Toledo City, Cebu – In a quiet barangay in Toledo City, a groundbreaking partnership is rewriting the narrative of women empowerment and inclusive livelihood opportunities. Housewives are breaking through the digital divide, balancing family duties with meaningful work opportunities powered by technology. The Elevate AIDA Project, a collaboration between Connected Women and AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI), is transforming the lives of rural women, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy – all from the comfort of their homes.
Launched in June 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Elevate AIDA offers training in Artificial Intelligence and Data Annotation (AIDA), a process that involves classifying images and labeling data for machine learning systems. Beyond the technical training, the initiative provides women with the flexibility to work remotely while caring for their families—a game-changer for many in these rural communities.
Technology as the Great Equalizer
Jessa, a college graduate and mother of two, shares how the program has opened new doors. “I once had to leave my job to care for my youngest child, who was often sick. With just one income—only my husband was working—it was tough for us financially,” she recalls. “When TVI offered this opportunity, I seized it. The training was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It equipped me with skills that now allow me to contribute to our family income from home.” (“Actually sir ako kasi graduate po ako ng college pero kasi nung nagkasakit yung anak ko, noong pinanganak ko yung bunso ko po, masyado kasi siyang sakitin. Sobrang napilitan po talaga ako na magstop po ng pagtatrabaho kaya naging full time na lang ako na mag alaga sa kanya. Then nung syempre po isa na lang yung nagtatrabaho (asawa ko), hindi naman po ganun yung ano (kalaki) yung income namin so nung pumasok po itong opportunity/livelihood from Aboitiz, gin-rab ko siya.”)
For Heidi, another program beneficiary, the flexibility of the work has been life-changing. “Elevate AIDA has been a huge help because of its flexible working hours. I can work at any time that suits me, especially since I’m also busy with community activities in our village,” she explains. Heidi, who also participates in baking training provided by TVI, now juggles multiple sources of income. “Thanks to TVI, we have various ways to earn. I hope they continue to bring more programs like this to our community.” (“Para sakin po nakatulong po talaga siya kasi walang oras kung kailan mo gusto mag trabaho (flexitime). Kasi ma’am nagtatrabaho ako sa barangay tumutulong ako sa pag monitor ng mga tao, meron din kaming training na baking so marami pa kaming trabaho po dahil sa nahahati ang oras so yan po ang na achieve na tulong sa TVI. … Walang sawang pasasalamat po sa TVI po na may ganitong project para samin. malaking tulong po kasi siya kasi hindi lang naman po ako ang nabigyan, marami po kaming mga mother na nabigyan po nung opportunity na yun so sana po marami pang mga opportunity na darating from TVI po.”)
Great Transformation 2025
Participants of Elevate AIDA are provided with essential tools, including training, internet access, and computers. These resources enable them to join the digital workforce and contribute to their households while remaining present for their families.
The Elevate AIDA initiative aligns seamlessly with Aboitiz Group’s broader commitment to driving inclusive growth through innovation. This vision is encapsulated in the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation 2025 strategy, which seeks to position the company as the Philippines’ first “techglomerate.” By combining technology with social impact, AboitizPower and TVI are creating pathways for economic opportunities that transcend geographic and economic barriers.
Beyond digital empowerment, TVI has consistently rolled out high-impact livelihood projects through high impact corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. These initiatives, which range from waste-to-value initiatives like eco-brick production to community-based skills training, demonstrate TVI’s dedication to sustainable socio-economic development.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, TVI co-creates sustainable and meaningful livelihood opportunities,” said Noel Cabahug, Facility Head at TVI. “Our partnerships with communities, such as Elevate AIDA, allow us to uplift lives while promoting long-term development. We will continue to uphold this commitment as we collaborate with our stakeholders in building more impactful and sustainable projects.”
Building confidence, opening up a world of possibilities
TVI was one of the first partners of the Elevate AIDA project in 2020, a pioneering effort that has since been adopted across various Aboitiz Group business units nationwide. The AIDA training program has also since been implemented by the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA to engage more Filipino women in the field of ICT and in particular provide them with skills that are relevant and needed in today’s digital economy.
With a goal of training 300,000 women by 2025, Elevate AIDA is not just a livelihood initiative—it’s a movement for empowerment and equality. By providing employable digital skills, the project uplifts household incomes while promoting a culture of innovation and independence.
“This is more than just about having income; it’s about giving women the tools to secure their own futures,” said Connected Women Co-Founder Ruth Yu-Owen. “Through this program, we’re not just building skills; we’re building confidence and opening up a world of possibilities for women in our communities.”
For Jessa, Heidi, and hundreds of other women in Toledo City, the digital economy is no longer a distant concept—it’s a tangible reality, powered by the vision of organizations determined to bridge the gap. Through programs like Elevate AIDA, technology proves once again that it can be the great equalizer, leveling the playing field and creating opportunities where none existed before.