I have been following Sierreza, a social enterprise based in Los Baños, Laguna on social media for over a year now. Che Abrigo, the founder of Sierreza, is a college friend. I learned about her inspiring story in an opportune interview with her. The business she established is characteristically different from its mainstream counterparts because of its prime focus on its mission of promoting fair trade and providing a stable market for the products of the farming communities of indigenous people.
Social enterprises are organizations that primarily pursue a social mission at the same time operating with the financial discipline and determination of for-profit organizations. SEs help address issues that are not adequately resolved by the government, civil society, or the market. The blending of the social and economic goals implies challenges though, and hence have an impact on SE’s viability and continuity.