Tarlac State University's College of Business and Accountancy inked a partnership with the Home for Women under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Tarlac on Friday afternoon (October 10) at the Main AVR.
Titled “Igniting Women in Transition,” the partnership aims to equip the vulnerable women residents of the DSWD facility with entrepreneurial skills through capacity building and promote economic self-sufficiency.
The training and mentorship opportunities, to be conducted by CBA faculty members, will help women residents with livelihood projects and engage them in income-generating activities, aiding them in their transition under residential care.
They will also provide training in technical skills, financial literacy, and pilot testing for local micro, small, and medium enterprises. Moreover, crafts will be linked to local markets, cooperatives, and online selling platforms to boost their income and target market.
“Naniniwala po kami dito sa TSU that we should be generous to other people because, once you do things to other people, particularly to those persons who cannot repay you, heto, home for women, most likely matatanda na, they can no longer be repaying, but it’s a blessing to them," TSU President Dr. Arnold Velasco said in his speech.
"Because sabi ng Diyos, ‘Tumulong ka sa mga tao nang hindi humihingi ng kapalit.' Because we are giving this freely from the heart, [all the more that] God will bless TSU,” he added.
The university will also provide psychosocial support to address the emotional and psychological needs of the women residents and establish a gender responsive community.
“Hindi po nagtatagal ang mga 'yan sa amin. Three months to one year lang po sila. Ang goal kasi ng DSWD, ma-empower sila sa kanilang skills. If they are battered, physically abused, kailangan po silang matutong tumayo sa sarili nila para hindi po sila sunod nang sunod sa mga partners nila or magtrabaho sa mga hindi magandang paraan. So, iyon talaga ang purpose ng Home for Women,” Ms. Jacqueline Bautista, DSWD Tarlac Home for Women head, said in her speech.
According to Ms. Bautista, the DSWD Home for Women is the lone center in Central Luzon that caters to women.
“We are committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters growth, confidence, and resilience. Ang 'Ignite' po ay innovation for growth for new and inclusive Tarlac entrepreneurs. Together, let’s ignite this spark with these women and empower them to become active contributors to their families and communities,” Dr. Elvira Mercado, faculty member from the Entrepreneurship Department, said. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan
