Pacita Abad Comes Home to Metropolitan Museum of Manila

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter is a new exhibition opening on November 28, 2024 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M Museum) that takes a bold, fresh look at the late artist Pacita Abad’s formative years, positioning her firmly as a Filipino painter, first and foremost. The Batanes-born artist herself stated in a 1985 interview that while her peripatetic life, which took her to over 60 countries around the world, influenced her work greatly, “…I’d rather be known as a Filipino painter, wherever I am.” 

In Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter, curator Clarissa Chikiamco focuses on the first 10 years of Pacita’s artistic practice, from 1976, the year she began her formal art studies at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., to 1986, the last year she was based in Manila after returning to the Philippines in 1982. Drawing entirely from local collections, the show traces Pacita’s growing confidence and motivations as a Philippine painter active at home and overseas. 

Pacita described herself as “a colorist more than anything else, and an expressionist.” The exhibition showcases her confidence in using color to express not just herself, but her Filipino identity. 

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PACITA ABAD SocMedPoster

Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter

28 November 2024 – 30 March 2025

3F North Gallery, Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Included are the series of vibrant still-life paintings she produced while taking art classes at The Art Students’ League in New York in 1977, as well as works inspired by her many travels. From 1976 to 1982, Pacita traveled to Guatemala, Nepal, Myanmar, Kenya, Sudan, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. She and her husband Jack Garrity, an economist, relocated several times, to Bangladesh, Thailand, and the United States. Exposure to new cultures and people were fonts of inspiration that also deepened her sense of social responsibility, which was reflected in her work – something she also attributed to her Philippine background. 

Her later works in the exhibition pay homage to her native country; back home she found renewed artistic stimulation, seeing the country “through the eyes of a painter.” The couple moved back to Manila in 1982 with the Asian Development Bank, and remained in the Philippines until 1986. 

By then, Pacita had developed her special technique of trapunto painting, which she began in 1981. She painted canvases, often large, then stuffed and hand-stitched them. She also sewed other materials, such as buttons, ribbons, and shells onto the works, assisted by her sister Rency Baroña. 

Until recently, Philippine museums and galleries were the primary patrons of Pacita’s work. Major international museums, particularly in Europe and North America, overlooked her practice, despite Pacita sending more than a hundred proposals offering to exhibit her paintings. 

Global recognition came posthumously, following a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design in Manila in 2018. Since 2020, her work has been in international biennials, most recently in Venice, as well as solo museum exhibitions in Bristol, Dubai, Minneapolis, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto. Her paintings are in more than 50 museum collections around the world. 

Pacita Abad by Willa Zakin Courtesy of Pacita Abad Art Estate 1Pacita Abad by Willa Zakin, Courtesy of Pacita Abad Art Estate

Pacita Abad Self Portrait 1985 Metropolitan Museum of Manila CollectionPacita Abad Self Portrait, 1985, Metropolitan Museum of Manila Collection

Pacita Batanes 1985 Courtesy of Pacita Abad Art Estate 1

Pacita Batanes 1985, Courtesy of Pacita Abad Art Estate

Clarissa noted, “While Pacita had an international practice, the Philippines remained deeply influential to her work. Major cultural institutions in the Philippines were among the first to five her due recognition during her lifetime and after her death. Now that she has reached global acclaim, it is timely to remember and celebrate her as a Philippine painter through an exhibition in her home country.”

The Pacita Abad Estate said in a statement, “Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila commemorates the 20th anniversary of her passing and marks a homecoming for Pacita, following a hugely successful touring retrospective, that opened at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in April 2023, and subsequently travelled to SFMoMA in San Francisco, MoMA PS1 in New York City and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, where it will conclude in January 2025.”

“Returning home was always important to Pacita. However many countries she traversed and cities she exhibited in, she always made time to bring her work to Manila and to a Filipino audience. This exhibition continues that spirit of homecoming and revisits important early works, many unseen for over three decades, that Pacita made during her multiple returns to the Philippines.”

The M Museum President Tina Colayco added, “With Pacita Abad currently showing in Toronto, and at three other galleries in New York and Switzerland, we are proud to have this tribute exhibition honoring our very own Filipino artist, who is part of our permanent collection, on her 20th death anniversary. While her trapuntos have been widely exhibited overseas in recent years, her early paintings are equally powerful and evocative, and reveal a painter of extraordinary talent and confidence.”

Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter runs from November 28, 2024 to March 30, 2025.

TRIBUTE EXHIBITION TO PITOY MORENO COMING SOON TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA

If he were still alive today, Jose “Pitoy” Moreno (February 25, 1925–January 15, 2018) would be turning 100 years old. The pioneering fashion designer, who gained recognition locally and globally as a leading figure in the fashion world of his time, is being honored with an exhibition and accompanying book entitled Timeless: J. Moreno at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M Museum) in BGC.

