Agusan Norte women step into digital age as 1st batch completes AI program
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante (center)
of Agusan del Norte joins the women graduates of the Elevate AIDA Digital
Skills Training Program during their graduation ceremony at the Provincial
Training Center, Capitol Compound, Butuan City. The program equips women, especially peace
advocates, solo parents, and PWDs with digital and entrepreneurial skills to
promote economic empowerment and peacebuilding in Agusan del Norte. (Photo
Courtesy of the Province of Agusan del Norte) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Thirty women from the province of Agusan del Norte, many of whom were previously without livelihood, are now equipped with digital skills after completing the province’s first training program on Elevate AIDA (AI and Digital Advancement), marking a significant triumph in women empowerment, digital inclusion, and peacebuilding.
This milestone follows the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed earlier this year by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and its partners, reaffirming their shared commitment to advance digital inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, and peacebuilding through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
The program specifically targets unemployed and vulnerable women, including peace advocates or previously known as former rebels, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), helping them rebuild their lives and become active contributors to community peace and development
Under the Elevate AIDA Program, participants underwent comprehensive training on AI data annotation, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and employability — skills that open doors to remote and online work opportunities.
For Edith, one of the trainees who struggled before in finding stable work, the training has been life-changing.
“Before this program, I didn’t know anything about digital work. I was just trying to make ends meet through small and irregular jobs,” she said. “Now, I have the skills and confidence to apply for online work and earn for my family. It’s a big step toward independence and hope.”
This first batch forms part of the 100-women training commitment of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, which supports the localization of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS), particularly Pillar 1 on Empowerment and Participation. The remaining 70 women beneficiaries are set to begin their training within October 2025.
During their graduation ceremony, the trainees received their Certificates of Completion from provincial officials led by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Vice Governor Enrico R. Corvera, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Chief Silver Joy B. Tejano, alongside representatives from the Aboitiz Foundation, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and Mettamatch, Inc.
Gov. Amante lauded the program for its success, emphasizing the province’s continuing commitment to inclusive and women-led development.
“When women are empowered, entire communities rise. This program proves that technology and compassion can work hand in hand to uplift lives and sustain peace,” she said.
The Elevate AIDA Program is an initiative of the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with OPAPRU, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. It underscores the value of multisectoral collaboration in building pathways for women to achieve economic independence and active participation in peacebuilding.
Through this partnership, Agusan del Norte and its partners are demonstrating how digital empowerment can transform lives and communities, paving the way for a future where every woman is empowered, employed, and engaged in building lasting peace and prosperity. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
