential skills in planning, organizing, leading, and controlling microfinance operations. Participants will explore conflict resolution, customer service, delinquency cost management, team supervision, and internal controls to enhance branch efficiency, staff performance, and financial sustainability in… Read more: Management and Supervision of Microfinance Operations

Ateneo de Manila-SEDPI NanoEnterprise Development Program(formerly the Ateneo Microfinance Capacity-Building Program) Course Objectives: Course Description: This course equips microfinance practitioners with essential tools and strategies to manage loan delinquency effectively. Participants will explore causes, costs, and borrower perspectives on repayment, learn key metrics like portfolio at risk, and apply loan classification and collection techniques. Gain actionable… Read more: Delinquency Management

Ateneo de Manila-SEDPI NanoEnterprise Development Program(formerly the Ateneo Microfinance Capacity-Building Program) Course Objectives: Course Description: Discover the foundations of Islamic finance and its applications in microfinance. This course covers Shari’ah-compliant principles, ethical finance practices, and practical tools for empowering communities. Gain insights into profit-sharing, risk-sharing, and asset-backed arrangements that prioritize fairness and community well-being, tailored for… Read more: Islamic Finance 101: Principles and Practices for Microfinance Practitioners

At the recent True North: Mapping the Future of Dermatology event organized by the Philippine Dermatological Society in Baguio City, financial literacy expert Vince Rapisura delivered a compelling talk addressing the unique financial challenges faced by doctors and proposing innovative solutions to democratize beauty in the Philippines. Rapisura began by outlining the financial profile of… Read more: Vince Rapisura Advocates for Financial Wellness Among Doctors and Democratization of Beauty at Dermatology Event

In the first few months of 2023, nanoenterprises continue their journey towards recovery, now facing the added challenge of rising prices. Our latest study at Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) provides new insights into how nanoenterprises are doing. Although there are signs of improvement, the issue of inflation is making the recovery process harder… Read more: Nanoenterprises Confront Inflation: A Mixed Recovery Landscape in Early 2023 Update 19 of SEDPI’s Rapid Community Assessment (RCA) January – March 2023

In a compelling narrative at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Ms. Marilyn Estrellado of Habitat for Humanity Philippines shared insights into the transformative work of her organization in addressing the critical housing needs across the nation. Held at Ateneo de Manila University on March 18-19, 2024, and organized by ACSent and SEDPI, the summit served… Read more: Habitat for Humanity Philippines Advocates for Comprehensive Housing Solutions at 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

Ateneo de Manila University warmly welcomed delegates to the pivotal 2nd Socialized Housing Summit with open arms and open minds, as Dean Roberto Galang set the stage for a collaborative discourse on tackling the Philippines’ housing crisis.  Dean Galang acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting the distressing shortfall in socialized housing units—the demand being… Read more: Dean Roberto Galang Ushers in Collaborative Efforts at Socialized Housing Summit

Cagayan de Oro, Philippines – In the aftermath of the devastating Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011, which took hundreds of lives and left thousands homeless in Cagayan de Oro, a beacon of hope and innovation emerged through the efforts of Xavier University and its community. Engr. Dexter S. Lo, during the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit,… Read more: Xavier University’s Pioneering Approach to Disaster-Resilient Communities: The Xavier Ecoville Story

In a recent address at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Vince Rapisura, a pivotal figure in microfinance and social entrepreneurship, presented a compelling case for integrating affordable housing solutions into microfinance. His presentation, rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by low-income Filipinos, offered a fresh perspective on addressing poverty through sustainable housing.… Read more: Is Housing the Next Frontier in Microfinance? SEDPI’s Vision for Accessible and Sustainable Housing Solutions

ASA Philippines Foundation, one of the giant microfinance institutions in the Philippines, presented its innovative Home Financing program at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, showcasing its contributions to addressing the housing needs of low-income communities. The summit, organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) on March… Read more: ASA Philippines Foundation Showcases Impactful Home Financing Solutions at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

