Disruption . . . in order to share prosperity?
By Reena Mapanao
GK manifesto
If you know Tony Meloto, then you can understand his upside down philosophy: disrupt the social market in order to create and share prosperity. And that’s the theme of the 4th Global Social Business Summit, organized at the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan 20 to 22 January 2017.
Tony Meloto at the Enchanted Farm
Upside down Tony is the innovator and principal driving machine behind this innovative experiment in the midst of the poor communities we are trying to assist. For GK Enchanted Farm is an experimental school in small start ups that can be smoothly transferred to rural communities, thus to enrich their resources and multiply income.
Bea Gonzales discussing in a group
Enchanted Farm is so far the only farm-based university aiming to create business opportunities in the rural communities, using social principles to create wealth. This could be raising ducks or making salted duck eggs using new procedures; sewing plushy toys, creating food carts for income, like fish balls or crispy kamote.
Team work with students from other schools and countries
GK’s motto is Walang Naiwanan, Leave no one behind, every one is in! Taking this to the grassroots means startups can be designed and made workable in a barrio setting. This is bootstrapping development at the roots of the community.
The most enlightening aspect of the 3 day summit is meeting other students with similar aspirations, as also some with hesitance and doubt! We’ll also have the chance to meet and mingle with the farm communities around. The summit promises to be beneficial for both the students and the farm communities. Enchanted farm, in a sense, is Enderun in the woods!
Tablets, CPs and paper all technologies, all countries
I have been a witness to the changes happening around me. I have been constantly hearing news about it. This Global Social Business Summit will give insights on how to respond to these changes. And even as a student, it is never too early to get involved and to participate. The knowledge gained helps sharpen our understanding to solve the challenges that the coming changes will bring.
This summit will unify our generation of students, the new leaders, it will inspire all, young and old, rich and poor, the excited and innovative, but also the doubtful and the impervious!
