126 women from Tagbilaran City completed an Entrepreneurship Academy designed to foster women entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.
The initiative, conducted by SPARK! Philippines and Airbnb, in partnership with the City Government of Tagbilaran, culminated in a graduation ceremony held at Metro Center on January 24, 2025.
Participants underwent comprehensive training focused on how to host successfully, create welcoming spaces, manage bookings, and provide exceptional guest experiences.
They also learned essential skills such as customer service, communication, cultural sensitivity, hospitality, and business etiquette, enhancing their professional capabilities to attract more visitors and earn income.
A key feature of the program is its commitment to job matching and placement services, which will connect qualified graduates with opportunities in tourism-related businesses, streamlining their entry into the industry and boosting their economic prospects.
Mayor Jane Yap personally congratulated the graduates and expressed her gratitude to the program’s partners.
“This program is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration. Empowering our women entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the tourism sector is a vital step toward building a more inclusive and prosperous Tagbilaran City,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by Ms. Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines; Ms. Asmita Joshi, Head of Public Policy at Airbnb; and Ms. Adelfa Salutan of the City Livelihood and Community Development Office.
The Entrepreneurship Academy is part of a larger effort by SPARK! Philippines and Airbnb to equip women with the tools to succeed in the competitive tourism sector.
By empowering women and fostering inclusivity, this program strengthens Tagbilaran City’s position as a hub for innovation and sustainable economic growth.