In an enlightening presentation at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Dr. Marife M. Ballesteros of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) delved into the pressing issue of housing affordability in the Philippines. Her analysis shed light on the multifaceted challenges of providing adequate housing for all income groups, particularly the low-income and impoverished segments… Read more: Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis: Insights from Dr. Marife M. Ballesteros at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

As the 2nd socialized housing summit hosted by ACSent and SEDPI at Ateneo de Manila University drew to a close, Vince Rapisura provided key takeaways and actionable steps toward addressing the Philippines’ housing backlog. Emphasizing the commitment of Senator Risa Hontiveros to champion housing issues in her legislative agenda, Rapisura outlined a strategic approach to… Read more: Summit Concludes with Strategic Blueprint for Housing Crisis Resolution

In a compelling presentation at the 2nd socialized housing summit, Buboy Magahis highlighted the pressing need for incorporating people’s plans into the Philippines’ Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to address the nation’s housing crisis. Hosted by ACSent and SEDPI at Ateneo de Manila University, the… Read more: Empowering Urban Poor: The Imperative Integration of People’s Plans in 4PH Housing Program

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at the Ateneo de Manila University, Pag-IBIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Marilene Acosta, highlighted the drastic drop in socialized housing production for 2023 and outlined the institution’s strategic initiatives to address this pressing concern. Acosta reported a distressing figure, revealing that in 2023, the production of socialized housing units… Read more: Pag-IBIG’s Response to the Deep Socialized Housing Shortage: GLAD Program and Countryside Housing Initiatives

In a striking presentation at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, held on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, Panya Boonsirithum, the founder of Citihub, shared his visionary approach to addressing Metro Manila’s housing crisis. Organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), the summit… Read more: Citihub Founder Panya Boonsirithum Advocates for Affordable Urban Housing at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, held at the Ateneo de Manila University on March 18-19, 2024, Engr. Marcelino Mendoza of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines Inc. (OSHDP) provided an in-depth look at the vital role mass housing developers play in addressing the country’s urgent housing needs. Organized by… Read more: OSHDP Advocates for Robust Partnerships and Data-Driven Strategies in Socialized Housing

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Ms. Norlie Corneby of Gawad Kalinga Ateneo shared a profound narrative of community transformation and resilience, illustrating the organization’s triumphs in socialized housing. Held on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, the summit, organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development… Read more: Gawad Kalinga Ateneo Unveils Success in Building Communities at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at Ateneo de Manila University, Atty. Junefe G. Payot from the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) presented an approach to combat the Philippines’ housing backlog through resilient community-driven projects. Amidst a critical period where the production of socialized housing units plummeted to an all-time low in 2023, SHFC’s… Read more: SHFC Aims to Transform Lives with Resilient Communities Amid Housing Challenges

The second day of the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, co-organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) on March 18-19, 2024, at Ateneo de Manila University, featured Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa, Assistant Director of the DENR – Land Management Bureau. His presentation provided an essential overview of… Read more: DENR’s Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa Outlines Land Titling Reform at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

During the enlightening 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Santiago F. Ducay from the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) presented a concerning update on the state of socialized housing in the Philippines. The year 2023 saw the production of socialized housing units plummet to a historic low since 2001, with only 10,113 units completed. This stark… Read more: Socialized Housing Production Hits Record Low,SHDA Highlights Compliance Challenges at Housing Summit

Manila, Philippines – At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at Ateneo de Manila University, Senator Risa Hontiveros delivered a compelling speech, outlining the dire need for innovative and inclusive solutions to the Philippines’ housing crisis. Addressing a gathering of developers, microfinance institutions, academes and housing advocates, Senator Hontiveros emphasized the dream of every Filipino… Read more: Senator Risa Hontiveros Advocates for Innovative Social Housing Solutions at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

Empowering the Marginalized: SEDPI’s Innovative Path in Nanoenterprise DevelopmentVince RapisuraJanuary 11, 2024 Established in 2004, the SEDPI Group of Social Enterprises focuses on empowering marginalized Filipino communities via sustainable nanoenterprise growth. Their multifaceted approach includes nanofinancing, social investments, and financial education, addressing poverty and promoting financial stability. Despite advances in microfinance, poverty and high indebtedness… Read more: Empowering the Marginalized: SEDPI’s Innovative Path in Nanoenterprise Development

Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur – SEDPI KaNegosyo, a pioneer in microfinance, continues to set itself apart from conventional microfinance institutions with its innovative approach to financial services, particularly in the thriving communities of Mindanao. Since its inception, SEDPI KaNegosyo has been on an impressive trajectory of growth. From a modest beginning with two branches… Read more: SEDPI KaNegosyo: Revolutionizing Microfinance in Mindanao

Rosario, Agusan del Sur – In a significant step towards enhancing their long-standing partnership, SEDPI hosted a comprehensive field visit for representatives from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) at their KaNegosyo Bayugan branch. This visit, involving key personnel from both organizations, served as a platform for collaborative discussion and strategic planning. The day… Read more: SEDPI and Land Bank of the Philippines: Strengthening Ties for Sustainable Development

Esteemed Deans and respected colleagues, I am Vince Rapisura, 20 years with Ateneo, and proudly co-founding the Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. or SEDPI in 2004 with Edwin Salonga. I stand before you to propose strategic partnership with the Ateneo School of Public Health and Medicine. Our group, spanning 8 organizations, envisions empowered Filipinos globally,… Read more: Symbiotic Synergies: Crafting a Future of Empowered Health with SEDPI and ASMPH

In the wake of soaring rice prices, the Philippines has found itself in the midst of a contentious debate over the imposition of a rice price ceiling. As the staple food of the nation, rice plays an integral role in the daily lives of millions, making its affordability and accessibility crucial. President Bongbong Marcos, wearing… Read more: The Rice Price Cap in the Philippines: Pros, Cons, and Long-Term Implications

Housing in the Philippines is a topic that doesn’t just hit close to home – it IS home. Sadly, it’s a topic also rife with serious issues. As of 2018, there were over 6 million units of housing backlog in our country, a staggering statistic stemming from the twin demons of unaffordable housing and inadequate… Read more: Understanding the housing crisis in the Philippines

Microfinance has emerged as a critical tool for poverty alleviation and financial inclusion in the Philippines. The government has recognized its potential and has enacted several laws and regulations to promote and regulate the sector (Llanto & Fukui, 2015). This paper examines the key regulations governing microfinance in the Philippines and their implications for the… Read more: Regulatory landscape of microfinance in the Philippines: An overview

The SEDPI Group of Social Enterprises is a Philippines-based organization that operates with the aim of alleviating poverty among Filipinos worldwide. Since its inception in 2004, it has grown to include eight collaborative organizations executing three key programs: SEDPI KaSosyo, SEDPI KaNegosyo, and Usapang Pera. These programs focus on social investments, nanofinancing, and financial education… Read more: Power to the Nano: How SEDPI is shaking up economic norms for the better

The significance of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act in the Philippines is undisputable. As a nation, we must ensure that healthcare is both accessible and affordable to every Filipino citizen, particularly those from marginalized sectors. SEDPI, an organization that champions social investments, nanofinancing, and financial education to alleviate… Read more: SEDPI and PhilHealth partnership: An empowering step towards accessible health insurance for nanoenterprises

Warm greetings to you all. It fills me with immense joy and gratitude to stand before you on this significant occasion – the 19th anniversary of the SEDPI Group and the inauguration of our new headquarters in Rosario, Agusan del Sur. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new ones alike, as we come… Read more: SEDPI at 19: Pioneering change and empowering communities

Introduction Across the economic landscape of the developing world, one cannot overlook the proliferation of small scale enterprises that create a significant economic impact at the grassroots level. This intricate tapestry of economic activity, composed of nanoenterprises, microenterprises, and gig economy jobs, holds tremendous potential for poverty alleviation and socio-economic mobility. To unlock this potential,… Read more: Comparative Overview of Nanoenterprises, Microenterprises, and Gig Economy Jobs: Characteristics, Market Factors, Risk Resilience, and Potential Impact

