Insider Spotlight
The company recently marked the graduation of the second batch of its Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program, a digital upskilling initiative delivered in partnership with Connected Women and funded by Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
The program trains women in data annotation tasks such as image identification, categorization, and labeling, skills increasingly in demand in the global digital economy.
Why it matters
For rural communities with limited employment options, remote digital work provides a pathway to sustainable income without leaving home.
The program also supports women who balance caregiving responsibilities while seeking livelihood opportunities.
Following an online orientation in October, selected participants completed a 20-day training and on-the-job program in December.
A total of 44 women from seven municipalities in Ifugao completed the course, building on the first Elevate AIDA cohort that graduated women from Ifugao, Isabela, and Benguet in 2023.
What they’re saying
“Programs like Elevate AIDA reflect SNAP’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in our host communities,” Joseph Yu, president and chief executive officer of SNAP, said in a press release on Jan. 21, 2026.
“By equipping women with relevant digital skills, we open up new income opportunities that allow them to work from the comfort of their homes while still managing their household responsibilities.”
Provincial officials highlighted the value of making artificial intelligence-related training accessible to grassroots communities, noting its potential to prepare residents for technology-driven opportunities.
One graduate, Hazel Grace Lustado of Lamut, Ifugao, said the program boosted her confidence and employability despite having no prior background in technology.
She emphasized that the training allows her to work from home while contributing to her family’s income.
The bigger picture
After the graduation, Aboitiz Foundation, together with UnionBank, provided financial literacy and cybersecurity sessions to help participants manage income and navigate online risks. SNAP said this complements its goal of ensuring long-term, sustainable livelihoods.
From the first batch of graduates, more than 20 percent have already engaged in digital work and continue to upskill through Connected Women’s programs, underscoring the long-term potential of digital inclusion initiatives in host communities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
