The Institute of ASEAN-European Studies (IAES) welcomed the second semester with an introductory course on Social Entrepreneurship for Migration and Development held last February 20, 2024 at the 7F Multi-Purpose Function Hall.
Three esteemed lecturers shared their deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing social entrepreneurs in the field of migration and development.
In the first lecture “The Filipino Diaspora: Theories and Trends,’ Dr. Melvin Jabar of De La Salle University and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta highlighted ongoing research on the economic, social, and demographic trends affecting Filipino migrants.
Followed by a lecture on “Social Entrepreneurship in the Context of Migration and Development”, Leila Rispens-Noel of WILMER Foundation laid down the tenets of social entrepreneurship vis-a-vis the traditional business model and showcased the foundation’s capacity building programs for Filipino migrants in Hong Kong.
Joji Pantoja of Coffee for Peace drew from her experience as a social entrepreneur in her talk on “Practice of Ethics in Social Enterprise” where she emphasized that human dignity and integrity of the environment are respected at each stage of the value chain.
The course generated great interest among the diverse group of participants from the government, NGO, academe, and various student clubs who provided valuable comments and raised in-depth questions during the open forum.
Present during the event were Department of Migrant Workers-XI OIC Regional Director Angela Librado-Trinidad and OIC Asst. Regional Director Marie Rose Escalada, officials of Davao City’s Barangay 14-B, representatives from Ateneo de Davao University-American Corner, Friends Network, HCDC’s Anak OFW, SSG, JMAP, SaCC, BSME, HUSOCOM, STE and CHATME.
Promoting entrepreneurship for sustainable solutions for migrant families and communities is a testament to HCDC’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent work for all), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for sustainable development).
