In a groundbreaking move towards empowering underskilled and disadvantaged women, the Aboitiz Foundation has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to launch the Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence and Data Annotation) Program. This joint initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive digital training and employment opportunities for women, is set to benefit around 300,000 women over the next three years.
The Elevate AIDA Program, launched on a Tuesday afternoon, solidified its commitment with a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan, and Connected Women co-founder Ruth Yu-Owen expressed their full support for the project.
Secretary Abalos underscored how the program aligns with the government’s vision for inclusive growth. “With the Elevate AIDA Program, women will have more opportunities in the field of technology, as well as remote work options, fostering inclusive and diverse workplaces. This is a crucial step towards building a more innovative and sustainable workforce for the Philippines’ digital future,” he stated.
The program will be dedicated to upskilling and reskilling women, with the goal of boosting household incomes in both urban and remote areas through entrepreneurship, freelancing, and remote work. Moreover, it will facilitate access to technology and training while supporting the national digitization project.
One of the core focuses of the program is preparing target beneficiaries for work in the data annotation field within the AI industry. By providing relevant skills for remote work and professional communication, the program aims to equip women with the tools they need to succeed.
Secretary Abalos encouraged local government units (LGUs) to rally behind the program and other initiatives that empower women through technology. “Let us remember that our community’s strength lies in our united efforts and shared responsibility. When we support this project [Elevate AIDA], we do not only empower women, we are empowering our nation,” he urged.
He also commended the Aboitiz Foundation and Connected Women for their dedication to enhancing the lives of women in the Philippines through technology upskilling and income-generation programs.
The Elevate AIDA Program has set a powerful precedent, bringing together government and private sector collaboration to uplift the status of underskilled women, paving the way for a more inclusive and tech-savvy future.