Delivered on May 23, 2023 at the Agricultural Credit Policy Council event held at the PICC Financial inclusion remains an essential factor for sustainable economic development, particularly in the realm of the agricultural sector. Having access to a broad range of financial services – which includes not only credit but also savings, insurance, and money… Read more: <strong>Reimagining Farmers as Partners: Leveraging Savings for Credit Risk Mitigation in the Agricultural Sector</strong>

Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are state-owned investment funds that are used by countries to benefit their economies and citizens. They consist of various types of assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or other financial instruments, often derived from a nation’s surplus reserves. The concept of SWFs originated in the mid-20th century, pioneered by countries with… Read more: The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF): A critical examination of the Philippines’ proposed sovereign wealth fund

Nitong ika-16 ng Marso, 2023, nagsagawa ang Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) ng relief operations sa mga lugar na apektado ng Low Pressure Area sa Carmen, Davao del Norte at Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Ang organisasyon ay tumugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga tao sa mga apektadong lugar sa pamamagitan ng SEDPI KaTambayayong na… Read more: SEDPI, Tumutugon sa Kalamidad: Relief Operations at Pagsusulong ng Resilient Housing sa Davao del Norte at Agusan del Sur

Update 18 of SEDPI’s Rapid Community Assessment (RCA)October – December 2022 As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, the economic landscape remains uncertain, especially for nanoenterprises. A recent survey conducted by our organization, Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI), reveals that 99% of nanoenterprises have resumed operations as of December 2022, indicating a promising… Read more: Fragile recovery persists among nanoenterprises post pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on nanoenterprises (NEs) worldwide, with various stages of recovery, demand trends, and access to supplies experienced throughout the course of the pandemic. This article examines the chronological analysis of NEs’ recovery, demand trends, and access to supplies from March 2020 to December 2022, based on the Rapid… Read more: Resilience and Recovery: A Chronological Analysis of Nanoenterprises Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nanoenterprises are typically unregistered livelihoods of self-employed individuals or informal solo-preneurs with asset size ranging from PhP3,000 to PhP150,000. They operate businesses alone or with the help of unpaid family members targeting their immediate local communities. Microenterprises are mostly registered enterprises able to hire employees albeit on a minimum wage rate. There are approximately 8.1… Read more: Profile of nanoenterprises

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), there are nearly a million microenterprises in the Philippines. DTI considers any business with less than PhP3 million in assets and less than 10 employees as microenterprise. The challenge with this classification in the social development perspective is that it lumps together poor and non-poor enterprises… Read more: A case for nanoenterprises

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) defines microfinance as the provision of a broad range of financial services such as deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers and insurance products to the poor and low-income households, for their microenterprises and small businesses, to enable them to raise their income levels and improve their living standards.[1] It is… Read more: Philippine microfinance industry estimates

This paper is written by SEDPI Chairperson, Mr. Edwin M. Salonga. You may download the copy of the whole article here: The Role of the Private Sector in Supporting Populations Displaced by Disasters: The Case of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation Edwin M. Salonga*[1] Abstract Considered an immediate impact of disasters, displacement is counterproductive to development… Read more: The Role of the Private Sector in Supporting Populations Displaced by Disasters: The Case of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation

At least one out of four nanoenerprises are now either selling their products online, or are buying products to be sold in their local communities to cope with granular lockdowns imposed by local government units. Out of 7,675 respondents, 26% sold products and 29% bought supplies online, to augment their livelihood operations. Nanoenterprise is a… Read more: 1 out of 4 nanoenterprises adopted online selling in response to lockdowns

“Sagol nerbyos hadlok lagi kay basi manganaod kay paspas kaayo ang pag taas sa tubig og sulod kaayo.”  “Magkahalong nerbyos at takot dahil baka maanod kasi mabilis ang pagtaas ng tubig at pumapasok talaga.” Ito ang naramdaman ni Roxanne Amigo habang rumaragasa ang baha na dala ng bagyong Vicky. Kasama sa binaha at na-landslide ang… Read more: SEDPI at Opisina ni Senator Risa Hontiveros Nag-abot ng Tulong sa mga Nasalanta ng Bagyong Vicky

