2nd Global Homecoming and 15thAnniversary Conference of the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship /OF- LIFE Program

Previous Next

2nd Global Homecoming and 15thAnniversary Conference of the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship /OF- LIFE Program I December 13-15, 2023, The Arete Building, Ateneo de Manila University.

With the theme- Interconnected: Community, Values, and our Journey, a three-day event full of learning, reflections, and interactions was joined by approximately 370 participants, in-person and online from the 32 ALSE country partners around the globe. 

The first day of the event was joined by Congressman Felimon Espares of Co-op NATCCO Partylist where he shared about the role of Cooperatives in the local economy and provided updates about the legislation that supports the Overseas Filipinos. This was followed by Ms. Sylvia O. Paraguya, the Chief Executive Officer of NATCCO, where she shared about the State of Cooperatives at NATCCO and Co-ops, emphasizing the roles of co-ops in developing the local economies. Apart from these topics, we also heard some of the best practices of CamSur Multi Purpose Cooperative regarding their food security programs delivered by their CEO, Ms. Annielen Panerio. A meaningful day one was wrapped up by Mr. Vince Rapisura through a round table discussion and open forum, tackling the needs and challenges of OFWs in the marketplace for their SIs/SEs and the solutions that the ALSE program can provide. 

The second day was the most awaited part of the program for the ALSE students as they culminated their 6-month journey.  The Day 2 of the program witnessed the Graduation ceremony of AFLSE-Philippines in partnership with NATCCO’s Diaspora Program, ALSE-Qatar, and the Ignatian Formation Course (IFC) Batches. An inspiring welcome message was delivered by Fr. Roberto C. Yap, Ateneo de Manila University President, followed by a topic regarding the Issues and Challenges for OFs/ OFWs in a VUCA World shared by Dr. Philip Arnold Tuaño, dean of the Ateneo School of Government. Moreover, relevant inputs from our partners from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs  (DFA). Prior to the graduation proper, a topic was presented by Fr. Nilo Tanalega, regarding building resilience for the OFs through a topic, “Counseling in the Digital Age -Diaspora In Context.”

The last day of the event was filled with heart touching stories, sharings, and fellowship with the Culture Building sessions headed by Mimo Perez and Atty. Aubrey Perez. It was then followed by sharing of reports from different country representatives. The activity ended strongly with an inspiring closing message by the former ASOG Dean, Atty. Tony La Viña about the Future Perspective and Ways Forward for the ALSE OF LIFE Program. 

The three-day program provided an insightful and unifying platform for all the alumni and partners–strengthening the interconnectedness and the spirit of servant leadership that brought the ALSE OF LIFE Program to its 15-year anniversary and beyond.