COURTESY: Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC)
In the bustling town of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, there's a transformative wave rolling inโone that promises to uplift and empower local women through technology and innovation. Thanks to a collaborative effort by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the Aboitiz Foundation, Connected Women, and the Local Government Unit of Laguindingan, the ELEVATE AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program is here to open doors to exciting digital opportunities. So, let's dive into this inspiring initiative and see how it's reshaping lives and the community.
The ELEVATE AIDA program is not just another training initiative; it's a beacon of hope for many women in Laguindingan. It's the first program of its kind being implemented in Misamis Oriental, aiming to equip 50 women with cutting-edge digital skills. This includes data annotation and other essential competencies that pave the way for remote work opportunities.
The Memorandum of Agreement for ELEVATE AIDA was recently signed, marking a significant milestone for the program. Laguindingan Mayor Diosdado Obsioma, Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio, and key representatives from Aboitiz InfraCapital and Aboitiz Foundation were present at the signing. Their collective vision is to empower women to enhance their household income while maintaining their familial responsibilities.
Mayor Obsioma expressed his gratitude to AIC, Aboitiz Foundation, and Connected Women for their unwavering support. The ELEVATE AIDA program is a testament to the commitment to inclusive growth, bridging the digital divide by empowering women to join the digital workforce. Arline Adeva from Aboitiz InfraCapital emphasized how this initiative is all about opening doors to sustainable opportunities.
It's more than just acquiring digital skills; it's about creating pathways for women to thrive in a digital-first economy. Agnes Gervacio highlighted the transformative potential of the program and how it aligns with the national goals of women's economic empowerment and digital inclusivity.
Following the agreement signing, an orientation program was conducted for nearly 60 women from the local barangays. These women, many of whom are full-time housewives or unemployed young women, were briefed about the program's requirements, application process, screening, and training schedule.
The online training is set to run from January 6 to 24, 2025, and all qualified applicants will receive an allowance during this period. Moreover, they will be encouraged to enroll in additional free upskilling courses to boost their chances of employment with Connected Women's clients nationwide.
The success of AICโs Connected Women program pilot leg in Davao City last year has set a precedent for this expansion to Laguindingan. It reaffirms AIC's commitment to catalyze local development and foster inclusive growth through job creation. The program's alignment with the provincial LGUโs vision to reduce poverty incidence in Misamis Oriental is a significant step towards a comprehensive approach focusing on education, health, infrastructure, livelihood, and community development.
Launched at the height of the pandemic, ELEVATE AIDA aims to bridge the digital divide by providing comprehensive digital training and employment opportunities. It's about creating a sustainable and empowering digital ecosystem where women play a crucial role.
In conclusion, the ELEVATE AIDA program is more than just a training initiativeโit's a movement towards empowering women in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, this program is setting the stage for a brighter future, not just for the women involved but for the entire community. As these women step into the digital workforce, they're not only changing their own lives but also contributing to the broader vision of a digitally inclusive and empowered society.
