Thriving Social Enterprise Empowers Rural Poor in Philippines
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. of Philippines has emerged as one of the sterling examples of how social enterprises can make a difference while being profitable at the same time. GKI is a unique social enterprise that was established four years ago by two sisters in Philippines, Anna Meloto-Wilk and Camille Meloto. It is now making a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of rural poor in Philippines, while running an internationally successful business.
Sisters Anna Meloto-Wilk and Camille Meloto visited the United States four years ago, and were impressed to see the popularity of all-natural cosmetics and personal care products. They began exploring the idea of developing a line of organic products in their own home country. Less than four years later, that idea is already changing the lives of thousands of rural poor in the Philippines. GKI is a socially responsible company that has sold over two million products, engages more than 16,000 distributors, and helps farming communities in the Philippines.
GKI is driven by a social entrepreneurial mission to provide fair livelihood opportunities to the underprivileged communities in the Philippines, while generating profit. The company sources its raw materials locally at fair trade prices and applies social innovation to produce goods of high quality standards. GKI helps its workforce sustain quality livelihoods through socially innovative approaches to employment.
