By Alithea De Jesus
Even before the “Women Power”, the role of women in starting and growing a business has contributed to the economy. In the midst of the pandemic, many women showed tenacity in the management and of the crisis whether in business, family and company.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the important role of women entrepreneurs especially as the country pushes for post-COVID economic recovery during the 3A Program Batch 2 Handog Kabuhayan: Alay Kay Juana launch on 08 March 2021.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, DTI paid tribute to women-led micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) during the virtual graduation program of the 3A Program, which stands for “Accept, Adapt, Act.”
“Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the extraordinary roles of women-led MSMEs, or Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs o MSMEs. With the help of our MSMEs, our country can be more hopeful for a post-COVID future that will be poised for a Better Normal,” Sec. Lopez said.
He added, “DTI remains committed to assisting our women-led MSMEs and our aspiring entrepreneurs who will be our champions to push for our economy’s growth to pre-COVID levels and beyond.”
The 3A program is the integrated training program of the DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG), Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), targeted at helping MSMEs evolve amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her remarks, DTI-ROG Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona stressed that women entrepreneurs are considered key drivers of economic growth with humble beginnings from small barangays in creating jobs and reaching new customers.
Undersecretary Lantayona stated: “We urge our public officials and partners to strengthen our efforts for women’s economic empowerment. Let us continue to harness the resourcefulness, hard work, and resiliency of our Juanas in the new normal.”
Meanwhile, PTTC Executive Director Nelly Dillera encouraged participants to maximize the 3A Program, “We want your voices to be heard and we want you to learn from our mentors who will share to you not only mind setting but also business skills to start or sustain whatever business you have in mind.”
The virtual event emphasized women’s capability to become active contributors and claim holders of the country’s socio-economic development, with a goal of “Making Change Work for Women Entrepreneurs and Consumers”.
The mentors involved in guiding the women entrepreneurs in the program were Mr. Dean Pax Lapid, Mr. Jorge Wieneke, Ms. Jenny Wieneke, Mr. Armand Bengco, Ms. Tess Dimaculangan, Mr. Carlo Calimon, Mr. Francis Carlo Lapid, and other Angelpreneurs.
Aside from the discussions from the mentors, the National Council of Women Philippines (NCWP) will also grant a 75 livelihood kits worth Php10,000 each for 75 women entrepreneurs at the end of the program.
Sec. Lopez spoke candidly about the challenges an entrepreneur has amid the pandemic, explaining the formulation of a good business plan should be the priority for aspirants.
“To aspire, to own, and manage a business is a noble aspiration, but it does not end there. One must also have a strong and right foundation, to sustain the business,” the trade chief said.
The Trade Secretary concluded, “Entrepreneurship is a long process. After the 3A Program, we hope that you will be able to start your business journey; albeit a challenging road ahead, it will surely be a meaningful one.”