LEDIPO Officer Juanito Jaime Rivera provided an overview of the potential funding as well as an introduction to the panel of judges.

Sta. Barbara Women’s Association, Marang-Marang Women’s Association, Bajau Women Weavers Association of Tampalan (HAPIsabela BAWWAT), SLT Langgal School of Living Tradition, HAPIsabela Women’s Dressmakers, Opportunity 2.0, Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., and others pitched in and presented their business plans and products.

In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman believed that the path to success in life is through business and that income should be earned in the private sector, and the government’s responsibility is to provide opportunities for people to earn money, as a result, programs such as the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office and the Public Employment Service Office exist. She also mentioned examples of initiatives under her administration.

Joining the forum were City Administrator and Legal Officer Atty. Adzlan Imran, City Civil Registrar Officer Dayang Mirhama Jaljalis, ASA Philippines Inc. Leadia Montano and company, CARD Carmencita Dalog, Al-Amanah Bank Sherry Grace Aspi, Asia Foundation WEB Accelerator Jowil Placerda, Cebuana Lhuillier Elisa Dinglasa, Development Bank of the Philippines Branch Manager Shiela Porticos and other stakeholders. Staff from LEDIPO and Microfinance were also present.