Sustainability Practices of Social Enterprises in Camarines Sur

Social enterprises in Camarines Sur, Philippines, have emerged as transformative agents of sustainable development, blending profit-driven models with socio-environmental missions to address systemic inequalities and ecological challenges. This mixed-methods study evaluates their sustainability practices across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, employing a triple bottom line (TBL) framework. Quantitative findings reveal exceptional effectiveness in social equity (weighted mean = 3.60), economic vitality (3.66), and environmental stewardship (3.49), underscoring their holistic impact. Socially, these enterprises excel in creating employment for marginalized groups (mean = 3.70) and fostering community development, though gaps persist in advancing social justice (3.50). Economically, they drive local entrepreneurship but face barriers in attracting investments and market competitiveness, mirroring SME challenges in emerging economies. Environmentally, eco-friendly practices and renewable energy adoption are notable, yet pollution reduction (3.49) and biodiversity conservation remain complex hurdles. Stakeholders confront interconnected challenges: financial instability, regulatory ambiguities, and technological adoption barriers hinder scalability, while balancing profitability with social missions strains operational resilience. Qualitative insights highlight systemic inequities in inclusivity and participatory governance, alongside the need for context-specific strategies to harmonize economic activities with ecological preservation. The study advocates for integrated policy frameworks, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives to amplify impact. Recommendations include digital literacy programs, mentorship networks, and circular economy models to enhance resource efficiency. By aligning local practices with global sustainability standards, Camarines Sur’s social enterprises offer a blueprint for resilient, equitable development in emerging economies.