MANAMA, Bahrain — Forty Filipino participants have embarked on a six-month learning journey through the Ateneo Overseas Filipino’s Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy and Social Entrepreneurship Program (ALSE-OF-LIFE), as Batch 163 opened with a full-day session focused on leadership, personal development, and the vital connection between migration and development, with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Manama, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Held at Crowne Plaza Bahrain in Manama from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026, the first face-to-face session brought together 70 attendees, including participants, guests, alumni, and members of the program secretariat. More than an introduction to the six-month program, the gathering provided a meaningful space for Filipinos to share experiences, learn from one another, build connections, and reflect on the opportunities that await beyond their current careers.
Ambassador Grace Relucio Princesa, former Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), served as the guest speaker, sharing insights drawn from her diplomatic and leadership experience and offering perspectives on Migration and Development. Her session placed leadership at the heart of the discussion, together with the theme of Personhood, encouraging participants to reflect on their experiences as OFWs and how these can shape their personal growth, values, and future.
Her presentation encouraged participants to view their experiences overseas from a broader perspective and recognize how their journeys can shape their identity, values, and potential as leaders. She also highlighted the strengths developed through migration and how these can be transformed into meaningful contributions not only to their families, but also to their communities and society.
For the participants, the session marked more than the start of a training program. It opened a space for self-discovery, shared learning, and building connections with fellow Filipinos who share similar experiences and aspirations.
At 49, database administrator Gary Tansuk has spent much of his professional life as a corporate employee in Bahrain, where he has lived for 18 years.
“I joined ALSE because I felt I needed to improve my leadership skills, which I can apply in my work,” Gary shared.
Beyond leadership, he sees the program as an opportunity to become more intentional about his financial future.
“I am especially interested in entrepreneurship because, being a corporate employee all my life, I feel I need additional skills and a different mindset to start a business,” he said.
A prayer led by Thess Corral of the ALSE-OF-LIFE Secretariat, Batch 163 began its opening session, grounding a day of learning, leadership, reflection, and growth in purpose.
OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns B. Gumabay congratulated the participants for taking the initiative to invest in themselves through the program. She expressed hope that their ALSE-OF-LIFE journey would help them become more financially capable, confident leaders, and better individuals equipped to make meaningful decisions for themselves and their families.
Welfare Officer Gumabay also reaffirmed OWWA’s continued commitment to protecting and supporting OFWs become more empowered while serving others with humility and purpose.
In his message, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc emphasized the importance of full-cycle support and productive development in helping OFWs prepare not only for their careers abroad but also for life beyond migration.
He encouraged participants to make their time abroad count, not only by building their careers, but also by developing new skills, becoming more financially prepared, and planning for the day they eventually return home. Being “go-home ready,” he said, means making the most of their years overseas so they can come home with greater confidence, stronger skills, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Dr. Ballitoc also highlighted the potential of ALSE-OF-LIFE participants, noting that two of the three Bahrain-level finalists in this year’s LIKHA Global Business Plan Competition came from the ALSE program. He shared that the Bahrain-level winner will represent the country’s OFW community in the national competition in Manila scheduled for December this year.
The achievement, he said, reflects how programs such as ALSE-OF-LIFE can help OFWs translate their ideas, experiences, and skills into potential business opportunities and sustainable plans for the future.
Sharing words of encouragement and practical wisdom, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga reminded Batch 163 that the journey toward their goals will not always follow a straight path. Plans may change and unexpected challenges may test their resolve, but what matters is having the courage to adjust, learn, and keep moving forward. He encouraged participants to remain determined and open to continuous learning, reminding them that setbacks do not have to define the outcome. With the right mindset, knowledge, and skills, every challenge can become an opportunity to rethink, improve, and find another way forward.
Drawing from the familiar saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” he emphasized the value of equipping OFWs with tools they can use long after the program ends. ALSE helps participants build practical skills, confidence, and the capacity to create opportunities for themselves and their families.
