Benguet project opens home-based opportunities for women

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet—Stay-at-home women in Benguet are set to gain new income opportunities through the Elevate Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation (AIDA) project of the Aboitiz Foundation, which aims to expand access to home-based digital work in the province.

Governor Melchor Diclas said the initiative will help broaden employment options, particularly for women who face barriers to traditional employment.

“This will greatly help our people in Benguet. While women are already active in many industries, we also need complementary opportunities to further increase employment in the province,” he said.

Diclas said the program offers alternative livelihoods for separated and single mothers, former overseas Filipino workers, and displaced workers.

The provincial social work and development office (CSWDO) will assist in identifying interested participants for the initial rollout involving 65 women.

The governor also cited the Aboitiz Foundation’s earlier support for Benguet—including classrooms, solar lighting, and internet connectivity—which will help sustain the AIDA project and support digital work from home.

“This has already worked in other provinces, and we want it to succeed and continue here as a source of additional employment,” he added.

Jowelle Ann Cruz, Impact Lead of the Aboitiz Foundation, said Elevate AIDA is implemented with nonprofit partner Connected Women and has already empowered more than 2,800 women nationwide.

The program targets vulnerable groups such as stay-at-home women, single parents, former OFWs, displaced workers, differently-abled individuals, out-of-school youth, and senior citizens by equipping them with skills for flexible, sustainable online work.

The foundation aims to reach at least 300,000 women across the country.

Agnes Gervacio, chief executive officer of Connected Women, said participants are introduced to essential digital and workplace skills needed for remote employment.

“Many mothers manage household work without formal schedules. This program helps them maximize available time and adapt to online work environments,” she said.

Gervacio added that participants receive allowances during the program, with only basic English skills and familiarity with social media platforms required.

The project posts a 97-percent completion rate, while others who do not immediately secure jobs are still able to apply their new skills for personal or family use. /apl