MAKATI CITY – In a landmark partnership aimed at advancing both gender equality and national peace efforts, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, May 29, to empower underprivileged women in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities through digital skills training.
The ceremonial signing, held in Makati City, gathered key officials from OPAPRU, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Bangsamoro government, UN Women, and Connected Women to show support for the initiative. The collaboration centers on the Elevate AIDA program, which trains women in artificial intelligence (AI) and data annotation—opening doors to remote work and entrepreneurship in the digital economy.
Elevate AIDA: Opening Digital Doors for Women
Ana Margarita Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation, described the partnership as a “symbolic step” toward a shared dream of creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to learn, grow, and shape her future.
“This is really more than just a signing for us. It’s a dream where hopefully every woman has the opportunity to say, ‘Kaya ko rin. May lugar ako sa makabagong mundo,’” Malvar said, highlighting the transformational nature of the Elevate AIDA program.
She emphasized that the program is not just about technical upskilling, but about building the confidence of women and supporting their transition into the digital economy. With the ambitious goal of reaching 300,000 women nationwide over the next three years, Malvar said the journey begins with this initial step.
Gender Equality in the Digital Space
PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla lauded the initiative as a vital effort in sustaining gender and development progress in the Philippines. She pointed out that the country remains unique in having two legislated Gender and Development (GAD) budgets, which underscores a strong financial commitment to women’s empowerment.
“May AIDA light a thousand more initiatives across our country. Let it prove that when technology meets determination… transformation is not only possible—it becomes the norm,” said Valdeavilla.
Her message reinforced the importance of sustained support, innovation, and inclusion in making gender-responsive programs effective and impactful.
Changing Lives, One Woman at a Time
For women like Nima Duma from Isabela, Basilan, the program has been life-changing. After relocating to a remote area, Duma said she was able to secure a flexible, remote job through Elevate AIDA, giving her a sustainable income source and a renewed sense of purpose.
Her story stands as a testament to how digital skills can create real economic opportunities for women even in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Women as Agents of Peace
In his closing remarks, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. emphasized that investing in women is equivalent to investing in peace.
“By providing women with digital and technology-based training and income-generating opportunities, we expect this project to boost household incomes, promote women’s leadership, and contribute to community stability,” Galvez said.
He added that the Elevate AIDA project will be rolled out across seven priority regions, including the Bangsamoro and Cordillera areas—chosen for their vulnerability and relevance to ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
Galvez expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. for their quiet but significant support in making peace dividends more tangible and inclusive.
As the lead agency for the National Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security, OPAPRU is committed to localizing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS), ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries but active leaders in peace processes across the country.
A Step Toward an Inclusive Digital Future
This latest collaboration underlines the growing recognition that digital empowerment can be a powerful tool for peacebuilding and gender equality. Through the Elevate AIDA program, thousands of women will gain the skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in the digital economy—proving that when women rise, communities thrive.