Reconnecting across the globe: ALSE OF-LIFE program marks 15 years

Last 13-15 December 2023, a joyful reunion and insightful dialogues echoed through The Loft at Areté as the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE) Overseas Filipinos' Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy & Social Entrepreneurship (OF-LIFE) program marked a milestone: its 15th anniversary and 2nd Global Homecoming. The theme "Interconnected: Values, Community, and Our Journey" was a three-day celebration brimming with gratitude, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose, beginning with an opening prayer by Fr. Pat Falguera, SJ.

The three-day conference buzzed with an atmosphere of shared meaning and purpose. Over the three days, about 400 participants, both in person and online, hailing from 20 countries,  reminisced about their time in the program, forging new bonds with fellow changemakers and servant leaders.  Interactive sessions explored diverse themes, from harnessing technology for social good to navigating the evolving landscape of impact investing. Each discussion resonated with the ALSE OF-LIFE core values, reminding everyone of the program's unwavering commitment to servant leadership,   financial literacy, social innovation, and social entrepreneurship. 

The conference was a launchpad for the future. The bustling "Marketplace" showcased several alumni's ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, who presented their ventures across various sectors – from sustainable eco-fashion to community-driven agricultural initiatives. These projects, infused with their creators' values-driven perspectives, were tangible testaments to the program's impact.

A Cultural Night with performances showcased the program's rich diversity, while casual get-togethers fostered new friendships and collaborations. The spirit of "Bayanihan" (communal unity) permeated the air, a testament to the strong community built by ALSE OF-LIFE over the past 15 years.

A Tapestry of Shared Stories

The 15^th anniversary conference unfolded as a vibrant tapestry intricately woven with the diverse threads of individual experiences. Dr. Maria Lourdes Vilches, Ateneo’s Vice-President for Higher Education, and Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap, SJ, Ateneo de Manila University President, delivered impactful opening and keynote messages, echoing Fr. Pedro Arrupe’s call to be “men and women for others.” Sen. Risa Hontiveros offered an inspiring discourse on empowerment and solidarity. The plenary sessions featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Ateneo School of Government (ASoG)  Dean Philip Arnold Tuaño, who gave a context at the macroeconomic level for OFWs to appreciate, ASec. Venecio “Vennie” Legapsi of the DMW discussed the complete Reintegration Plan of the government, Cong. Filemon Esperas of the NATCCO Partylist spoke about the importance of cooperatives in building a more robust local economy, Anneline Paneiro of Cam Sur Multipurpose Cooperative shared an example of cooperatives operating in the agricultural sector, NATCCO CEO Sylvia Paraguay underscored the partnership with ALSE OF-LIFE in reaching out to the cooperatives sector to spur national and local development and broaden the diaspora outreach,  Atty. Delmer Cruz of the DMW partnered with ALSE in opening various locations like Dubai, Germany, and Russia,   ASec. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga of the DFA, whose persistence contributed to the program launched in the Americas and the Caribbean,  and former ASoG Dean Tony La Viña spoke of the challenges for the planet's future. 

Fr Nilo Tanalega, SJ of UGAT Foundation, a Consortium member of the ALSE OF-LIFE Program spoke on the building resilience of OFWs and counseling in the digital age and the need to contextualize the diaspora dialogue to the felt needs and realities of migrants and other marginalized sectors.  Vince Rapisura of SEDPI, likewise a Consortium member, facilitated the session on social investments for OFs/OFWs and ways in which they could meaningfully participate in social impact investments in the long term.

A book-launching ceremony with Megan Foundation was held to mark the 3^rd publication of the ALSE OF-LIFE Program entitled, “Journeys of Transformation and Hope of Overseas Filipinos and their Families,” which contains an opening message from Fr Bobby Yap, SJ, a Foreword by ASoG Dean Randy Tuaño and 100 stories of alumni from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. Three alumni representing Asia, the Middle East, and Europe who contributed their stories for the book briefly shared testimonials on the program's impact on various aspects of their lives.

The hallways transformed into impromptu gathering spaces, where laughter and tears flowed freely as classmates rekindled old friendships and made many new ones. The exhibition hall showcased a kaleidoscope of alum ventures and coop social enterprises, each a testament to the volunteerism and entrepreneurial spirit that burn brightly within the community.

The third and last day of the homecoming provided the opportunity to remember and deepen the core values that have driven and continue to drive the ALSE OF-LIFE Program through its 15 years of implementation. A touching culture-building exercise was facilitated by volunteer teachers Mimo and Aubs Perez for the alums, who greatly appreciated the ALSE journey that brought people together to celebrate, reflect, and reimagine.

The homecoming event celebrated triumphs, acknowledged challenges for the program and the alums, and, most importantly, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment and dedication to assisting OFs/OFWs and families, communities, and our society towards nation-building with integrity, compassion, and service.

The conference concluded with a resounding call to action, urging everyone to leverage interconnectedness to build more equitable, sustainable, and just communities, starting with one OF at a time. The participants left with renewed bonds, cherished memories, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embark on the next chapter of their individual and collective journey.

A Legacy of Community

The ALSE OF-LIFE Global Homecoming and 15th Anniversary Conference reminded the participants that despite the distances across the globe, the students and graduates are woven together by a thread of a shared vision, values, and principles.

Exciting times lie ahead for ALSE OF-LIFE as it charts its course toward its 20^th Anniversary in 2028. Over the next five years, the organization plans to implement decentralized structures and sub-systems, fostering greater autonomy and participation. Innovation will drive the creation of new post-training opportunities, while efforts to strengthen alumni base groups at the country level will be intensified. This vision is underpinned by a robust culture-building program initiated in late 2022, further bolstered by European workshops and soon-to-be-launched initiatives in the Middle East and Asia in 2024. A dedicated support group will ensure volunteers receive proper orientation, alongside the expansion of the Ignatian Formation Course and the introduction of a new spiritual accompaniment program. Enhanced transparency through monitoring mechanisms will complement ongoing efforts to build a diverse roster of volunteer teachers and mentors, providing continuous leadership guidance as ALSE OF-LIFE advances towards its next milestone.