PH Embassy in Cairo Organizes First Virtual Graduation of Batches 85, 86 of the ALSE OF-LIFE Program
Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Sulpicio M. Confiado (left) and Head of the Ateneo School of Government’s (ASoG) Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship of Life (ALSE OF-LIFE) in Cairo Secretariat Mme. Priscila R. Confiado (right) during the ALSE Cairo Virtual Graduation. (Cairo PE photo)
CAIRO 08 August 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Cairo, with the Ateneo School of Government’s (ASoG) Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship of Life (ALSE OF-LIFE) in Cairo Secretariat and its core of volunteer Information and Technology (IT) experts, organized the first virtual graduation of Batches 85 and 86 of the ALSE OF-LIFE Program via Zoom on 08 August 2020.
A total of 75 participants completed the six-month course focused on leadership, innovation, financial literacy, and social entrepreneurship. The profiles of the graduates are as follows: 57% HSWs, 22% Office Workers, 14% from the Embassy, and the remaining 7% consisted of health care professionals and entrepreneurs.
The program was launched in September 2019 by the Embassy, the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), and the ALSE OF-LIFE Cairo Secretariat; and was the first of its kind in Africa in its 10-year history.
Meanwhile, the Secretariat, headed by Madame Priscila R. Confiado, is composed of volunteers from the Filipino Community in Cairo and the Embassy.
During the virtual graduation ceremony, the graduates wore their graduation stoles provided by the Secretariat, and presented their Certificates given by the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG). The President of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin S.J., in a video-taped inspirational message, congratulated the graduates and welcomed them as “fellow Atenistas.” Co-Program Coordinator of ALSE OF-LIFE Professor Edgar T. Valenzuela delivered the message on behalf of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG).
As a requirement for graduation, the 75 students (individually or in groups) presented their business plans (social enterprise and social innovation projects). The Secretariat awarded the Best Business Plan to “High Grade (GRD) Organic Dragon Fruit Farm” for Batch 85 composed of Ms. Irene Geronimo, Mr. Edgar Rombaoa, and Ms. Felomina Culig-Dictado, and “Go Banana Eco-Friendly Plates” for Batch 86 composed of Ms. Rhea Lyn L. Arcilla and Ms. Roline Albert Michel.
The Secretariat also awarded the Most Outstanding Student to Mr. Miltiades Magdamit for Batch 85 and Mr. Ramilo Arante for Batch 86.
The graduates shared the impact of ALSE OF-LIFE on them, calling it “life transforming.” They said the program became a platform, not only to acquire new knowledge and skills set, but to embrace new horizons and paradigms for leadership and development, one that is oriented towards service and community. The graduates further shared that the program has helped to uplift the profile of the community, and to better prepare them for reintegration upon their return to the Philippines.
The graduates were joined by some 400 Zoom participants and 300 Facebook live viewers including their families and friends and the 11 ALSE OF-LIFE Resource Persons from the Philippines and Europe and Filipino Community leaders from the Embassy’s jurisdictions.
The Filipino Community leaders from Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Sudan said that the graduation was inspiring and they look forward to collaborating with the Embassy in organizing the ALSE OF-LIFE in their respective communities. END
Prof. Edgar Valenzuela during his speech on behalf of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG). (Cairo PE photo)
President of Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ gives his inspirational message to the graduates. (Cairo PE photo)
The graduates from Batches 85 and 86 of ALSE Cairo with the members of the Secretariat, ALSE Resource speakers and their families in the Philippines. (Cairo PE photos)
For more information, visit https://www.cairope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinEgypt/.