The City Government of Isabela, under the administration of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through its Public Employment Services Office headed by PESO Manager Aradelria Belleng in partnership with Connected Women, celebrated the graduation, July 26, of Elevate AIDA’s 5th batch from Isabela City.
The event marked a significant milestone for fifty women of diverse ages and backgrounds who completed a five-day workshop. This workshop introduced them to the intricacies of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), while also covering essential technology skills and tips for being effective remote workers. The primary goal of this training was to upskill these women to work as Data Annotation Specialists in the burgeoning AI industry.
Connected Women Co-founder Ruth Owen Yu graced the event with her presence and heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. She shared that the mayor’s decision to adopt the Elevate AIDA program for Isabeleño women has been transformative, with substantial support from the Aboitiz Foundation. Yu encouraged the graduates to participate in future upskilling opportunities offered by Connected Women to further deepen their knowledge and skills.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, serving as the guest speaker, celebrated the graduates’ dedication and hard work. She praised their commitment to learning new skills in AI and data annotation, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and upskilling to stay competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. The mayor encouraged the graduates to keep advancing their skills and highlighted the empowerment of women as crucial to building stronger, more resilient communities. She expressed her excitement for the graduates’ future contributions in AI and beyond, envisioning their roles in driving technological innovation and economic growth.
The mayor also took the opportunity to thank the Public Employment Services Office for their unwavering support in this initiative and the collaborative effort between the city government, Connected Women, and the Aboitiz Foundation which exemplifies a successful public-private partnership aimed at uplifting marginalized sectors of society.
AFI COO Mardi Mapa Suplido also addressed the audience, emphasizing the Aboitiz Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through education and job opportunities for women. She expressed her delight at seeing the graduates become part of the Elevate AIDA program, which aligns with the foundation’s mission to support sustainable development and empowerment. Suplido reiterated the foundation’s dedication to creating opportunities for women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and encouraged the graduates to leverage their new skills to achieve greater heights.
As the first local government unit to invest in the Elevate AIDA program, the LGU of Isabela City, through the pioneering leadership of Mayor Turabin-Hataman, allocated GAD (Gender and Development) funds to train women. This investment underscores the administration’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Aboitiz Group’s support further strengthens the program, providing the necessary resources and expertise to ensure its success. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
