To promote sustainable development amongst young people in the Philippines, British Council and CSR Asia jointly organized CSR Forum on “Investing in Young People – Employability and Entrepreneurship for Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The event discussed how educational initiatives can maximize employability and develop entrepreneurial talents. The theme addressed how businesses and non-government organizations (NGOs) can become involved in achieving sustainability in the workplace and helping the next generation entrepreneurs.
SEDPI’s Chairperson, Edwin Salonga and President, Mariel Vincent Rapisura were speakers in the event. They shared practical steps for making social enterprises work – from concept to production. They shared the success of SEDPI Group of Social Enterprises as an example on how to start up social enterprises. They also showcased two social enterprises SEDPI is currently supporting – Good Food Community (GFC) and KliniKalusugan (KK). GFC implements community shared agriculture to improve the quality of life of farmers. KK is a community health clinic that provides health care services in urban poor communities.
Richard Wilford, Chairman of CSR Asia, delivered his keynote address on the recruitment challenges for businesses in asia. Cases were shared during the forum showcasing how education can maximize employability. Roberto Nazal, Head of CSR of Globe Telecom; Janine Carreon, Talent Management Head of Manila Water Company, Heidi Calo Program Director of GoNegosyo; and Caroline Burns, Executive Director of the Institute of for Social Entrepreneurship Education led the case sharing. Brian Belen, Vice President of Bato Balani Foundation, also talked about corporate volunteers as mentors. Amanda Burrell, Director of British Council Philippines, closed the event.