Agad na nag-abot ng tulong ang SEDPI at Ambagan PH sa 1,884 na nasalanta ng bagyong Vicky sa Agusan del Sur at Surigao del Sur.  Matapos ang tuloy-tuloy na ulan na dulot ng bagyong Vicky sa Mindanao nagdulot ito ng pagbaha at landslide.  Kasama sa naapektuhan ay ang mga residente ng Agusan del Sur at… Read more: SEDPI at Ambagan PH Tumulong sa mga Nasalanta ng Bagyong Vicky

Pinaka-essence ng insurance ang pooling of risks over a large number of similar units such as households, persons or businesses. Inispread natin ang risk para yung financial loss ay hindi lang sa atin tatama. Insurance should not be treated as an investment Hindi dapat pinagkakakitaan ang insurance dahil hindi ito investment. Para itong bayanihan, you… Read more: Microinsurance: Abot-kayang klase ng insurance

May apat na forms ang insurance – formal, informal, public at hybrid. Pooling of risks over a large number of similar units such as households, persons or businesses ang insurance. Inispread ang risk para ang financial loss ay hindi pasan lamang ng iisa kundi ng marami. Formal insurance Galing sa corporations and cooperatives ang formal… Read more: Forms of insurance

Pooling of risks over a large number of similar units such as households, persons or businesses ang insurance. Pinaghahati-hatian ng maraming ang risks – tulad ng kamatayan, pagkakasakit, aksidente, kalamidad – para ang financial loss ay hindi pasan lamang ng iisa kundi ng marami tao. Term insurance Upon death of the insured, may benefits paid… Read more: Kinds of insurance

Pandemic or not, farmers in Mindanao tirelessly till the soil. This is why the Department of Agrarian Reform, together with SEDPI, continue to work while majority of the population are on a standstill to bring the most awaited agri-input investments from the DAR – Italian Assistance to ARC Development Support Program (IARCDSP) to our farmers. … Read more: Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Sultan Kudarat Receive Millions Worth of Agri-Inputs from DAR – IARCDSP

Bitcoin is a digital currency that uses blockchain technology. It is located in a computer network, meaning it is only accessible through a network such as the Internet. Bitcoin is unregulated In the event of a grievance or dispute, there is no institution to turn to as the governing body of all transactions. The lack… Read more: Challenges of investing in Bitcoin

Should you be investing in Bitcoin? Will it sustain its massive gains? Is it safe to invest in it? A lot of people have become curious about Bitcoin again since its perceived value is near historic highs the past month. What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency. Other popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum,… Read more: Cryptocurrencies: Where does Bitcoin come from?

If central banks print currencies, where does Bitcoin come from? Blockchain Bitcoin enigmatically appeared in the Internet. Satoshi Nakamoto, its unknown originator, used blockchain technology in order to create Bitcoin. Blockchains are democratized “public” ledgers. Ledgers are the recordkeeping books that accountants and bookkeepers typically use. Thus, blockchains are one method of record-keeping. Because blockchain… Read more: Blockchains: Where does Bitcoin come from?

SEDPI offers Group Renewable Term Insurance (GYRT) in partnership with CLIMBS, a service more catered to common Filipino households. Term insurance provides protection against emergencies for a specific period of time. As lifetime coverage is not always needed, term insurance provides cheaper premiums with larger benefits. On average, investment-linked insurance schemes charge PhP80,000 in premiums.… Read more: SEDPI’s Group Yearly Renewable Term Insurance

SEDPI offers the Social Welfare Protection Program (SWePP), where members can avail microinsurance coverage for their families in the Philippines or themselves. SWePP is a consolidated microinsurance and social safety net program and provides security and protection to low-income SEDPI members. As a hybrid form of insurance, it adopts formal, informal, and government social insurance… Read more: SEDPI’s Social Welfare Protection Program

Insurance involves pooling risk over a large number of similar units such as households, persons, or businesses. It protects people and businesses against financial loss by spreading their risk among large numbers, and is similar to the concept of “bayanihan.” Insurance is not an investment. You are not after financial gain. It is for protection… Read more: What qualifies as microinsurance in the Philippines?

