The Province of Iloilo showcased its noteworthy programs and initiatives on women economic empowerment during the 27th Women Involved in Nation Building (WIN, Inc.) National Congress on October 16 to 18, 2024 at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
This year’s event is themed, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” and will highlight the province of Iloilo’s Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Program which was certified as a GAD Local Learning Hub for 2023-2026 by the Philippine Commission on Women. The program strengthens the linkages between women micro entrepreneurs and the public and private sector.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and co-chairperson of the Provincial Gender and Development Council (PGADC) also presented the WEE experience of the province of Iloilo.
WIN, Inc. chairperson Corazon Z. Del Mundo lauded Iloilo for being a model local government unit in promoting and sustaining the welfare of women entrepreneurs.
Del Mundo said that when they visited Iloilo in 2015, they witnessed how empowered and capacitated the Ilongga entrepreneurs are.
“Dito sa Iloilo nakita namin na ang mga babae ang sasaya nila dahil may pera sila sa bulsa at may hanapbuhay sila. Kayo ang naging ehemplo ng magandang LGU,” she said during the press conference on October 16.
WIN, Inc. is a non-government institution working towards capacity building and providing technical assistance particularly on women leaders in government.
Alma Ravena who is also the co-chair of the Iloilo PGADC, shared that the provincial government is partnering with municipalities in mainstreaming gender development and supporting the businesses of Ilonggas.
She added that a gender responsive governance aligns with MoRProGRes ILOILO (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo), which is the social justice agenda of Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. towards the progress and development in the province.
“We are mainstreaming our initiatives in the province of Iloilo to make our programs gender responsive. Because we believe that investing in women can really accelerate progress,” Ravena said.
The province of Iloilo takes pride in being a certified as a GAD Local Learning Hub by the PCW for 2015-2018, 2018-2020, and 2023-2026 for its sustained efforts in advancing gender equality and women empowerment through convergence with various stakeholders and partners.
Meanwhile, the 27th National Congress also featured “Tiendas Ilonggas” which is an exposition of the products of Ilongga enterprises that highlight women economic development. The exhibit features products from Alimodian, Badiangan, Cabatuan, Concepcion, and Miagao. (Capitol News)
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