TAGBILARAN City Government, in partnership with the United States Embassy and Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK! Philippines), proudly celebrated the graduation of 20 aspiring women entrepreneurs from Tagbilaran City who completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.
The ceremony was held on January 23, 2025, at the City Hall Atrium.
The graduates, all from Tagbilaran City, successfully finished 13 online and self-paced modules, which culminated in the presentation of their business ideas during the event.
The most outstanding graduate, selected for her exceptional business pitch, will represent Tagbilaran City in a national competition to be held in Manila, showcasing the entrepreneurial talent fostered by this initiative.
In her address, Mayor Jane Yap expressed her pride in the graduates and underscored the vital role of women in driving economic progress.
“To our graduates from Tagbilaran City, congratulations! You have proven that women in our city are not only resourceful but also capable of becoming leaders in business and entrepreneurship.
The City Government will continue to support programs like AWE that create opportunities for women and pave the way for inclusive economic development,” she said.
The AWE program, a flagship initiative of the U.S. government, aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources necessary to launch and scale their businesses.
By fostering mentorship and local partnerships, the program provides participants with the tools they need for sustainable business growth.
Ms. Janice Freytag, Grants Manager of the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines and Ms. Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines, delivered messages of inspiration for the graduates.
Mayor Jane Yap also extended her gratitude to the U.S. Embassy and SPARK! Philippines for their valuable collaboration, noting that such partnerships align with the city’s vision of empowering every sector of society.
