ALSE OF-LIFE course starts in Hong Kong

After a three-year hiatus, Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong, and the ALSE OF-LIFE Alumni Association, and the Southeast Asia Research Center of City University of Hong Kong launched the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE) now called Overseas Filipinos Leadership, Social Innovation, Financial Literacy, and Social Enterprise (ALSE OF-LIFE) on April 30, 2023. Of the 35 participants attending the six-month course, four are permanent residents of Hong Kong. The course in 2023 is being held at the City University of Hong Kong which runs from April to November 2023.

Edgardo Valenzuela, Adjunct Professor at Ateneo de Manila University, School of Government and co-coordinator of ALSE OF-LIFE program, gave the welcome address in a video message. Prof. Mark Thompson, professor of politics and director of the Southeast Asia Research Center (SEARC) of the City University of Hong Kong, also welcomed the participants through a video message as well. 

Vice Consul Jose Angelo D.G. Manuel of the Philippine Consulate General Hong Kong gave an inspiring talk. Others present during the launch were: Calvin Ho of SEARC and WIMLER HK directors: Katherine de Guzman, Luz Tan, Myrna Pama Hill, Manuela D. Lo, and Joji Hui, WIMLER HK volunteer.

In the afternoon, Leila Rispens-Noel, co-founder and director of WIMLER Foundation HK, conducted the first session on Migration and Development. On this session, Rispens-Noel tackled the history of Philippine international labor migration, the push and pull factors of migration, and its positive and negative implications to development. As of 2019, there were over 12 million Filipinos who live and work abroad. Overseas Filipinos sent a total of US$ 33.5 billion remittances in 2022. Remittances are twice more than foreign direct investments and official development aid. This accounted for an average of nearly 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the last decade.

There are currently 400,000 domestic helpers working in the city, of which 55% are from the Philippines.  In 2021, Filipino workers in Hong Kong sent HK$ 722.23 million, slightly lower than in 2020, HK$ 821.16 million. She also emphasized the importance of preparing for their sustainable return and reintegration.

The training program will enrich our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the concepts of migration and development, social innovation, financial education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. 

The hybrid training program will be held two Sundays every month for the next six months. It comes in 12 sessions and will culminate with a Social Enterprise Plan Presentation and graduation. 

A mentoring program is in place to help those who are interested in starting productive activities after the course.

ALSE OF-LIFE is one of the Executive Programs of the Ateneo School of Government and carries with it a holistic, excellent, and value-driven brand of education. A roster of highly inspiring professors and speakers from the Ateneo de Manila University and other development partners ensures an enriching and high-impact learning experience. 

The ALSE OF-LIFE is a collaboration of the Migration and Development Consortium (MDC)

Members composed of OFSPES (Overseas Filipinos’ Society for the Promotion of Economic

Security), SEDPI (Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc.), and Ugat Foundation.

In Hong Kong, ALSE OF-LIFE is organized by WIMLER HK and ALSE OF-LIFE HK Alumni Association with support from Southeast Asia Research Center of the City University of Hong Kong.

Pictures taken during Session 1