Ateneo LSE OF LIFE and NATCCO Diaspora Program welcome the 24 graduates of the AFLSE 10 Co-ops Executive Program

 

As NATCCO intensifies its efforts in serving the Overseas Filipinos (OF) and their family members, Ateneo Financial Literacy, Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship (AFLSE) training program was organized to deepen the understanding on migration, development, financial literacy, social entrepreneurship, and servant leadership of the Diaspora Partner Cooperatives.  The eight-day Executive Program was started in Tagum City, hosted by Tagum Cooperative, on April 8-13, 2019, and was completed through a two-day Business Plan Presentation on May 2-3, 2019 at the Hurtado Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.  Twenty four cooperators from 17 cooperatives actively participated and graduated from the program and added to the global network of ALSE OF LIFE Alumni.  The graduation ceremony was graced by the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) Academic Head, Cristina Alikpala, who gave the Opening Remarks and welcomed the graduates to growing LSE alumni of ASOG.  An inspiring and insightful keynote message was given by Rico Gonzalez, the Board Chairperson of Ashoka Philippines and the Co-Founder and Managing Director Xchange.

A roster of highly inspiring and top caliber professors and speakers from the Ateneo de Manila University and other development partners had ensured an enriching and high-impact learning experience.  Dr. Cristina Liamzon of ASOG/OFSPES, shared about Migration and Development Concepts, Leadership without a Title, and Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship.  Manuel Roldan, the former Labor Attache in Hongkong, Rome, and Saudi Arabia, engaged the participants with his rich experience on Communication and Conflict Management.  The session on Servant Leadership and Good Governance was discussed by Edgar Valenzuela of ASOG/OFSPES.  Mr. Felipe Ramiro, former USec of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, discussed about Appreciative Inquiry as part of the Leadership Session.  The highly relevant session on Financial Literacy was facilitated by Vince Rapisura of SEDPI, who utilized digital platform as a tool for learning and engagement.  Leila Rispens-Noel of Wimler Foundation, facilitated the session on Review of the Elements of the Social Enterprise Business Plan and Business Model Canvass.  The learning program is also one of the capacity-building activities for the OF Focal Persons.

The learning program has allowed the participants to develop social and financial enterprises to serve the unique needs of the Overseas Filipinos and their families.  Some of the social enterprises of the graduates are the following:

• HoliCow – Holistic Cover for Overseas Workers prepared by Nestor T. Padilla, the General Manager of CAPGEM MPC in Bacolod City
• Co-Bayan – Enterprising OFWs and Household Program by Jacinto Tilbe, the General manager of Northern Samar MPC in Catarman, Northern Samar.
• Dahil sa Ko-op Masaganang Buhay Makakamtan prepared by Joy Fritz Josol and Annie Pingol from Tagum Cooperative, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
• Labor of Love Seaglass by Cora Nimfa Vivar, General Manager of Mambajao Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Most of the enterprises prepared by the co-ops are financial services and programs that build the capacities of the OFs and their families on financial literacy and business development.  The business plans will be further enhanced through a Product Development Workshop that aims to create a more holistic and inclusive wealth-building package for Overseas Filipinos and their families.

NATCCO’s Diaspora Program intends to expand the program to more provinces in the country.  Our partner co-ops from Bacolod, Bohol, Camiguin, and Dumaguete will soon be serving the OFs and their families in these provinces.