The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) proudly marked the graduation of the 131st batch of its globally-ran Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Financial Literacy (ALSE OF-LIFE) program in a meaningful ceremony held on February 9, 2025. The event was held at the De Montfort Hall in the St. Gabriel Foundation Building, located in the heart of Thonglor, Bangkok, with 16 graduates from various sectors of the overseas Filipino workforce in Thailand.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the culmination of more than six months of hard work, commitment, and intellectual growth, as the executive program focuses on equipping overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with the critical skills needed to lead with integrity, innovate in social entrepreneurship, and achieve financial literacy. The event was made even more special by the presence of key figures in the Filipino community in Thailand, alumni, family, and friends who came to witness this momentous celebration.
Mrs. Zenaida Vannaying, a distinguished hotelier with an inspiring success story in hospitality management, served as the guest of honor and speaker. Tita Zenny, as the ALSE community fondly calls her shared her personal journey to success, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, grit, and saving for the future. “I am here to give back to the community, to the OFWs because just like you, I was also an OFW, but I persevered and saved,” she said in her address. She encouraged the graduates to apply the lessons they had learned to make meaningful changes in their lives and the lives of others.
Also in attendance was Atty. Don Philip Pangcog, Labor Attache of the Department of Migrant Workers, who extended his warm congratulations to the graduates. Atty. Pangcog underscored the importance of Ateneo education and self-improvement for Filipinos working abroad, acknowledging their contribution to the nation and their families. He highlighted the vital role of programs like ALSE OF-LIFE in strengthening the capabilities of OFWs, not only for personal development but also for the overall advancement of the Filipino community abroad.
The graduates, who are predominantly coming from the education sector, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into leadership, social entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Their experiences throughout the course had shaped them into more effective and compassionate leaders, ready to make a positive impact and contribute to nation-building.
The Ateneo LSE OF-LIFE thrives in volunteerism and currently running in 39 countries with more than 5,000 graduates. The ALSE OF-LIFE Thailand thrives in the hands of selfless volunteer secretariats led by Evangeline Tan-Alvez who is also an alumna of this program.
For inquiries about the upcoming school year, you may contact ateneolsethailand@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page, Ateneo LSE Thailand.