Shaping New Beginnings: AFLSE Batch 17 Celebrates Graduation and a Decade of Partnership
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – On January 29, 2026, the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE OF-LIFE) program reached a significant milestone as it conferred certificates upon the twenty three graduates of Batch 17 – Philippines. The ceremony, held at the Sequoia Hotel in Diliman, was a celebration of individual achievement of the twenty-three graduates and also marked the 10th Anniversary of the transformative partnership between the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) and the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG).
A Legacy of Empowerment
For a decade, the NATCCO and ALSE-Ateneo partnership has been a cornerstone in empowering Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families. By blending Ateneo’s academic excellence in leadership with NATCCO’s grassroots cooperative strength, the program has successfully equipped 10 batches of cooperative staff and leaders, families of Overseas Filipinos (OFs), and reintegrated OFs with the tools for financial literacy, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.
Ms. Sylvia Paraguya, CEO of NATCCO, delivered an inspirational message highlighting this shared history of service. The keynote address was given by Ms. Jennifer S. Oreta, PhD, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, who urged the graduates to apply their Ignatian values as “men and women for others” in their respective communities.
Ms. Holly Pearl Bataller of the Abra Diocesan Teachers’ and Employees MPC (ADTEMPCO) and Zshanelle De Leon (OF Family) delivered moving testimonials that highlighted the profound lessons and transformative impact of their AFLSE journey.
Showcasing Social Innovation
A highlight of the students’ journey was the presentation of Social Enterprise Plans, where students demonstrated their commitment to nation-building through sustainable business models. Featured projects from Batch 17 included:
- Rainbow Micro Gas Station (PNP Rainbow Cooperative and Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative): Providing affordable petrol to rural Zamboanga.
- Alagang VALDECO (Valenzuela Development Cooperative): A financial wellness program for OFWs and their families.
- Kaakibat ni Kabayan (NEC Multi-Purpose Cooperative): A wealth-building initiative for our modern-day heroes.
- ADTEMPCO Organic Fertilizer (Abra Diocesan Teachers, Community, and Employees MPC): Promoting soil health and farmer productivity.
- Golden Peel (OFW Families): Turning surplus banana peels into premium flour.
- PagHealom Cafe (OFW Families): Combining coffee with mental health support.
- Tropiscent Oils (OFW Families): Transforming coconut oil into a therapeutic brand.
Welcoming the Newest Alumni
The ceremony concluded with the induction of the graduates into the Global Ateneo ALSE OF-LIFE Alumni by Co-Program Coordinator Dr. Edgardo T. Valenzuela. As the graduates sang the Ateneo Hymn, “Song for Mary,” they took a solemn oath to nurture the ideals of mission, discernment, and care for the person.
With the 17th batch now ready to make their mark, the NATCCO and Ateneo partnership continues to prove that through education and cooperation, the Filipino diaspora can be a powerful force for social and economic transformation at home.