Noy pays tribute to women of TESDA-Coke retail program

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino paid tribute yesterday to thousands of women-beneficiaries of the Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program while saying that he would probably have his chance at love only after his term.

Speaking at the celebration of Women’s Month, organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Coca-Cola Philippines, Aquino noted the contributions of women to the Philippine economy through small businesses like sari-sari or neighborhood convenience stores and carinderia (eateries).

Aquino noted that STAR program’s goal to achieve economic emancipation for more Filipino women and to contribute to overall economic growth is one significant form of assistance to women.

He stressed the importance of freedom from hunger as a basic need of the country, which women entrepreneurs could very well address.

Over 5,000 scholars from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite and Rizal participated in the STAR program and were given better livelihood opportunities through training and new skills.

The President joked that when he was still a Tarlac representative, his former colleagues would ask why there was a month-long celebration for women when they have always been special to their husbands.

Aquino said he obviously has not yet experienced being a husband. “You might have forgotten: I’m Noynoy Aquino. I’m single (and have) no children. Pero mga 460 days na lang ho, may laban na ako (But it’s only 460 days to go, I still have a chance),” he said.

On a serious note, Aquino said his mother – being the first woman president – had always pushed for “affirmative action” for women and knew how they could shape the nation’s destiny.

He said the STAR program introduced different strategies to help women become more efficient business people, providing them access to additional capital and alternative financial services. He said the program also upheld gender sensitivity and provided a link between women entrepreneurs and business networks.

The President pointed out the potential of such mechanisms for sari-sari stores.

“We are aware that every business, big or small, has valuable contribution to make the economy grow,” Aquino said, noting that the vibrancy of the economy could be seen in sari-sari stores, which could become a bridge to make the economy grow further.

Aquino said there are 34,000 STAR program beneficiaries at present and there would be 10,000 more in the first quarter of this year.

Coca-Cola also aims to teach about 200,000 Filipina retailers by 2020, the President said, quipping he would not mind if there would be an added target.

The President said TESDA, under director general Joel Villanueva, has also been focusing on its Training for Work Scholarship Program, which provides skills development so their graduates could secure “hot jobs” or jobs that are in demand.

Out of the 7.15 million graduates of technical-vocational programs of TESDA since 2010 to 2014, 3.63 million are women, he noted.

Among TESDA scholars, 710,848 of the total 1.42 million are also women, he added.

Aquino said more women are benefiting from these programs and that skills and training that used to be exclusive for men – such as welding, automotive servicing and electronics – are now of interest to women.