ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Queer Workforce Advancement and Resource Training Alliance (QWARTA) Career Development and Professional Skills Workshop took center stage at a local hotel on Tuesday, March 25, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to diversity and gender equality.
QWARTA, a consortium initiative led by Mindanao Pride, focuses on fostering economic empowerment and professional development for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Mindanao. The program aims to equip ninety participants from marginalized backgrounds with essential career skills and employment opportunities, conducting training cycles in Cagayan de Oro City, Butuan City, and Zamboanga City, with thirty individuals per batch.
Supported by the Free to Be Me Program of Humanis Foundation and funded by the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, the two-day workshop ran from March 25 to 27 and culminated in a job fair at KCC Mall de Zamboanga. Notably, the first five participants hired on the spot received P5,000 each, courtesy of Mindanao Pride.
Mayor John Dalipe, represented by Investment and Promotions Services Head and Administrative Officer V Raisa Fernandez, emphasized the city’s support for the initiative. “With full support and oneness, we proudly stand alongside this initiative, recognizing it as a beacon of hope and progress for our city,” Fernandez said on behalf of the mayor.
She further expressed encouragement for the participants, stating, “Let this workshop inspire us all to dream big, work tirelessly, and never cease to believe in the boundless potential within each of us. Together as partners, we are building a Zamboanga City that thrives on unity, celebrates its diversity, and fosters opportunities for all. Let the ripple effects of your efforts today shape the generations of tomorrow.”
The QWARTA workshop signifies a progressive step towards inclusivity, providing the LGBTIQ+ community with tools to succeed in the workforce while strengthening the local economy. The event underscores Zamboanga City’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all its citizens.