Exploring Sustainable Business Strategies for Climate Resilience Among Selected Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Philippines: A Basis for Business Risk Management Framework

Abstract

This research explores sustainable and innovative business strategies of selected businesses in Bulacan Province, focusing on risk management. Its objective is to develop a comprehensive framework and to help businesses navigate climate challenges while ensuring market survival, anchored on the Expanded 6Ps Model of Corporate Social Sustainability.

Through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, the researcher collected data and analyzed it using NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software, and thematic analysis. The study reveals that small and medium-sized construction businesses in Bulacan face significant profitability challenges due to climate-related risks, such as disaster-triggered disruptions and supply losses. In response, these SMEs have developed adaptive strategies, including lean operational models, disaster planning, tactical warehousing, and product innovation to maintain competitiveness.

Stakeholders, including owners, consumers, and local government personnel, recognize that strategic sustainable practices centered on legality and responsibility foster clean and well-managed operations. The study further indicates that sustainable business strategies create meaningful impacts across the dimensions of people, planet, profit, purpose, partnership, and policy. The proposed business risk management framework emphasizes safety and dignity as humanitarian principles, promotes environmental accountability through eco-centric practices, and advocates for ethical profit strategies to support community-driven growth. Ultimately, it calls for stronger enforcement and governance, positioning the framework as a roadmap for ethical, resilient, and climate-resilient business conduct.