He also recognized the government’s efforts to support OFWs through skills development, livelihood, entrepreneurship, and reintegration programs, encouraging them to prepare early for life beyond overseas employment.
For Batch 163, his message carried a simple but powerful reminder: an opportunity matters most when you are ready for it. Through preparation, determination, continuous learning, and an open mind, OFWs can turn their experiences abroad into strengths and use them to build new possibilities for themselves, their families, and the communities they hope to serve.
ALSE founder Mr. Edgardo T. Valenzuela, President of the Overseas Filipinos’ Society for the Promotion of Economic Security (OFSPES), sent his warm greetings and encouragement to Batch 163 through a video message as they began their ALSE-OF-LIFE journey.
In a video message, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac sent his warm greetings to the participants, encouraging them to maximize the six-month program and embrace continuous learning. He underscored the value of gaining knowledge and skills that can contribute to their personal growth, financial security, entrepreneurial goals, and future reintegration.
During the program, an oath-taking ceremony for the ALSE Alumni Association was officiated by Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, formally welcoming the association’s newly elected officers.
The association is led by Mr. Albert Ballesteros, Country Manager of Metrobank in Bahrain and a graduate of ALSE-OF-LIFE Batch 145, as President. He is joined by Abby Pelagio, Vice President for External Affairs; Reagan Amistoso, Vice President for Internal Affairs; Maria Quitoriano, Secretary; and Raymund Leano, Treasurer.S
According to Ballesteros, the newly formed alumni association aims to strengthen the continuing connection among ALSE-OF-LIFE graduates in Bahrain by providing a platform where alumni can remain engaged, share their knowledge and experiences, support fellow OFWs, and contribute to initiatives that promote leadership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of Senior Advisers Renne Subido and Puralyn Fiel Subido, whose support has helped strengthen the program and its growing alumni network. They spent time with participants, shared personal insights and experiences, and offered words of encouragement as Batch 163 began its journey of learning and growth.
Having guided and supported the ALSE program in Bahrain from the start, their presence reflected a lasting commitment to the participants, giving them a sense of connection, encouragement, and inspiration as they continue their ALSE-OF-LIFE journey.
MWO personnel Marissa K. Villanueva and Ramona P. Galima also attended the event, reflecting the office’s continued support for the ALSE-OF-LIFE program and its participants.
The successful conduct of the event was made possible through the active efforts of the ALSE-OF-LIFE Secretariat, led by Thess Corral, with the support of Joyce Lyn Turate Alcid, Lydia Buensalida Sinocruz, Michelle Sasi Lacbayen, Rosemarie Dela Rosa Hernandez, Melinda Lagat Nomananap, Alexis Louie De Domo Garcia, Fidelito Bermas Bandalan, Edna Corral Malumay, and Rechel Morco Lachama.
The program was facilitated by Mel Nomananap and Alexis Garcia, who guided the participants throughout the sessions and helped keep the day’s activities organized, interactive, and engaging.
In February 2025, MWO-Bahrain and ALSE-OF-LIFE formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to providing OFWs in Bahrain with opportunities in leadership, financial literacy, innovation, and social entrepreneurship. Signed by MWO-Bahrain representative Ms. Celia T. Viernes-Cabadonga and ALSE-OF-LIFE representative Mr. Edgardo T. Valenzuela, the agreement strengthens support for OFWs’ growth and future readiness.
Bringing the session to a close with “Sino Ako” (Who Am I) and “Ako ay Pilipino” (I Am a Filipino) gave Batch 163 a powerful and uplifting moment of reflection. Singing together rekindled their sense of pride, purpose, and hope as OFWs striving to build a better future for their families. More than songs, the final melodies served as a reminder that their journey abroad is not simply about making a living, but about carrying their dreams, values, and love for the Philippines as they pursue a brighter future for their families and contribute to their country, Philippines.
