Exploring the role of social enterprises in improving local development in the Philippines : DOCHSEi’s case

Main Article Content

Chaima Atmani
Sassia messahel

Abstract

This research investigates the role of social enterprises in fostering local development in the Philippines, with a particular focus on the Davao Oriental Coco Husk Social Enterprise, Inc. (DOCHSEi). The study aims to elucidate how social enterprises, especially those in which the poor are principal stakeholders (SEPPS), contribute to economic, social, and environmental development at the local level. Employing a case study methodology combined with qualitative analysis of secondary data, the paper examines DOCHSEi’s initiatives in transforming coconut husk waste into value-added, eco-friendly products, thereby creating employment opportunities for marginalized groups and promoting sustainable community development.
Key findings reveal that DOCHSEi significantly contributes to local development by generating jobs, reducing poverty, empowering women and youth, and mitigating environmental degradation through innovative waste management. The enterprise’s activities have enhanced social inclusion, increased household incomes, and provided a model for sustainable, community-led economic growth. However, the research also identifies critical challenges, including limited access to financing, regulatory hurdles, and the need for greater ecosystem support.
The study concludes that social enterprises like DOCHSEi are vital catalysts for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation in the Philippines. It underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, policy support, and sustainable business models in scaling the impact of social enterprises. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and social entrepreneurs seeking to leverage social innovation for local development.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Article Details

How to Cite
Chaima Atmani, & Sassia messahel. (2025). Exploring the role of social enterprises in improving local development in the Philippines : DOCHSEi’s case. IJEP, 8(01), Pages : 212–227. https://doi.org/10.54241/2065-008-001-012
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Chaima Atmani, University of Setif 01 (Algeria)

PhD student at University of Setif 01 (Algeria)

Sassia messahel, University of Setif 01 (Algeria)

Researcher lecturer at University of Setif 01 (Algeria)

2005-12 to present | Professor (Economics Faculty)

References

- Abbas, M. D. (2017, January). Social Enterpreneurship as an innovative mechanism for achieving sustainable development in local communities: an applied study on social entrepreneurs in Aswan . Journal of social work, pp. 339-384.

- Ali, H. B. (2021). Social Enterpreneurship and its role in sustainable development- A Case study. Ahmed Draria University . Adrar, Faculty of Economics, Business and Management Science, Algeria.

- Alter, K. ( 2007, November 27). Social Enterprise Typology . Virtue Ventures LLC.

- Borzaga, C., & Tortia, E. (2008, May). Social Enterprises and Local Economic Development. SCHOOL ON LOCAL DEVELOPMENT University of Trento, pp. 1-34.

- British Council. (February 2021). The state of social enterprise in south east Asia.

- Buted, D. R. (2024, June 15). PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY RESEARCH JOURNAL. the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), p. 24.

- Caballero, S., & Fuchs, R. (2013). The influence of personality traits on social enterprise start-up: the case of Peruvian social entrepreneurs. EMES-SOCENT, pp. 01-18.

- Community Economies Collective, & Gibson, K. (2009). Building community-based social enterprises in the Philippines: diverse development pathways . Dans A. Amin, The Social Economy: International Perspectives on Economic Solidarity. London: Zed Press.

- Council, B. (2020). Social Enterprise Policy Briefs.

- Dacanay, M. L. (2012). Social Enterprise in the Philippines. pp. 252-253.

- Dacanay, M. L. (2013). Social Enterprises with the Poor as Primary Stakeholders: Responding to State and Market Failures in the South. EMES International Research Conference on Social Enterprise, p. 3.

- Dacanay, M. L. (2017). Social Enterprise in the Philippines: Social Enterprises with the Poor as Primary Stakeholders. The International Comparative Social Enterprise Models(49), p. 5.

- Dacin, P. A., Dacin, M., & Matear, M. (2010, August). Social Entrepreneurship: Why We Don’t Need a New Theory and How We Move Forward From Here. Academy of Management Perspectives, pp. 37-57.

- Darko, E., & Quijano, T. (2015). A REVIEW OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ACTIVITY IN THE PHILIPPINES. British Council Philippines.

- DEFOURNY, J. (2004). L'émergence du concept d'entreprise sociale. Reflets et perspectives de la vie économique, Tome XLIII(3), 9-23.

- Dentchev, N. A., Roncancio, J., Outsios, G., & Alba, C. (2023). Social Entrepreneurship and vulnerable social groups. Athens, Greece: National and Kapodistrian University

- Haugh, H. (2005, January ). The role of social enterprise in regional development . International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, pp. 1-13.

- Hidalgo, G., Monticelli, J., & Bortolaso, I. (2021, June). Social Capital as a Driver of Social Entrepreneurship. Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, pp. 1-40.

- Katz, R. A., & Page, A. (2010). THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE. Vermont Law Review, 35(059).

- Kim, D., & Lim, U. (2017, Sebtember). Social Enterprise as a Catalyst for Sustainable Local and Regional Development, . journal of Sustainability, pp. 1-15.

- Kioloa, C. E. (2015, October 20). Davao Oriental Coco Husk Social Enterprise Incorporated. San Isidro, Mindanao, Philippines. Récupéré sur https://fliphtml5.com/imig/qtfi

- Lumpkin, G. T., Bacq, S., & Pidduck, J. R. (2018). Where change happens: Community‐level phenomena in social entrepreneurship research. Journal of Small Business Management, 56(1), 24-50.

- Majeed, A. H., Abbas, A., Agha, M. N., & Kadhim, K. (2024, November 28). Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development: The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Alleviating Poverty. Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, pp. 1-32.

- Noya, A. (2009). The Changing Boundaries of Social Enterprises. the Secretary-General of OECD.

- Noya, A., & Clarence, E. (2007). The Social Economy Building Inclusive Economies. Trento: OECD.

- Palil, M. R., Ismail, I. S., Zain, N. H., & Abu Bakar, M. A. (2021). Social Enterprise and Taxation Policy: A Systematic Literature Review. BESTUUR Journal, 9(2), 135-143.

- PETRESCU, C., & STĂNILĂ, G. (2012, January). THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES ON LOCAL DEVELOPMENT. POLITICI SOCIALE, pp. 345–360.

- Philippines Statistics Authority. (2023). Major Non-Food and Industrial Crops Quarterly Bulletin, April-June 2023. https://psa.gov.ph/major-non-food-industrial-crops/coconut.

- PRDP, P. R. (2016). Butuan city commodity investment plan. Butuan City.

- Seelos, C., & Mair, J. (2004, mars). Social entrepreneurship: The contribution of individual entrepreneurs to sustainable development. Anselmo Rubiralta Center for Globalization and Strategy, pp. 02-19.

- (2019). The Global Entrepreneurship Index. Washington, D.C., USA: The Global Entrepreneurship and Development Institute.

- UNLAD Kabayan. (2013). Annual report January-December.

- UNLAD, K., & Kalumonan. (2014). Value-added products business plan. DOCHSEi Business Plan, pp. 1-20.

- Yukiko, I., & Durreen, S. (JULY 2019). Road Map for Strengthening Social Entrepreneurship in the Philippines. ADB BRIEFS(112).