The PHL Delegation to the Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) and PHL Embassy officials

with Filipino women leaders in Chile.

(Santiago, 28 September 2019) – In line with the ongoing gender and development (GAD) initiatives of the Philippine government, the DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Embassy held a dialogue on women empowerment with some 30 Filipino women leaders in Chile. The event was held at the Icon hotel in Las Condes, Santiago, on 28 September 2019.

PCW Chair Dr. Rhodora M. Bucoy gave a comprehensive presentation on the current socio-economic status of Filipino women, updates on projects and programs of the PHL government on gender equality and women empowerment, and prospects for government engagement with Filipino women diaspora.

DTI Regional Director Asteria C. Caberte discussed means to empower and include women in the economy, including updates on DTI’s region-specific and nationwide livelihood projects available for all potential women entrepreneurs and SME pioneers in the Philippines. She also shared practical tips for running small businesses and sourcing of capital.

DFA Assistant Secretary Jesusa Susana V. Paez shared recommendations for starting SMEs and the importance of focusing on one’s passion and circle of competence in choosing and starting a business or enterprise.

Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza closed the session by reminding Filipino women attendees to continue serving as the good face of the Philippines in Chile and encouraging each community leader to be a champion of women empowerment for each of their members and individual organizations.

The officials of DFA, PCW and DTI are in Chile to participate in the APEC Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) to be held in La Serena from 30 September to 05 October 2019. The dialogue is a side event preceding the said multilateral meeting of approximately 21 APEC member economies. END