Dialogue Held with Filipino Women Leaders in Chile

The Philippine Delegation to the Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) and Embassy officials with Filipino women leaders in Chile. (Santiago PE photo)

SANTIAGO 11 October 2019 – In line with the ongoing gender and development (GAD) initiatives of the Philippine government, the Department of Foreign Affairs (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 in Santiago held a dialogue on women empowerment with some 30 Filipino women leaders in Chile on 28 September 2019at the Icon Hotel in Las Condes, Santiago.

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 Philippine government on gender equality and women empowerment, and prospects for government engagement with Filipino women diaspora.

Meanwhile, Trade and Industry 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 small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) pioneers in the Philippines. She also shared practical tips for running small businesses and sourcing of capital.

Foreign Affairs 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 to Chile Maria 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 were in Chile to participate in the APEC Women, and the Economy Forum (WEF) 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

For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.