ABS-CBN Foundation’s sustainable livelihood program, Galing Pamayanan, is making leadership development more accessible to grassroots leaders nationwide through a partnership with Bayan Academy, a social development organization promoting social entrepreneurship and human resource development.
Through this partnership, the Grassroots Leaders of Tomorrow (GLoT) program has been further strengthened to provide grassroots leaders from across the country with a values-based leadership journey, mentoring opportunities, and practical knowledge and skills that will enable them to guide community-driven solutions and create meaningful impact in their respective communities.
GLoT was developed in response to the realities faced in community development work, where local leaders often have limited opportunities for leadership formation, mentorship, and capacity development. By investing in the personal growth and leadership capacities of grassroots leaders, the program aims to strengthen community initiatives and nurture resilient communities across the Philippines.
With Bayan Academy’s expertise in curriculum development and blended learning, the program now offers a more structured and accessible learning experience while maintaining its focus on real-world application and community impact.
“Bayan Academy and ABS-CBN Foundation have grown together over the years, and it’s meaningful to come together again knowing that we share the same heart and values in supporting local communities. I have the highest hopes for the community leaders who will be joining this program. The fact that they chose to be part of it shows that they’re doing this not only for themselves, but also for their fellow community members, which is a truly noble thing to do.” Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation, said.
“Beyond the pilot, we hope to grow this into future cohorts that can reach even more communities. Slowly but surely, we want to inspire more grassroots leaders and help democratize the leadership values championed by Gina Lopez across the Philippines.” Professor Carlos Sagun, President and CEO, Bayan Academy and Bayan Family of Foundations, said.
The program aims to strengthen leadership capacities, support community-driven initiatives, and build a network of grassroots leaders committed to creating sustainable solutions in their communities.
Following the partnership, ABS-CBN Foundation and Bayan Academy are piloting the program’s blended learning model with 10 grassroots leaders from partner communities across the Foundation’s various programs, including Sagip Kapamilya, Bantay Kalikasan, Bantay Bata, and Galing Pamayanan. Participants are undergoing leadership learning modules, mentoring, peer learning sessions, and developing community-based projects that address local needs.
Recognizing that true leadership begins with self-discovery, GLOT guides grassroots leaders in understanding who they are, what they stand for, and the purpose they are called to serve. By cultivating values-based leadership rooted in self-awareness, integrity, and service, the program supports leaders to drive meaningful change, strengthen community initiatives, and build resilient communities across the Philippines—one community at a time.
