Empowered Women, Empowered Communities: FSSI Champions Filipina Social Entrepreneurs Driving Sustainable Rural Growth
Rural poverty continues to affect millions of Filipinos, particularly farmers and fisherfolk. But across the country, a new wave of Filipina social entrepreneurs is proving that empowerment and innovation can change that story.
Guided by the triple bottom line (3BL) framework—People, Planet, and Profit—the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) supports women-led cooperatives that are redefining rural development. By combining livelihood, environmental care, and social equity, these changemakers are helping build a more sustainable and inclusive future for their communities.
Celebrating 30 Years of Impact: FSSI Honors Women-Led Enterprises
At its 30th anniversary celebration held on September 5, 2025, FSSI honored social enterprises driving inclusive growth and innovation through its first-ever Triple Bottomline (3BL) Awards. Many of these enterprises were led by women—proof that leadership and compassion can coexist in building stronger rural economies.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, rural poverty remains at 25.7%, underscoring the importance of empowering local leaders. These women entrepreneurs, many from agricultural cooperatives, are stepping up to tackle long-standing challenges such as low farmgate prices, high production costs, and limited access to markets and funding.
From Struggle to Strength: Stories of Resilient Cooperatives
In Echague, Isabela, the Caviteño Isabelino Multipurpose Cooperative (CAISA-MPC), led by Maria Victoria Anahaw, has been addressing issues like climate change, pest infestations, and lack of capital. With FSSI’s training, seminars, and capital loans, CAISA-MPC strengthened its operations, expanded its agri-business initiatives—from pineapple processing to rice milling—and introduced sustainable practices like bamboo planting and zero open burning.
“Through FSSI’s support, we’ve trained our members, provided access to financing, and built a cooperative that uplifts the entire community,” shared Anahaw. “From a small credit co-op, we’ve grown into a multipurpose cooperative with 800 members and services that truly improve lives.”
Meanwhile, in Occidental Mindoro, the Lourdes Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) operates an FSSI-funded agri-supply store that offers affordable, quality products and loans for its farmer-members.
“It’s more than just a store—it empowers farmers to take control of their production,” said Jesrryl Maye Obispo Agnas, Branch Manager of Lourdes MPC. “We prioritize our members’ needs and ensure the quality and safety of every product we offer.”
Both cooperatives exemplify how local innovation and women’s leadership can create ripple effects that uplift entire communities.
FSSI’s Commitment to People, Planet, and Profit
Through financial support and capacity building, FSSI ensures that these enterprises not only grow sustainably but also remain rooted in their communities’ welfare. Executive Director Sixto Donato C. Macasaet highlighted that empowering women leaders is key to long-term transformation:
“Filipina social entrepreneurs show that real rural development starts with empowered leadership. FSSI will continue investing in accessible capital, upgraded technologies, and continuous learning to help them lead and thrive.”
Redefining Gender Roles in Agriculture
In a sector traditionally dominated by men, these women-led cooperatives are breaking barriers. They lead with empathy, collaboration, and strength, proving that women’s leadership is essential for inclusive growth. Their efforts are not only transforming local economies but also reshaping how rural communities perceive women in leadership roles.
Moving Forward: Building Sustainable Communities, One Enterprise at a Time
With organizations like FSSI providing steady support, more women are now taking the lead in climate-conscious, inclusive enterprises. Their success stories show that when Filipino women are empowered, entire communities grow stronger, greener, and more self-reliant.
FSSI’s 3BL model demonstrates that sustainable progress is possible when profit, people, and the planet grow together. Supporting women-led social enterprises isn’t just good economics—it’s a step toward a more inclusive and resilient Philippines.