A historic moment unfolded in Dumaguete City as the first edition of the International Socio-Economic Leadership Congress (ISELC) was held on March 24 at the Baly Oriental Hotel. Held in collaboration with Growthinity Inc., The Artepreneurs, and the City Tourism Office of Dumaguete, it brought together an esteemed lineup of international and Manila-based speakers who shared profound insights and expertise.
Co-founded by Donessa Arbas, chief executive officer of ISELC and founder and chief executive officer of Growthinity, Inc., and Dame Marlene Murphy, chief executive officer of The Artepreneurs and founder of Tech World of Good, who are both overseas Filipino workers based in Dubai, UAE, the congress marked a significant milestone in global leadership discourse and technological advancement.
In-person speakers included Sir Prof. Dr. Gabriele Pao-Pei Andreoli, advisor and president of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation and founder of Word Changers Summit in Vatican State, Rome, Italy; Thi Phoung Lan Tschirky from Davos, Switzerland, an entrepreneur and investor, chief executive officer of Lan Health; and, Ambassador Dr. Mark Anthony King from the USA, government consultant, child/human rights advocate, world civility ambassador, mental wellness expert, and co-founder of Soul Script LLC.
Virtual speakers contributed their expertise from various corners of the globe, including Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco, MBA, PhD., FRSA, key expert, centralized support to Erasmus+ National Focal Points, European Commission; Ingrid Orozco, founder and chief executive officer of U-Lead, National Coordinator for Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade; HRH Princess Dr. Moradeun Ogunlana, founder and chief executive officer of AWHPI Global Foundation USA-Africa, UN Ambassador for Peace and Culture; and, Dr Alain Baron, founder, Numismatica Genevensis SA and leading president’s circle member of Club de Madrid for the Middle East.
Furthermore, Manila-based international keynote speakers Carl Munsayac, chief executive officer of AltSwitch, and Kristian Quirapas, chief executive officer of Vulcanic Labs and co-founder and president of WEB3 Philippines, shared their insights on blockchain and cryptocurrency, thereby, enriching the discourse on socio-economic leadership.
Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo delivered an inspiring message, expressing gratitude to the attendees who gathered on a Palm Sunday, all resplendent either in business attire or traditional Filipino garments. Also present were Bais City Vice-Mayor Mercedes T. Goñi, City Councilors Gen. Rey Lyndon Lawas and Atty. Karissa Faye Maxino, and, Chief of Staff Dr. Dinno Depositario.
The congress served as a global platform for government representatives, industry experts, social leaders, non-profit organizations, and stakeholders to converge and discuss key issues such as ethical leadership, women empowerment, technological advancements, and their role in driving economic growth and sustainability. With a focus on people leadership and technology education, ISELC facilitated engaging discussions, idea exchanges, and collaboration opportunities to address pressing socio-economic challenges.
A press conference was held at Buglas Isla, La Mensa a day before the congress where various media teams from Dumaguete participated. The summit and press conference were skillfully hosted by Dr. Maria Cecilia Genove, a seasoned host and academician.
As part of ISELC’s commitment to community engagement, the founders and guests conducted a site visit to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dumaguete City on March 25. The visit provided first-hand insight into the city’s innovative solid waste management initiatives, including the use of pyrolysis to recycle plastic waste. A financial literacy symposium was also organized for waste sorters, contributing to their socio-economic empowerment and upskilling.
The visit also included a tour of the dump site, which has undergone transformation after emitting odorous smoke for 30 years. This transformation underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management practices and environmental stewardship.
The congress culminated with an exclusive VIP luncheon fellowship at Sierra Hotel providing attendees with opportunities to pitch business ideas and explore collaboration possibilities.
Among the distinguished guests at the fellowship were Mayor Remollo, Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi, who openly addressed the pressing need for affordable and accessible water supply in his community, and Vice-Mayor Goñi, who shared her exquisite chocolate product with the guests, highlighting the potential for investors to support this venture, thereby, ensuring stable livelihoods for the city’s constituents reliant on this industry.
Moreover, EJ Catan, a student leader from Silliman University, challenged the guests on how to effectively educate teenagers on financial literacy for lasting and transformative learning.
OceanClick Virtual Solutions was the official media partner of the first edition of ISELC Dumaguete.
The three-day event was organized, financed, and produced by Donessa Arbas, marking the beginning of a transformative journey towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic leadership.
For further information and inquiries, please contact: chairman@growthinity.org. | NWI
