Filipino moms find new futures in digital work through Aboitiz's Elevate AIDA

As the country honors Filipino mothers this May, the Aboitiz Foundation is spotlighting stories of transformation through its Elevate AIDA program, an initiative empowering women with digital skills and meaningful online work.

AIDA, short for Artificial Intelligence and Data Annotation, is a partnership between Aboitiz Foundation, Connected Women, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). Launched to equip women with training in AI-related digital tasks, the program allows them to earn a living remotely — enabling work-life balance and independence, especially for mothers.

“We are incredibly proud of the resilience and determination women show every day,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, President of Aboitiz Foundation. “Elevate AIDA isn’t just about digital training — it’s about giving women real opportunities to change their lives, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

Since its inception, Elevate AIDA has enrolled 1,931 women, with 1,865 completing the program. Many of these participants — often full-time mothers, survivors of abuse, or workers affected by the pandemic — now earn up to P600 per day through digital annotation work.

Among them is Jehaida Aidarus, a mother and domestic violence survivor. Prevented from studying or working by her abusive partner, she found refuge and empowerment through the program. She now dreams of reuniting with her children while standing on her own feet.

In Basilan, Nima Duma, a mother of three, lost her income as an online seller during the pandemic. Despite unstable power and internet access, she completed her training and now earns through remote digital tasks — income she describes as “dignity.”

Anna Marie Tubon, a single mother and customer service representative, used her training to seek advancement within her company. The program, she said, offered her a chance not only at stability but at upward career mobility.

According to Aboitiz Foundation, 58% of program graduates have applied for jobs through Connected Women, and 40% have already found employment — a strong sign of the initiative’s growing impact.

Looking ahead, the foundation has set an ambitious goal: to train and place 300,000 Filipino women in digital-related work. The effort is part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive growth through tech-driven education and employment.

As Mother’s Day approaches, the Elevate AIDA program stands as a tribute to the strength and resilience of Filipino mothers who are not just nurturing families — but also rebuilding their futures through digital empowerment.