Scaling Up: Interactions, Challenges, and Opportunities for SSE in the Philippines (Draft)

This paper discusses the interactions, challenges and opportunities of social and solidarity economy in the Philippines, by looking at a case study of a relatively successful community-based enterprise (CBE) in the province of Negros Occidental, considered one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country in 2004. The CBE was able to assist 3,375 households, members of 25 different community groups, in increasing their income through collective production and marketing system. The research highlights three critical characteristics for success and sustainability of CBEs: the proper match among the earning patterns of families, the availability of resources (natural and human skills), and the presence of active and consistent product demand; the reduction of transaction costs for farmers, especially in terms of ensuring access to markets and credit; and the provision of a guarantee that when farmers continue engaging in collective production, their livelihood is assured.

Michael Cañares is Managing Consultant at Step Up Consulting, a social enterprise assisting local governments and non-profits in the Philippines. He is also Director for Publications at Holy Name University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics.