Batangas women gain digital skills through Aboitiz program

February 3, 2026
1:52PM PHT

Insider Spotlight

  • Women in Malvar gain AI-ready skills for remote digital work
  • Program advances women’s access to sustainable, home-based income
  • Public-private partnership highlights inclusive, community-led growth


Women in Batangas are entering the digital economy after Aboitiz Construction and Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with Connected Women, graduated 48 women from Malvar under the Elevate Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation (AIDA) program.

The graduation, held Jan. 22 at the Malvar Municipal Hall, marks a local milestone within a broader nationwide effort to empower women through technology upskilling and access to sustainable income opportunities. 

The initiative is part of a larger mission to equip 300,000 women across the country with digital skills aligned with the evolving demands of the technology sector.

Why it matters

Women in underserved communities continue to face barriers to formal employment, particularly in fast-growing digital fields. 

Programs like Elevate AIDA address these gaps by offering practical, job-ready training that enables women to participate in the digital economy without leaving their homes, supporting both economic independence and family care responsibilities.

Women from Malvar, Batangas celebrate their graduation from the Elevate AIDA Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation program, which equips participants with digital skills for remote work and sustainable income opportunities. | Contributed photo

The big picture

The Elevate AIDA program equips participants with essential skills in data annotation, a critical function supporting Artificial Intelligence systems. These competencies open pathways to remote work opportunities, allowing graduates to compete for online roles in a global market increasingly driven by AI-enabled services. 

This development is based on a company release, reflecting how private sector-led collaborations are playing a growing role in expanding women’s access to technology, skills, and sustainable livelihoods at the community level.

The ceremony was attended by local leaders, including Mayor Art Abu and Lilibeth Lat, Barangay chair of Bagong Pook, underscoring the importance of local government support in advancing inclusive, women-centered development initiatives.

What they’re saying

"At Aboitiz Construction, our commitment to business transformation includes empowering the people in our host communities. By equipping these women with digital skills, we are providing them with the tools to stay competitive and resilient in a technology-driven world," said Karmine Andrea Ching, Sr. assistant vice president for Business Transformation of Aboitiz Construction.

“The Elevate AIDA training in Malvar, Batangas is a testament to what we can achieve when communities, local government, and partners like Aboitiz Land come together. By equipping our women graduates with digital skills and confidence, we are empowering them to create opportunities, uplift their families, and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive future,” said Mardi Mapa-Suplido, COO of Aboitiz Foundation.

What’s next

Beyond technical training, the partners are focused on helping graduates transition confidently into the digital workforce. To support this next step, Aboitiz Foundation, in collaboration with UnionBank, will conduct an online session next month on financial literacy and cybersecurity. 

The initiative aims to help the women manage their income responsibly, strengthen financial confidence, and stay protected from digital risks as they pursue remote work opportunities.

The partnership reflects a broader push to place women at the center of digital transformation, ensuring that technology-driven growth translates into meaningful economic opportunities for Filipino families across the country. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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