Press Release
Apr 03, 2023
BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), recently launched the third branch of its social enterprise (SE) store, Sinag Sari-Sari, at the Ayala Museum.
A collaboration with Bayan Academy, in cooperation with Ayala Foundation, through the Ayala Museum, the third BPI Sinag Sari-Sari Store is a dedicated marketspace for Filipino social enterprises that provides them with free spaces where they can showcase their products and help increase their sales.
This initiative is part of BPI Foundation’s long-standing Sinag program that aims to nurture and elevate the budding social enterprise (SE) community. SEs are committed to transforming underserved communities to a financially viable and inclusive community.
“Ayala Museum is very glad to be involved as a partner in bringing Sari-Sari to a unique market. In a sense, this partnership, which features products by our local communities and artisans, is a natural extension of our desire to inspire and fascinate people about what is uniquely Filipino,” said Mariles L. Gustilo, Senior Director of the Ayala Museum.
Social entrepreneurs (SEs) play a significant role in solving social issues and achieving an inclusive economy, and they need strong support to continue their mission in addressing the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. The potential of these social entrepreneurs to scale up, expand and deepen impact requires a more robust environment. Thus, it is essential to support them by expanding the SEs’ network and providing them with alternative market access.
BPI President and CEO and BPI Foundation Vice Chairman TG Limcaoco, (sixth from left), BPI Executive Vice President Juan Carlos Syquia together with BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo and Bayan Academy Executive Director Basil Soriao pose with BPI Sinag Social Enterprise Alumni during the Sinag Sari-Sari Launch at Ayala Museum
BPI Sinag Sari-Sari Social Enterprise Store at Ayala Museum
“Social enterprises are the natural and true manifestation of the world-renowned Filipino ‘Bayanihan’ spirit,” said Owen Cammayo, Executive Director of BPI Foundation. “We will continue to advocate for the development of responsible, inclusive and sustainable businesses through the Sinag program, which provides SEs opportunities for funding technological, social, and market innovations such as this unique Sinag Sari Sari Store at the Ayala Museum.”
“We support your social cause, working towards an inclusive, responsible and sustainable development for every Filipino – whether as workers, suppliers, customers or owners,” said BPI President and CEO, and BPI Foundation President and Vice Chairman Jose Teodoro Limcaoco. “We take the financial wellness advocacy to heart in recognition of the relevance of social enterprises to our economy and society. As BPI’s social development arm, BPI Foundation remains committed to nurture your SE community to help enable your growth, progress, and sustainability.”
The third store in Ayala Museum is inspired by the success of the first-ever Sinag Sari-Sari store in Trinoma, Quezon City which was launched in October 2021 and was participated by 15 different BPI Sinag SEs, followed by Sinag Sari-Sari store in Glorietta, Makati City launched in December 2022 hosting about 19 SEs.
“Today we are celebrating a milestone. Years ago, this was just an idea. This is testament to what we can do together when we collaborate and build our dreams together,” said Brand Ambassador of Bayan Family of Foundations, and co-founder and President of Rags2Riches Inc., Reese Fernandez-Ruiz. “We are not just showcasing for a day or two or a week, but we have an actual market space — the Sinag Sari-Sari Store, which is a dedicated space for the Sinag Alumni to promote their impact-creating products. Thank you all of you here, partners and friends, for being part of this supportive ecosystem. Look around you, this is not just a program or an event. It is nation building.”
To know more about Sinag, visit https://www.bpifoundation.org/page/bpi-sinag and follow BPI Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, BPI President and CEO and BPI Foundation Vice Chairman TG Limcaoco, (fourth from right) was joined by Bayan Academy Executive Director Basil Soriao, BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo, Brand Ambassador of Bayan Family of Foundations Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Ayala Museum Director Mariles Gustilo and Ayala Foundation CFO and Senior Director Rosalie Dimaano.
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