Aboitiz Foundation empowers women in Misamis through financial, cybersecurity training
GRADUATES of Elevate AIDA Batch 60 and 61 from Tagoloan and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, complete the pilot financial literacy and cybersecurity training, a joint initiative of Aboitiz Foundation and UnionBank of the Philippines.
Over 60 women in Tagoloan and Villanueva towns recently graduated from the Elevate AIDA program, completing intensive training on financial literacy and cybersecurity aimed at equipping them with tools for economic independence and safe digital engagement.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with the local government units of Tagoloan and Villanueva, Union Bank of the Philippines, and other key stakeholders. The June training sessions marked the graduation of Batch 60 and 61 of the Elevate AIDA program.
“Through Elevate AIDA, we empower women not just to participate in the economy but to thrive and lead within it,” said Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar. “Financial literacy and cybersecurity are now basic life skills.”
The Financial Literacy Training, led by Marisel "Tetel" Baluran of InLife, offered practical tools on managing household finances, saving, and making informed financial decisions.
Meanwhile, UnionBank’s cybersecurity experts Zeus Araneta and Sherryl Ann Neri conducted the Digital Safety Training, teaching participants how to protect personal information, safely navigate online spaces, and build confidence in using digital tools for daily and entrepreneurial activities.
“This partnership is more than just a training—it’s a long-term investment in women’s empowerment and community development,” added Hontiveros-Malvar.
Local representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) of Tagoloan and Villanueva, as well as SPI representatives Elnie Cagas and Jerome Soldevilla, and the UnionBank Lapasan Branch team led by Jerrily Aguillon, attended the event.
The Elevate AIDA program continues to focus on empowering women through education and skill-building to foster inclusive, self-sufficient, and digitally aware communities.
“These graduates now move forward not only with new knowledge but with renewed confidence and purpose,” the Foundation said.
The Aboitiz Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive and resilient communities through long-term, collaborative initiatives.