Mary Jane Selecia is a mother of five who lives in a rural community in Upi, Maguindanao in the Philippines. She runs a sari-sari store (corner store) in her community. COVID-19 has significantly affected their household and community. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the government imposed community quarantine measures which includes physical distancing, movement… Read more: Never too small for hope (sari-sari store) – International Day of Rural Women 2020

Federic Caneta / Resident of Cebu City – Furniture Maker  The miter saw is silent in Federic Caneta’s workshop. The carpenter has a cabinet and a couple of shelves from commissions that were canceled because of the lockdown. His monthly projects vary with demand, “I make furniture on a custom-made or pre-order basis. Orders would… Read more: Never Too Small for Hope- Part III (Service Economy)

Image Credit: FreePik Respondent: Jhun Rodriguez / Resident of Quezon City- Tricycle Driver Jhun Rodriquez’s day would start with morning commuters in Quezon City. He is one of 4.5 million drivers across the country who have left their vehicles in garages until quarantine conditions are lifted. Jhun has put a ‘Family Use – Private’ sign on… Read more: Never too Small for Hope – Part II (Transport and Logistics)

Update 10: SEDPI Rapid community assessment on the impact of COVID-19 to nanoenterprises Two months after the government started easing lockdowns in most parts of the country, 36% of nanoenterprises reported to have bounced back to pre-pandemic level. In May, only 18% expected to bounce back within one month which may be a good sign… Read more: Almost 4 in 10 nanoenterprises bounce back to pre-pandemic level

Never too Small for Hope- Part I Doing business is largely a family affair in the Philippines – 80% of enterprises are family-owned or family-controlled. Microenterprises are the most intimate and the most common of these businesses. Nine of out of 10 MSMEs in the Philippines are microenterprises. Their kinship is the most deep-rooted because… Read more: Plight of Microentrepreneurs in the Philippines Part 1 of 3 Sari-sari Stores

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur Provinces remain covid free. This is the result of the ARBO covid-19 quick assessment conducted by SEDPI on April 20-24, 2020. While some ARBOs have completely stopped operations, 36% or ten (10) out of twenty-eight (28) participating ARBOs continue to provide… Read more: ARBOs Remain Covid-free

SEDPI is a group of social enterprises that provide capacity building and social investments to development organizations and directly to microenterprises. We serve ~8,000 microenterprises in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, two of the poorest provinces in the Philippines. Most of our members, about nine in 10, are women with an average age… Read more: Update 3: Community assessment and recommendations for support to microenterprises and the informal sector during and after COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose serious threats to health and has already disrupted the economy. This prompted the government to enact Republic Act No. 11469 otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act,” declaring a state of national emergency in order respond to the urgent needs of the people. It is in… Read more: Position Paper on Section 3.01 of the IRR of RA 11469 Section 4 (aa)

Choosing the right clients is one of the major factors in a successful microfinance business. Proper client selection will make microfinance institutions avoid several delinquency problems and will surely save a lot of their time and efforts in the future. For the second day of the credit competency training with seven credit cooperatives from Northern… Read more: Coops learn about proper client selection

An important part of addressing delinquency for cooperatives is risk management — a systemic approach that includes identification and prioritization of risks, and implementation of strategies to mitigate the risks. This approach entails both the prevention of potential problems and early detection of actual problems of cooperatives. Risk management is the focus of the third… Read more: Coops trained on risk management & financial management

For cooperatives who face a lot of risks, financial shields to delinquency must always be in place. Remedial management must also be employed to prevent the occurrence of, and bring about prompt and satisfactory conclusions to problem accounts. The final sessions of the credit competency training with seven credit cooperatives from Northern Luzon were handled… Read more: Sir Vince Rapisura trains coops on shields to delinquency, remedial management

