USC Initiatives on Social Entrepreneurship

The College of Commerce supports the University’s vision to be catalyst in the transformation of society.  Through its Community Extension Services, it develops, coordinates and support educational outreach programs that teach individuals and / or communities entrepreneurship – its field of expertise.  The end goal is to create economic opportunities for others. 

All activities of faculty, student organizations and student-run enterprises is set for the organization of social entrepreneurship endeavors in their respective localities and / or accredited partner communities of the USC Community Extension Services office. This way, they can internalize and apply Christian values in their respective professions.

The College maintains three flagship extension projects that establish the strong presence of the College in the business community.

1. Kapamilya Negosyo Na (KNN) Program.  In partnership with the USC-College of Commerce Alumni Association, Inc. (USC-COCAAI) and DYAB of ABS-CBN, the KNN program was conceived as a vehicle for social transformation in June 2006. This program educates the masses to take entrepreneurship as a means to change their lives.  It also provides Cebuanos the opportunity to start their small business as can be allowed by the resources of the USC-COCAAI.  KNN is now on its Season 4.

For the College of Commerce, the KNN program gives the faculty and students the opportunity to contribute their expertise in educating the public (particularly the less privileged) on entrepreneurship through the following:

• Participation in the weekly radio program in DYAB and in various events. The radio program DYAB is used as medium for the education of a wider audience.

• Organization of business plan making seminar and training of participants in the functional areas of management.

• Serve as consultants and business mentors in the implementation of the participants’ business plan

2. CES a vital component of Enterprise Development Practicum Program.  In the socio-economic aspect of the project feasibility studies of its business practicum program, the student enterprises are enjoined to present activities that will manifest the enterprise’s social responsibility to the community that it wishes to serve.  This is in consonance with the university CES objective to instil social responsibility in business, government, media, education and other sectors.  The activities will be evaluated according to the following parameters.

• must limit itself to available skills and resources of the group / department / College
• must address a need articulated by the target community or interest
• where necessary, community counterpart is to be sought
• at the end of the term the activity must generate a positive impact (even though small) to its target community

The implementation of this proposal will form part of the assessment of the student enterprises. 

3. Extension of its professional expertise and academic resources to various multi-purpose cooperatives and business communities.  The Faculty and student volunteers of the Department of Accountancy do bookkeeping and audit engagements on both a long term and short term basis.  Since June 2006, they have serviced the following cooperatives: Maghaway Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC), Don Bosco Network Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Punta Branch (DBNMPC), Don Bosco Network Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Balamban Office (DBNMPC)

The Office of the Community Extension Service of the College continues to encourage and support activities that touch lives and make a difference.

By: Cora G. Anzano
Date: March 31, 2009