By Armando “BUTZ” Bartolome
In a world where success is often measured by personal gain, the story of Bayan Academy stands as a shining example of how dedication, compassion, and a commitment to social good can transform lives and communities. Founded on the principles of social enterprise development and nation-building, Bayan Academy has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking to create meaningful change. At the heart of this inspiring journey is Luke Orbos, the Executive Director of Bayan Academy, whose passion for public service and community empowerment has driven the organization to new heights.
A Legacy of Service: The Orbos Family and the Birth of Bayan Academy
Luke Orbos comes from a family deeply rooted in public service. The Orbos name is synonymous with *malasakit* (compassion) and a genuine desire to uplift others. “My family has always been involved in public service,” Luke shares. “My father was a lawyer, and my uncle, Father Jerry Orbos, is a priest. Growing up, I was influenced by their dedication to helping others.”
Luke’s journey to Bayan Academy was not a straight path. After graduating with a degree in Entrepreneurship from De La Salle University, he explored various career paths, from working at Jollibee Foods Corporation to Citibank. He even pursued a law degree, driven by a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, Luke soon realized that his true calling lay elsewhere. “I realized that being a lawyer wasn’t the only way to serve the public,” he reflects. “I wanted to make a difference in a different way.”
In 2017, Luke’s path led him to Bayan Academy, a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on training, capacity development, and community empowerment. Under the mentorship of Professor Ed Morato, the founder of Bayan Academy, Luke found his true calling. “Professor Ed was like Yoda to me,” Luke recalls with a smile. “He taught me not just about the technical aspects of development work, but also about the importance of character and values.”
The Evolution of Bayan Academy: From NGO to Ecosystem of Foundations
Bayan Academy has come a long way since its inception in 2007. What began as a humble NGO has evolved into a robust ecosystem of foundations, each with a unique mandate but united by a common goal: social enterprise development for nation-building. Today, Bayan Academy is part of the Bayan Family of Foundations, which includes the Bayan Innovation Group, Bayan Search, and Bayan Edge.
“Our approach is holistic,” Luke explains. “We believe in creating an ecosystem where each foundation complements the others. Bayan Academy focuses on training and capacity development, while the Bayan Innovation Group handles research and policy development. Bayan Search works directly with communities to ensure the sustainability of our interventions, and Bayan Edge focuses on resource mobilization and impact investing.”
This integrated approach has allowed Bayan Academy to make a significant impact on various sectors, from empowering women entrepreneurs to providing training for retirees. “Our goal is to create transformative interventions,” Luke says. “We want to help people not just gain wealth, but also leave a legacy. Whether it’s a retiree looking to repurpose their life or a young entrepreneur starting a business, we want to empower them to make a positive impact on their communities.”
The Heart of Bayan: Professor Ed Morato’s Vision
At the core of Bayan Academy’s success is the vision of its founder, Professor Ed Morato. A well-known figure in the development sector, Professor Ed was a pioneer in social entrepreneurship in the Philippines. His passion for empowering marginalized communities and his belief in the potential of social enterprises to drive sustainable development inspired countless individuals, including Luke.
“Professor Ed’s vision was simple yet profound,” Luke shares. “He believed that if we could empower people, we could create a better future for everyone. He wanted to reduce dependency on external aid and instead foster self-reliance and dignity within communities.”
Even after Professor Ed’s passing, his legacy continues to guide Bayan Academy. “We carry his vision forward,” Luke says. “Every program we develop, every community we work with, we do it with the belief that we are continuing what he started.”
Empowering Individuals, Transforming Communities
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bayan Academy is its commitment to making its programs accessible to everyone. From free training sessions for individuals to collaborative projects with corporations, Bayan Academy ensures that its resources reach those who need them most.
“We have free trainings all year round,” Luke explains. “Whether you’re an individual looking to learn new skills or an organization wanting to partner with us, we have something for everyone. Our goal is to make learning accessible and impactful.”
For retirees, Bayan Academy offers programs that go beyond financial planning. “We help retirees repurpose their lives and leave a legacy,” Luke says. “It’s not just about wealth; it’s about creating a meaningful impact on their families and communities.”
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
As Bayan Academy continues to expand its reach, both locally and internationally, the organization invites everyone to be part of its mission. “We are not just an NGO; we are a movement,” Luke emphasizes. “We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and we are here to help them realize that potential.”
For those inspired by the story of Bayan Academy and Luke Orbos, the journey doesn’t end here. Follow the Business Mentor Column every Monday for more inspiring stories and valuable insights. Like the Philippine Business News on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest trends and success stories in the world of business. Together, let’s celebrate the power of vision, resilience, and the indomitable Filipino spirit.
Bayan Academy’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to social good. As Luke Orbos and his team continue to empower individuals and transform communities, they remind us that true success lies not in personal gain, but in the legacy we leave behind. So, let’s join hands, dream big, and work together to create a better future for all. After all, if Bayan Academy can do it, why can’t we?
