Philippines’ Isla Culion Missions is a Finalist in a Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition

As many of you know, I have been in the Philippines for the past two months, and I have met so many amazing people working on some incredible and inspirational projects for the betterment of this country. One such person, namely Fr. Xavier Alpasa, a Jesuit social entrepreneur, TED Global Fellow 2009 and Cordes Fellow 2010, currently heads up a project called Isla Culion Missions that is in the running for the 2011 Unreasonable Marketplace global social entrepreneurship competition as one of the top 45 finalists.

This project, among many that I have encountered throughout my visit across the Philippines, from the Visayas and Luzon to Mindanao, gives me hope that the Philippines still has a bright future ahead of it. Examples abound and is especially true given the actions of a new generation of young leaders who are stepping up to the plate and working together towards a better and just society, not only in the Philippines but around the world as well.

A Call to Action

On that note, please help us bring Isla Culion Missions, the world’s former largest leper colony marginalized for more than a century and located on the island of Culion, Palawan, Philippines, to the Unreasonable Institute to connect with thousands of supporters and funders. National Geographic Traveler editors have also chosen the island-province of Palawan as one of the 20 best travel destinations in the world this year, citing Isla Culion as an emerging eco-tourism destination.

How You Can Help

The top 25 finalists, i.e. the first 25 finalists to raise $8,000 from hundreds of supporters around the world, will get the chance to attend the 2011 Unreasonable Marketplace where the 2011 Unreasonable Fellows will be able to network with world-class mentors, pitch to hundreds of investors, and build sustainable relationships. Isla Culion Missions needs your help to get there!

Please visit the following to vote. The world decides who gets in and you can help Isla Culion Missions become known globally!