NATCCO brings Co-op education to the Overseas Filipinos in Macau

Caritas, Macau – NATCCO’s Diaspora Program brings co-op education and social investments to the Ateneo LSE Batch 80 students in Macau on September 8, 2019.  The learning session is part of the 6-month Overseas Filipinos’ Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy, and Social Entrepreneurship Program (ALSE OF-LIFE) of the Ateneo School of Government.  As part of the LSE Consortium, NATCCO facilitates the session on Social Investments and Cooperatives.  Batch 80 is composed of 50 OFs who are close to graduating in November 2019.  The Head of NATCCO's Diaspora Program, Lasalette Gumban, facilitated the session.  The indefatigable Consul General of Macau, Lilybeth Deapera, inspired the students through her welcome message.

The session also serves as a Pre-Membership Education Seminar for cooperatives.  It allowed the students to apply for co-op membership when they are ready.  As one of the best forms of social enterprise, cooperatives provide an inclusive and holistic approach to investment.  The co-op system ensures that its programs and services achieve the multiple bottom line: people, profit, peace, and planet.  This principle blends perfectly with the ALSE’s goal of developing the Overseas Filipinos to become social entrepreneurs and change makers.

The session brings fresh perspectives to the OFs in partnering with financial institution that can support their financial goals and reintegration plans.  After understanding the advantages and uniqueness of cooperatives, several OFs applied for membership right away, immediately applying what they have learned.  NATCCO's Diaspora partner co-ops will facilitate their membership.

The ALSE Program in Macau has grown exponentially over the years.  This growth and continuous patronage can be attributed to the support of the Philippine Consulate Office in Macau, headed by the Consul General, Lilybeth Deapera.  ConGen Deapera is also an active ALSE Alumni and a strong advocate of continuous learning for OFs.  In 2020, NATCCO hopes to be collaborating with the Philippine Consulate Office in providing learning opportunities for OFs in areas of social investments and cooperatives.