Duterte launches entrepreneurship program for women, LGBTQIA+ community

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday launched an entrepreneurship program to provide financial support for women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Duterte led the launching of “Mag Negosyo ‘Ta Day” (MTD) in San Pedro City, Laguna.

Duterte said the MTD program will focus on marginalized sectors such as women, single parents, persons with disabilities, survivors of violence, women from indigenous tribes, displaced overseas Filipino workers, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the unemployed.

It will also serve as the government’s response to neutralizing gender inequality in the labor and business sectors.

“The role of our local government units in facilitating a business-friendly environment and encouraging the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises is critical to accelerate our post-pandemic recovery,” Duterte said.

The MTD program was originally a project of Davao City—where Duterte served as mayor—and it was adopted by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for nationwide implementation.

San Pedro City received ₱150,000 from the OVP for implementation of the MTD program.

“Naniniwala ako na ang pagnenegosyo, o entrepreneurship, ay nagbubunga ng mas mahusay na epekto dahil ito ay nagbibigay ng mas maraming kita, lumilikha ng mas maraming trabaho, at tumutulong sa pagbuo ng malusog at masiglang ekonomiya sa ating mga komunidad,” Duterte said.

[Translation: I believe that running a business, or entrepreneurship, brings benefits to the society as it offers more income, creates more jobs, and helps build a stronger economy in our communities.]