By Therese Rhea Rose Baliwag-Vallente
Asst to the VP for Social Development
As part of its Social Development (SD) Week celebration, Xavier Ateneo organized the Social Entrepreneurship Forum on 11 March 2025, at the XU AVR 1. Moderated by Jo-Jean M Lumayag, Coordinator for the Student Entrepreneurship Center (SEC), the event gathered aspiring student entrepreneurs to explore innovative business models that integrate sustainability, ethical leadership, and social impact.
In his opening remarks, Xavier Ateneo Vice President for Social Development Engr Dexter S Lo emphasized the importance of balancing profitability with social responsibility. "Business and enterprise are not only about profit, but also about people—whether they are part of the value chain, customers, or employees—and the environment", he stated. He encouraged participants to actively engage in ethical entrepreneurship as a means to drive meaningful change.
In Photo: Resource Persons and attendees of the Social Entrepreneurship Forum held on 11 March, 2025 at the XU AVR 1
The forum’s keynote speaker, Dylan Wilk, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Human Nature (Gandang Kalikasan Inc), shared his journey from corporate entrepreneurship to social enterprise leadership. A globally recognized advocate for responsible business, Wilk highlighted how social enterprises can address poverty and contribute to national progress. "To change the Philippines, we have to change poverty. The way to change poverty in the Philippines is through business. So, we have to improve the way business is done for the Philippines to change", he asserted. Wilk underscored the need for social enterprises to provide high-quality products and services that can compete in the mainstream market. He stressed that sustainable businesses should not rely solely on charity or goodwill but should establish a strong value proposition. Using his company as an example, he discussed initiatives such as sourcing raw materials locally to support Filipino farmers, providing fair and livable wages, and reinvesting profits into community development.
In Photo: Keynote speaker Dylan Wilk, CEO and co-founder of Human Nature, joined online to share his experience in building
a purpose-driven business and advocate for responsible entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, and impactful business models.
Following Wilk’s presentation, key university administrators and partners reflected on the role of social entrepreneurship in sustainable development. Engr Lennie K Ong, Project Manager for the XU Campus of the Future, urged students to build businesses that go beyond profitability and contribute to social and environmental well-being. "A business should not only focus on selling a product but also foster a culture of social development and environmental stewardship", she noted. Dr Ruth Love V Russell, Dean of the School of Business and Management (SBM), highlighted examples of Xavier Ateneo students who have successfully integrated social entrepreneurship into their ventures since 2010. Meanwhile, Dr Carthelyn C Adajar, SD Coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences – Humanities, encouraged students to create businesses with a mission, advocating for enterprises that prioritize the poor, the environment, and Filipino communities. "If you are thinking of a business venture, consider creating one with a heart—one that is pro-poor, pro-Filipino, and pro-environment", she added. Dr Glenda T Orlanes, Coordinator for the Agribusiness Program of the College of Agriculture, emphasized the role of social enterprises in fostering market inclusion for smallholder farmers. “These business models promote market inclusion for smallholder farmers in the value chain and challenge and inspire the farmers as well to upgrade themselves so they can deliver good quality and quantity raw materials,” she explained. Additionally, Roberto N Gomez, Social Entrepreneurship Consultant, recounted the early beginnings of the SBM’s Social Entrepreneurship Center (SEC), reflecting on its growth and impact on student-led business ventures.
The forum also featured presentations from SEC student entrepreneur groups. Stick with Us, composed of Ruotong Xu, Dazerelle Cena, Krifthone Cayman, Cazandra Nambatac, and Loreah Emata, as well as Mukbap, consisting of Chloe Espinas, Althea Alaan, Sophia Uy, Juliana Madelu, and Marc Gastro, shared their business advocacy and how their enterprises were developed as part of their feasibility study requirement.
In Photo: Attendees and Resource Persons and posted their commitment to social and sustainable development in the Commitment Wall.
The forum concluded with a commitment ceremony led by Dr Luel Mae P Contreras, Director of the Xavier Center for Mental Health and Research (XCMHR). She inspired attendees to pledge their commitment to uplifting communities by writing their commitments to social and sustainable enterprises on a human figure and posting them on the commitment wall. “Advocacy, hard work, purpose, and values contribute to impacting meaningful change to the communities we serve”, she emphasized.
The event provided a platform for students to gain valuable insights into ethical entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices. Through engaging discussions and presentations, participants explored how enterprises can drive both profit and social impact. The Social Entrepreneurship Forum forms part of the Social Development Week 2025 celebration, which marks the 20th year of Xavier Ateneo’s mission in social development. The forum reinforced the university’s commitment to shaping future business leaders dedicated to meaningful and sustainable initiatives.