Zamboanga City, Philippines — November 4, 2024
The Zamboanga City government, under Mayor John Dalipe, in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) represented by Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang, signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, November 4, aimed at empowering women through green and circular entrepreneurship in eight of the city’s coastal barangays. This new livelihood package, valued at P38 million, marks a continued commitment to uplift women in vulnerable communities and promote sustainable economic practices.
The MOU signing, held at the City Hall Conference Room, was attended by key local leaders, including PRC Zamboanga Chapter Board Chairman Victor A. Liozo Jr., PRC Zamboanga Administrator Jocelyn Fernandez, and Spanish Red Cross Head of Delegation Maria Grazia Pressacco. Representatives from the target barangays — Dita, Panubigan, Baluno, Mampang, Bolong, Taluksangay, La Paz, and Mariki — were also present.
Mayor Dalipe praised the initiative as a crucial step in strengthening the city’s most vulnerable communities, particularly by empowering women entrepreneurs. He noted the resilience and innovation shown by these women, emphasizing their role in fostering a brighter future for Zamboanga.
“This collaboration is a beacon of hope,” said Mayor Dalipe. “By promoting green and circular entrepreneurship, we are not only empowering women economically but also ensuring sustainable practices that benefit our environment and future generations.”
The P38-million livelihood program is the third major partnership between PRC and the Zamboanga City government within the past three years. Earlier collaborations included a P6.6-million employment package focused on waste management and a P34-million initiative to boost the circular economy across Zamboanga, Manila, and Navotas, both of which are nearing completion.
Secretary General Pang of the Philippine Red Cross expressed confidence in Mayor Dalipe’s leadership and the city’s commitment to sustainable development, stating, “We believe in the leadership of Mayor Dalipe, and we will continue to invest in Zamboanga City.”
Through this partnership, Zamboanga City and PRC aim to build stronger, more resilient communities while setting a model for sustainable growth in the Philippines.