Ateneo and SEDPI reached another milestone in their partnership with the implementation of a training of trainers program that aims to develop trainers to promote social investments. Social investments are investments that generate profits as well as social and environmental gains. The training of trainers for social investors was held in different major cities around… Read more: Promoting social investments: Ateneo and SEDPI conducts training of trainers for social investors

In order to deliver its programs to eradicate poverty, SEDPI continues to invest in its people that emabke them to deliver excellence-driven and innovative products and services. Foray in socialized housing One of the major programs of SEDPI is socialized housing that aims to provide affordable and disaster-resilient houses to low income groups. It’s President,… Read more: SEDPI management staff undergo knowledge and skills upgrade

“SEDPI believes that the marginalized sector should be the first to enjoy the benefits of government services,” Vince Rapisura, SEDPI President, said in a statement on the occasion of its Memorandum of Agreement signing with Social Security System (SSS). “Our partnership with SSS will realize this so that low income groups will benefit fron social… Read more: SEDPI inks partnership with SSS to bring social safety nets to low income groups

“SEDPI’s partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund is a step closer to the organization’s vision of financial empowerment and financial inclusion for Filipinos,” Vince Rapisura, SEDPI President said when asked how the partneship is relevant to nation building. The organization’s members consist of self-employed individuals in the informal sector with need for improved social protection and access… Read more: Shelter for all: SEDPI partners with Pag-IBIG Fund to benefit more micro-entrepreneurs

In 2019, Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) and Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt) mounted series of events to fulfill their partbership agreement to promote social entrepreneurship in the Philippines. SE Clinics with PwC SEDPI and ACSent partnered with Isla Lipana & Co. Price Waterhouse Coopers Philippines (PwC) to conduct social impact clinics in… Read more: SEDPI partners with ACSent to promote social entrepreneurship nationwide

In 2019, SEDPI, with the leadership of its founder and president Vince Rapisura, further enhanced its brand as the premier capacity builder in the fields of social entrepreneurship, microfinance and financial literacy in the Philippines. Apart from the organization’s social media page and video blog, #UsapangPera, the organization was able to reach hundreds of thousands… Read more: Amplifying SEDPI’s practice: 2019 media highlights

“I found Vince Rapisura on Facebook and he constantly discusses being a social investor. Through him, I learned that investing can create more value than just mere profit. We can select investments that have a conscious goal of making a positive impact on society,” said a social investor in an online forum. Impact investing are… Read more: SEDPI pioneers impact investing fora in 9 countries

“Ang pagyaman, napag-aaralan.” This has been the statement which reverberates in the minds and hearts of every Filipino who underwent SEDPI’s financial literacy training. Vince Rapisura, president of SEDPI, is slowly becoming well-known as a financial guru helping Filipinos, in and out of the country, manage their money better. In 2019, SEDPI was able to… Read more: (L)earning Wealth: SEDPI provides financial literacy to thousands of Filipinos here and abroad

Social Enterprise and Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) is the country’s premier capacity builder in the fields of social entrepreneurship, microfinance and financial literacy. SEDPI, represented by its founder and president Vincent Rapisura, joined eCompareMo’s Finovation 2019 to contribute to a clearer and more solid path towards greater financial inclusion. He served as the moderator of… Read more: SEDPI joins key financial stakeholders in Finovation 2019

Mindanao is considered one of the wealthiest islands in the Philippines in terms of natural resources. It boasts plenty of natural resources, producing 40% of the country’s food needs (OECD, 2013). Further, one-third of the island’s land area is considered agricultural (Francisco, 2017). Despite these considerable assets, the island has continuously been a place of… Read more: Strengthening farmer organizations Mindanao to alleviate poverty and accelerate peace process

The Truth about OFWs When one talks about the Overseas Filipino Workers, they are often described as “mga bagong bayani” or the modern-day Filipino heroes. They are called that way because of how they are contributing to the Philippine economy through their remittances. More than their financial contribution, though, they are also called “mga bagong… Read more: Ateneo OF-LIFE Program: Empowering Overseas Filipino Workers

