Assessment of Environmental, Economic, Social, and Sustainable Governance Practices of Medium Enterprises in Northern Samar

Abstract

Sustainability has emerged as a crucial focus for enterprises navigating environmental, social, economic, and governance challenges. This study investigated the sustainable practices of medium enterprises in Northern Samar, Philippines—an under-researched, rural province where such businesses play a pivotal role in local development. Using a descriptive design and a modified questionnaire, the study assessed sustainability practices across environmental, social, economic, and governance dimensions from 80 medium enterprises (323 owners and employees) in Laoang, Allen, and Catarman. Among the sustainability dimensions, environmental practices ranked with the highest weighted mean (4.21), with safe hazardous waste disposal being the most widely practiced. Social practices (3.82) were moderately observed, particularly support for employee leave policies, while economic practices (3.89), such as fair pricing, were commonly implemented. Governance practices (3.86) showed commitment but needed further institutionalization. Outcomes highlighted strong environmental protection, compliance with regulations, and efficiency, though community reputation scored slightly lower. The study concluded that medium enterprises in Northern Samar demonstrate a foundational commitment to sustainability, particularly in environmental practices. However, gaps remain in areas such as training, organizational engagement, and support mechanisms, which hinder the broader implementation of sustainable practices. To address these challenges, targeted policies, capacity-building initiatives, and financial support are recommended. These actions can empower medium enterprises to become catalysts for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable local development.