BY GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA
The City Government of Tagbilaran, in collaboration with the United States Embassy and Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK! Philippines), officially launched the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) on October 5, 2024, at the City Hall Atrium.
The initiative aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to launch and scale their businesses.
AWE, a flagship initiative of the US government, seeks to empower women by providing critical business education and fostering local partnerships that enable them to thrive. Through this program, aspiring women entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship and support systems that are vital for sustainable business growth.
During the launch, Ms. Janice Freytag, Grants Manager of the US Embassy of the Philippines, and Ms. Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines, delivered powerful messages emphasizing the role of women in driving economic development. Both commended Tagbilaran City for being a strong partner in promoting women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her gratitude to the US Embassy and SPARK! Philippines for their continued support, highlighting the value of such initiatives in the city’s economic landscape.
“On behalf of the City Government of Tagbilaran, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the US Embassy and SPARK! Philippines for choosing Tagbilaran as a partner in this transformative program. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about creating businesses; it is about uplifting communities, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring that women play an integral role in shaping our economy,” Mayor Yap said.
Also present during the event were City Councilors Gemma Inting, Eliezer Borja, and Charles Cabalit, City Livelihood and Community Development Office Head Adelfa Salutan, Bool Barangay Captain Jose Floro Ringca, and City Economic Enterprise Head Leonides Borja, all of whom expressed their support for the initiative.
The 2024 AWE program follows the success of last year’s edition, which saw 15 women from Tagbilaran City graduate and go on to start or expand their own businesses. With this year’s program, the city expects even more women to leverage the knowledge and opportunities provided, further solidifying Tagbilaran’s role as a hub for women-led enterprises.