ANTIPOLO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)  Rizal Provincial Office, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police Information Technology Management Service (PNP-ITMS), organized a learning session for 30 women entrepreneurs intending to utilize social media as a livelihood and further advance cyber education in the region.

Entitled "Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Information and Communications Technology", the initiative is aligned with the Information Technology Advocacy Movement and Alliance or ITAMA program of the PNP-ITMS.

ITAMA is in line with the police’s mission to curb insurgency by implementing public community relations strategies to support the functions of the NTF-ELCAC nationwide.

DTI – Rizal's business development division chief Sharon Dioco, signified the department’s support to the PNP and underscored the significance of the event in empowering women entrepreneurs and making sure they are equipped with information on how they can protect their families and businesses. 

Dioco said: “Our objective is to equip budding business owners with the knowledge needed to leverage digitalization to enhance their online marketing endeavors. The insights shared by our resource speakers are invaluable tools for bolstering their businesses. Furthermore, this event aims to foster closer ties between the PNP and our local entrepreneurs.” 

Lt. Col. Aonn Sugcang of the PNP-ITMS  emphasized the collaborative spirit of the program in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.

“We hope that the insights from discussions will empower you in your businesses, ensuring that you navigate the digital landscape safely and securely, steering clear of scams and illicit activities,” Sugcang told the attendees.

Entrepreneur Jasmin Allison Obatay said the initiative was helpful for her as she gained new insights on how she can effectively run her business.

"I am fortunate to have participated in this activity facilitated by the partnership between PNP-ITMS and DTI-Rizal. I extend my heartfelt thanks to DTI Rizal and PNP ITMS for enlightening us, MSMEs, and equipping us with the tools to navigate and utilize these technologies safely."

The police and the trade department believe that their partnership demonstrates a proactive approach to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering a resilient, digitally adept business environment in Rizal. (MBIL/PIA-Rizal)