Established in the Philippines and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) in 1996, Unlad Kabayan pioneered the innovative approach of harnessing migrant workers’ resources to bear on local economy development. Building on its gains, Unlad entered the “entrepreneurial” stage in 2001-2005. This was the period for expanding Unlad’s work in mobilizing savings and investments, and ramping up social enterprises into commercial operations. At this time, key enterprise projects in food production and processing were developed, as well as environment-enhancing production and products, and innovative farming techniques. Unlad established value-adding partnerships with progressive NGOs, local and national government, and academic institutions.
’Unlad’ is to develop, progress, or prosper. ‘Kabayan’ are fellow Filipinos abroad. Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation is a social entrepreneurship NGO linking migration to community development in the homeland.
