Easter resonates deeply this year as I reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of renewal. Having recently celebrated Easter, my thoughts naturally turn to the concept of fresh starts and the vibrant energy of new life. This feeling is amplified by the recent arrival of our third grandchild, Emiliana Consuelo Concepcion Puno, Millie for short. Her arrival is a poignant reminder of the ever-expanding tapestry of family, a continuation of a legacy that stretches back generations. The simple joy of a new life is a powerful anchor in this world.

As of today, my mother presides over a growing clan of 32 grandchildren, 10 grandchildren-in-law and 14 great-grandchildren. By year’s end, we’ll be welcoming another addition, bringing the in-law count to 11 and the great-grandchildren to 15.

My wife Marissa meticulously updates this list with each marriage and birth, marveling at the family’s continuous growth. This constant expansion is not just a matter of numbers; it represents the ongoing story of our family’s love, laughter and shared experiences.

Yet, life is not solely about beginnings; it’s also about endings. Millie’s arrival comes more than a year since my father’s passing. Growing up, my youngest sister, Michelle, was always his “baby;” my daughter, Catherine, inherited that role, often sleeping alongside my parents when she was young. The void left by my father is deeply felt by both of them. And now with the elections looming in less than a month’s time, I am again reminded of this void.

Growing up, we always understood that NAMFREL (National Movement for Free Elections) held a special place in my father’s heart. It was, in a way, his “youngest child.” Every parent has favorites, and while NAMFREL demanded much of his time and energy, we never felt jealous. We understood it was a cause he was deeply passionate about, a way for him to contribute to the greater good. This passion for service, for contributing to something larger than oneself, is a value he instilled in us, and it’s a value that I see reflected in the entrepreneurs we support at Go Negosyo.

And it is this spirit of contributing to the greater good, of seeking a new life and purpose, that often drives individuals to entrepreneurship. In these uncertain times, many are turning to their own ingenuity and resourcefulness to create opportunities for themselves and their families. They are seeking renewal not just in their personal lives, but also in their professional ones. The pandemic amplified many things: the fragility of life, the importance of self-sufficiency and the desire to build something meaningful. Our own data at Go Negosyo showed a surge in attendance at our entrepreneurship mentoring events when we resumed public events after the pandemic.

We must embrace and support these aspiring entrepreneurs. We must provide them with the resources, the markets and, most importantly, the mentorship they need to succeed. Go Negosyo, for example, provides mentorship through programs like the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME), which has successfully trained numerous entrepreneurs in scaling their enterprises. These programs offer invaluable guidance and support, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of growing a business. Just as my father poured his heart into NAMFREL, we must invest in these individuals who are striving to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Entrepreneurship is not just about creating businesses; it’s about creating jobs, driving innovation and taking part in the country’s economic growth. Entrepreneurs introduce new products and services, challenge established firms and create new markets. They are the engines of our economy, contributing significantly to job creation and wealth generation. MSMEs are a significant source of employment, accounting for a large percentage of new jobs added to the economy. Moreover, entrepreneurs contribute to economic diversity and reduce income inequality by creating opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Easter reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of renewal. Let us harness that spirit of hope and new beginnings to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, to guide them and to help them create a brighter future for all.

Let us remember that mentorship, whether within our families or within our communities, is the key to unlocking potential and fostering a legacy of growth and prosperity. By supporting their dreams, we are not only investing in their success, but also in the future of our nation.

Let us commit to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, where innovation is celebrated, risk-taking is encouraged and every individual has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and build a better life for themselves and their families. This is how we honor the spirit of renewal and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

While we all yearn for long and healthy lives, the true measure of our success lies in raising our children with love, instilling in them the values of prayerfulness, respect and care for their elders. The cycle of life, with its joys and sorrows, births and deaths, serves as a constant reminder of the importance of legacy – what we leave behind and how we shape the future.

This idea of nurturing and guiding the next generation extends beyond the family circle. It resonates deeply with the work we do. Just as good mentorship is vital for business success, leading by example is the best tool in raising our children. We learn by observing, by emulating the values and behaviors of those we admire. Mentorship, whether in the home or in business, is about empowering others to reach their full potential.

Originally Published in Philippine Star