Global Kick-Off 2025: ALSE OF-LIFE empowers the Filipino diaspora

The Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Overseas Filipino Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy, and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE OF-LIFE) Program officially opened School Year 2025-2026 with a global virtual kick-off attended by 140 volunteers across 20+ countries. Anchored on the theme “Pag-Alabin ang Pusong ALSE: Isang Pasasalamat, Isang Panimula” (Igniting the ALSE Heart: A Gratitude, A New Beginning), the event embodies Ateneo de Manila University’s Lux In Domino strategy advancing Bridging Cultural Divides, and Education Reform and Transformation through global engagement and values-driven leadership.

The program began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr. Patrick Falguera, SJ, setting a reflective tone on mercy, mission, and gratitude. In her welcome remarks, Dr. Jennifer S. Oreta, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), emphasized the ALSE program’s Ignatian foundations – Magis, Cura Personalis, and Being a Person for Others – and its continued commitment to civic formation and partnerships for Overseas Filipinos. 

Participants from across the globe joined the virtual assembly, including representatives from countries such as Switzerland, Thailand, Qatar, Bahrain, Italy, Romania, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, France, Finland, Czech Republic, USA, Taiwan, Macau, Netherlands, Brunei, and Russia. Regional coordinators reported strong program performance, with Asia preparing new launches in Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Macau, and Japan; Europe completing five batches and introducing new Secretariat leadership for 2025-2026; and the Middle East celebrating its first batch in Bahrain while sharing country updates on implementation and completion. Reports also highlighted program administration, finance, and volunteer management, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and grassroots leadership.

Dr. Edgardo Valenzuela formally opened the school year, highlighting the expansion of new and ongoing batches in Hong Kong, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Now present in 39 countries with over 5,200 alumni, ALSE OF-LIFE remains a model for inclusive, cross-border education reform. 

Ms. Sharon Grace S. Yabut, Head of Executive Education Program, delivered the closing message, underscoring the program’s mission to foster ethical governance and servant leadership among overseas Filipinos. She reaffirmed the shared responsibility of volunteers in carrying the light of Ignatian values into global Filipino communities.

Now in its 17th year, ALSE OF-LIFE continues to serve as a beacon of transformative education and solidarity – building a global community that lives out Ateneo’s call to be light in the Lord.