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Social Innovation Country Report:
Philippines
In Philippines, there is an official, legally recognized definition of social innovation.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Philippines has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • SDG
  • Trabaho Para sa Bayan. Philippine Labor Employment Plan 2023-2028 Act, an Act establishing the National Employment Master Plan e
Current stage of implementation:
Stage6: Other

with

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”
Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in Philippines include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders. The top three most influential actors are:

  • Government entity (ministries/agencies)
  • Social entreprises & social innovateurs (Impact hubs)
  • NGOs

Examples: Government agencies, employers and workers groups and Non-government Institutions both from the International, national, regional and local levels.

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Philippines:

  • Comprehensive national framework:“ The government has integrated social innovation education into national curricula, vocational training, or entrepreneurship development programs, with structured support and funding.

Examples:

  • National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in Philippines.

Details:

National Innovation Council

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Philippines’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Extensive:“ strong collaboration with regular communication and joint initiatives.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

In the Philippines, tax incentives are handled by the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)

Financing Mechanisms
Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements
International Collaborations
Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks
Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact
Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Philippines is currently rated as:
Some Momentum: There is growing awareness and initial efforts in public policy, but implementation remains limited or fragmented.

Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Philippines:

  • Lack of sustainable funding model,Regulatory and legal barriers
  • Lack of awareness and understanding of social innovation
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating impact
  • Limited access to skilled professionals in the sector
Collaborative Ideas
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