  “We must all be solution-oriented,” said Florence Adviento, one of the trainers from SEDPI, at the beginning of the discussions. With the statement above as tone-setter, the Social Enterprises Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) successfully conducted a 3-day series of trainings with 38 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) coming from provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat,… Read more: LENDING A HAND, BUILDING CAPACITIES: SEDPI conducts trainings on product design and delinquency management with ARBOs

Quezon City –Financial Wealth Expert and Host of Usapang Pera Vince Rapisura signed a contract with SAFER Foundation last February 19, 2019 to become its first official brand ambassador. Also present during the event are SAFER Board member Benedict Balderama (Executive Director, PHILSSA), Executive Committee Members Roselle Rasay (Executive Director, CODE-NGO) and Kevin Lee (Convenor, HRC). As a DRRM and development practitioner,… Read more: Vince Rapisura is SAFER Foundation’s first brand ambassador

Small Business Corporation (SBC) commissioned Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) to conduct training on Cooperative Standards for its management staff from Northern Luzon on December 11, 2018 in Baguio City. SEDPI Senior Program Officers, Ms. Florence Adviento and Ms. Francesca Gacer-Magallon, facilitated the one-day training for thirty (30) participants. The training discussed the different… Read more: SEDPI conducts training on Cooperative Standards for Small Business Corporation

Twenty small business owners participated in Social Impact Clinic held in University of San Carlos, Cebu on January 11, 2019. The Social Impact Clinic sponsored by Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt) and Isla Lipana & Co. Price Waterhouse Coopers Philippines (PwC) provided venue for those running an enterprise or wanting to get involved to… Read more: Sir Vince Rapisura facilitates Social Impact Clinic in Cebu

On December 28, 2018, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) awarded a multi-million project to SEDPI to implement a component of the Italian Assistance to Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) Development Support Program (IARCDSP). DAR implements the IARCDSP as one of its foreign-assisted projects which is funded under the loan agreement executed with the Government of… Read more: DAR Awards SEDPI Project on Poverty Alleviation and Peace Process in Minadanao

On January 7, 2019, the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions awarded SEDPI a contract to conduct a demand-side research with credit union members of select credit unions (CUs) or credit cooperatives in the Philippines. The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, the social impact affiliate of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), partnered with the… Read more: SEDPI Clinches WOCCU Project on Financial Inclusion

SEDPI, in partnership with Ateneo de Manila Microfinance Capacity Building Program, is mounting a two-day training event entitled “Innovations and Trends in Inclusive Finance”. The course will present recent trends on financial product design and delivery; innovations in operational policies; institutional policies of successful microfinance institutions; and lessons learned on how to cope with disasters and… Read more: Innovations and Trends in Inclusive Finance 2018

The Ateneo-SEDPI Microfinance Capacity-Building Program is mounting nationwide three-day training events entitled “Financial Literacy Training of Trainers”. The training of trainers is a certification that aims to equip stakeholders from the government and private sector to contribute to the financial empowerment of Filipinos. Training of Trainers (ToT) focuses on providing various methods and techniques on… Read more: Ateneo-SEDPI Financial Literacy Training of Trainers

SEDPI is mounting nationwide two-day training events entitled “Innovations and Trends in Inclusive Finance”. The training aims to provide capacity building training to development workers and microfinance institutions such as cooperatives, NGOs, rural banks and people’s organizations in improving the delivery of pro-poor financial services towards financial inclusion of marginalized sectors. The course will present… Read more: Innovations and Trends in Inclusive Finance 2017

The training aims to provide capacity building training to development workers and microfinance institutions such as cooperatives, NGOs, rural banks and people’s organizations in improving the delivery of pro-poor financial services towards financial inclusion of marginalized sectors. The specific objectives are: Equip MFIs with necessary knowledge and skills to enhance the provision of microfinance services… Read more: Innovations and Trends in Inclusive Finance

Do you want a job that has positive social impact? Are you interested in promoting financial literacy? SEDPI Foundation Inc. is currently looking for a Marketing and Communications Officer. SEDPI Foundation Inc. (SFI) is a non-government organization with Financial Literacy as its primary advocacy of. SFI is one of the entities of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc.… Read more: Job Opening | Marketing and Communications Officer