The US Embassy in partnership with SPARK Philippines sealed a partnership with the City Government of Tagbilaran to train disadvantaged women, entrepreneurship skills under the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, according to a report by the City Media Bureau.
AWE is a two-month program sponsored by the Government of the United States (US) that provides an opportunity for women from diverse communities to learn about business and acquire entrepreneurial skills.
This 10-module learning program provides the aspiring women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills in crafting a business plan, organization plan, marketing, networking strategies and to develop their sales pitch.
The Municipality of Balilihan and the City of Tagbilaran are the partner local government units (LGU) of the program in the Visayas Region.
Executive Director of SPARK Philippines Mikaela Teves said the project was also rolled out in Manila and Cebu.
It will also be implemented Zamboanga City, Batac, Puerto Princesa City and Iloilo City before the year ends.
SPARK Philippines is the one tasked to implement the program implementor in the 2 Bohol LGUs and in Zamboanga City.
Mayor Jane Yap is glad to be a part of this significant initiative.
“I am passionate in supporting women. Their role transcends more than just being a helpmate to their husbands. Women’s influence is also crucial in empowering their children. Thus, when you capacitate women, you capacitate the family and the community as well,” the lady mayor said.
Currently, the AWE program has been able to produce 16,000 graduates in more than 90 countries. The initiative is designed to empower women worldwide to improve their socio-economic standing.