When we started Go Negosyo, our mission was to help solve the problem of poverty in the country through entrepreneurship. Recently, we’ve seen a growing number of entrepreneurs whose negosyos provide solutions to a specific social problem, and will ultimately also lead to overall poverty reduction. We call them social entrepreneurs. These noble entrepreneurs run negosyos differently, working instead to address some of the most pressing problems of our country.

People such as Tony Meloto and Bam Aquino have already established their own social enterprises, and this is a movement that Go Negosyo strongly supports. But we also see the lack of awareness on the importance of social entrepreneurship, and as one of our major agendas this year, we wish to create more awareness. Through a concept called Corporate Social Innovation or CSI, we aim to educate more negosyantes on how they can incorporate a social development model as part of their existing business model, so that private companies can be more proactive in developing our country. We see CSI as a more sustainable approach than Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR. Unlike CSR, CSI is not seen as a separate initiative of the business; instead private companies incorporate a social value into their operations which will result in innovative and better business. It could be outsourcing a particular stage of production to a depressed community, or sourcing

raw material inputs from a group of farmers the company is helping, or allowing out-of-school youth to be the people manning outlets.

While there are differences among CSR, CSI or strategic CSR and SEs, they’re somehow related and synergies can be definitely found. Our attitude is one that should be inclusive, to the extent that the project is helping a particular sector or community, and we should promote this. This is why about a week ago, we gathered some of the most influential social entrepreneurs, advocates and enablers from the private and government sectors to delineate the definitions of CSR, CSI and SE and to discuss ideas that will promote the development of

these concepts. To note, we sat with Sen. Manny Villar, his wife and social entrepreneur Mrs. Cynthia Villar, Cong. Teddy Casiño, DTI Undersecretaries Merly Cruz and Cristino Panlilio, Dr. Aris Alip of CARD-MFI, Chit Juan of Eco Store, Jimmy Ayala of Solar Energy Foundation Philippines, Ana Tan of the British Council, Frank Chiu of Gawad Kalinga, Reuel Virtucio of the Manok Mabuhay SE and Gigi Zulueta of the Institute of Corporate Directors. Together, we tackled the issues and challenges of SEs, and how to move forward with the current situation of SE and CSI in the country.

We’re in the early stages of launching a campaign that will hopefully increase awareness of social entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Innovation, and trigger a real interest in integrating CSI into the operations of every negosyo. This Aug. 23, we’ll be holding our first Social Entrepreneurship Forum, followed by a Social Entrepreneurship Summit on October 14 for an open discussion on the issues surrounding SEs.

Year after year, the TOSP has brought in some of the most brilliant young minds in the country. This year is special, as we also celebrate Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary and the 50th founding anniversary of the TOSP. I’m honored to be joining all 32 finalists

today at the Malacañang as the final ten are declared.

Congratulations to the TOSP Alumni Community, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary, for organizing a successful formation week filled with activities for the finalists. This year’s theme couldn’t be more aptly named, “BayanI”, in honor of Rizal’s

birth anniversary. Go Negosyo stresses the importance of entrepreneurship to serve this country, and we commend the TOSP alumni for a theme that inspires the youth to develop a love for the Bayan and be a BayanI.

Congratulations to all 32 finalists: Kathreen Alcantara of the University of St. La Salle, Geminn Louis Apostol of Ateneo de Manila University, Sean Vincent Aquilino of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Allaenvin Columna of the International School of Asia and the Pacific, Juanito dela Rosa of the University of Santo Tomas, Arleen Delos Reyes of the University of Nueva Caceres, Wilson Lloyd Estero of Colegio de Dagupan, Mae Estuche of the University of Iloilo-PHINMA Education Network, Robert Fugaban of St. Paul University Philippines, Lovely Genoguin of the University of San Jose – Recoletos, Lalaine Hangdaan of the Ifugao State University, Julius Paul Juen of the University of St. La Salle, Renee Juliene Karunungan of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, Shiela Marie Ladroma of the University of San Carlos, Sitti Norhanie Lao of Mindanao State University – Main, Jane Aprille Luis of Benguet State University, Rio Carl Factolerin Miguel of Filamer Christian University, Christopher Millora of West Visayas State University, Ariston Miñez III of the University of the Philippines – Visayas, Michelle Marie Montelibano of Assumption College, Patricia Andrea Pateña of St. Theresa’s College – Cebu, Athena Plaza of the University of San Carlos, Gaille Marie Olivia Ramos of St. Scholastica’s College Manila, Maria Angelica Reyes of De La Salle – Lipa, Ramon Victor Roxas of Far Eastern University, Domar Nicolas Sara of Ateneo de Naga University, Inna Joyce Siazon of St. Paul University Philippines, Jerrence Taguines of Angeles University Foundation, Jonathan Andro Tan of Silliman University, Kendrick Nigel Tan of Centro Escolar University, Karla Marie Tumulak of the University of the Philippines – Cebu College, and Johnattan Valdez of St. Mary’s University.

We hope that you continue your legacy of excellence, leadership and community service to help build a better nation for all of us.

Contact me: feedback@gonegosyo.net or Joey Concepcion Facebook account. Visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the top rating entrep show GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! on GMA News TV, Saturday and Sunday 8-8:30am. Get daily Go Negosyo Text Tips in your mobile phone by sending GONEGO to 2910.