BPI Foundation Launches Sinag Synergy 2023 in Davao

Locally produced products were showcased in a four-day bazaar in Abreeza Mall Davao, as the opening of the first Sinag Sari-Sari Social Enterprise Store outside Metro Manila is set to open by July 2023.

(Photo Credits: David Salzedo Photography)

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), recently launched the BPI Sinag Synergy Business Challenge 2023, which aims to nurture and promote social entrepreneurship in the Philippines. Marking the program’s ninth year, Sinag focused on the theme, “Synergy,” emphasizing the power of collective efforts in driving social change.

L-R: Bayan Academy Chairman and President Prof. Jay Bernardo; Ayala Malls Abreeza Marketing Manager Ruby Ochoa; and BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo during the opening of the Sinag Sari-Sari Bazaar

A four-day bazaar was also held, allowing mallgoers to get a sneak peek of the very first Sinag Sari-Sari Social Enterprise Store in Davao which is set to open in July 2023. Thirteen social enterprises collaborated with partner communities to showcase various local goods from different regions. Representatives from BPI Foundation, Bayan Academy, Abreeza Mall, DTI Davao, and Sinag enterprises COSCAO Chocolates and Coffee for Peace, came together to support the event.

“Our mission is to create a financial wellness culture for underserved communities as we aspire for a better and financially inclusive Philippines.  We believe that the social enterprise (SE) community plays a vital role in achieving that goal because the SE business model is organically inclusive and sustainable. If all the enterprises in the Philippines would apply that type of model, then nobody will be left behind,” says Owen Cammayo, Executive Director of BPI Foundation.

Sinag Synergy 2023

The BPI Sinag Synergy 2023 program was designed to support the objectives outlined in the National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap, enhancing capacity-building efforts, and strengthening the Sinag Community through expansion.

Building on the success of previous editions, Sinag Synergy 2023 embodies the spirit of collective contribution toward systemic change. The establishment of the National Social Enterprise Governance System and the commitment of stakeholders to implement the National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap marked significant milestones in this journey.

In partnership with Bayan Academy, BPI Foundation is dedicated to supporting social enterprises nationwide. As part of their commitment, BPI Foundation launched the BPI Sinag Social Entrepreneurship Challenge and a series of online learning opportunities or roadshows for the ecosystem. These initiatives aimed to empower social entrepreneurs, educators, and social enterprise (SE) support intervenors.

The BPI Sinag Social Entrepreneurship Challenge

The BPI Sinag Social Entrepreneurship Challenge is an annual search for social entrepreneurs who are ready to scale up their enterprises and deepen their impact on community development. The program focuses on sustainable business models addressing social and environmental issues, particularly in agribusiness, education, health, energy, technology, and marginalized sectors across the Philippines. Resilient business models that prioritize impact remain a key focus.

Recognizing the crucial role of social enterprises in economic and social development, BPI Foundation and Bayan Academy invited new SEs to participate in the Sinag Synergy 2023 Program. This initiative aimed to contribute to nation-building by encouraging the development and sustainability of social enterprises. By spearheading this endeavor, BPI Foundation and Bayan Academy aspire to become thought leaders in the country's social entrepreneurship agenda, driving positive change and creating a more inclusive society.

To know more, visit https://bpisinagbootcamp.com.ph/ or follow BPI Foundation's official Facebook and Instagram pages.