UP ISSI and TWC Collaborate for Women Empowerment Programs
University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Women’s Center (TWC) have entered into a collaborative undertaking to evaluate the impact of the latter’s entrepreneurship-related training programs. The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was held last July 10, 2024 at TWC’s Office in Taguig City.
In her welcome remarks, TWC’s Training Management Unit Head Gerrelen D. Balbin said that the MOU is an expression of both the Center and the Institute’s commitment to a vision of progress, particularly for women empowerment and economic development. By combining the organizations’ skills, she looks forward to strengthening the research and development culture of their Center.
In her message, UP ISSI Director Melanie Moraga Leaño emphasized the realities and multiple burden women still experience in their fight for gender equality. She thanked TWC for its interventions to further improve the status of women in the country. Expressing her appreciation of the joint venture, she mentioned that it is a wonderful opportunity for ISSI, since the Institute has a lot of gender and development advocates who can work with TWC in the evaluation of its programs.
In response, TWC Chief Mylene H. Somera echoed Director Moraga-Leano’s excitement and gratitude for the collaboration, noting how TWC considers research as an important tool in determining problems and finding solutions for the improvement of their capacity-building initiatives. She also requested UP ISSI to assist TWC in advocating their programs to reach more regions in the country.
Ms. Retchie U. Briagas, Finance and Administrative Support Unit Head; Ms. Joenna T. Tattao, Senior Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist; Ms. Melanie Cabotaje, University Extension Specialist II; and Danica Pacardo, University Extension Specialist I were also present during the MOU signing.
This partnership is an outcome of the participation of Ms. Cabotaje and Ms. Tattoo’s in the Workshop on Productivity Enhancement for Women Entrepreneurs conducted by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Part of the action plan which they presented during the said workshop is a possible collaboration between the Institute and Center which can help strengthen women entrepreneurship and productivity support schemes.
Right after the MOU signing, an office tour and visit to the ongoing National Certification Level II (NC II) training programs followed. UP ISSI representatives were able to learn about the industry partnerships forged by TESDA, see the facilities, and converse with the trainors.