Pitoy Moreno promoted traditional Philippine textiles such as jusi and piña, bringing them into the global fashion spotlight. He revived interest in the Maria Clara and played a pivotal role in popularizing the Barong Tagalog for both men and women. This revitalization of traditional Filipino garments attracted a distinguished international clientele, including French couturier Pierre Cardin, the Emperor of Japan, and the kings of Morocco and Malaysia.

His clientele for his exquisite evening dresses, formal gowns, and ternos, was equally star-studded: Philippine first ladies, socialites, movie stars–including Rita Moreno, who accepted her Oscar award in 1962 wearing a Pitoy Moreno creation, and attended the 2018 Academy Awards in the same dress–and royalty, such as the United Kingdom’s Princess Margaret.

Timeless: J Moreno is curated by New York-based art historian Dr. Florina H. Capistrano-Baker, assisted by co-curator Ditas R. Samson, and Los Angeles-based fashion curator Clarissa M. Esguerra, and The M’s curatorial department in close collaboration with exhibition and graphic designers Stanley Ruiz, Stephanie Yerba, and Cocoy Lumbao. This groundbreaking multimedia exhibition celebrates the centennial of Moreno’s birth.

Timeless: J. Moreno opens to the public on February 27, 2025. This exhibition is made possible by the Jusi at Piña Legacy Foundation

ABOUT THE CURATORIAL TEAM

Curator-in-charge Florina H. Capistrano-Baker received her PhD, MPhil, and MA from the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University in New York. Her doctoral research addressed the intersections between textiles, attire, and architecture in Island Southeast Asia. In 1991 she rediscovered a previously unknown cache of late 18th to early-19th-century Philippine garments in storage at the Leiden National Museum of Ethnology. These were returned temporarily to the Philippines in an exhibition she curated at the Ayala Museum (2004, 2007). Capistrano-Baker has made significant contributions to the research and identification of 19th-century albums of Philippine costumes called tipos del país. She definitively identified works by Damian Domingo and Justiniano Asuncion and called attention to the previously unknown practice of Chinese replication of these images. Capistrano-Baker currently sits in the jury of the Textile Society of America’s prestigious Shep Annual Book Awards. She will chair the Shep’s Selection Committee in 2025.

Co-curator Ditas R. Samson received her BA in Humanities (cum laude) from the University of the Philippines (Diliman) and MA in Liberal Studies from New York University. She is a senior curator and consultant for research and publications at the Ayala Museum. She was a visiting researcher at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea, under the Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2007. She convened the third Asian Museum Curators Conference at Ayala Museum in 2008 in partnership with the Japan Foundation; in 2012, she was an Exchange Visitor for the Museums Connect program of the American Alliance of Museums.

Technical and curatorial consultant Clarissa M. Esguerra is Curator of Costume and Textiles at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). She joined the curatorial staff in 2008 and has overseen numerous costume and textiles installations and acquisitions. In 2016, she co-curated Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715–2015, and in 2019, she curated Power of Pattern: Central Asian Ikats from the David and Elizabeth Reisbord Collection. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in fashion design, gender studies, and the history of dress from Brenau Women’s College and the University of Georgia. Most recently, she co-curated Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse (2022).

ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila envisions a world where people from all walks of life appreciate the arts. Founded in 1976, it aims to amplify the Filipinos’ sense of cultural and artistic heritage from the past, present, and beyond, becoming the leading hub for contemporary art by Filipino and international artists engaging in the ever-renewing contemporary discourses and experiences that shape our understanding of society.

Today, with a refreshed dynamism for the 21st century, the museum re-introduces itself as the M as it reopens its new art spaces in the heart of the emerging vibrant cultural hub that is Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It renews its commitment to its core mission of Art for All, with a bold curatorial direction that takes an interdisciplinary and multicultural approach to art exhibition programming in a location with greater accessibility to a wider and more inclusive audience.

*ARTA celebrates 343 new RIA Champions during its 3rd Annual ENRICH

Manila - The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) capped off its 2024 Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) training activities by recognizing participating government employees on its 3rd Annual ENRICH: Empowering Next-Generation RIA Champions at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City today, 03 December 2024. RIA Training equips government employees with the knowledge and skills to evaluate regulations and enhance their respective regulatory environments to ensure that regulations do not cause undue regulatory burdens to the transacting public:,

Led by ARTA Better Regulations Office – Regulatory Management and Training Division (BRO-RMTD), this event is the third annual recognition ceremony for the RIA trainees, which gathered a total of 343 government employees from 63 government offices and local government units, including trainees from ARTA's e-learning system, Policy Reform, Innovation, and Streamlining Management (PRISM). 

Called RIA Champions, the recognized employees completed Phase VI Capability Development Assistance on RIA conducted in partnership with Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Phase IV RIA Manual Training conducted in partnership with Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation, Incorporated - Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND), RIA Training for Local Government Units (LGUs) in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Urban Connect, and an Introductory Course on RIA conducted by the RMTD.

In his opening remarks, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez reminded the urgency to streamline government processes and enhance ease of doing business in our country. 

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made it a priority to improve bureaucratic efficiency and promote economic growth. By investing in capacity-building initiatives such as these RIA trainings, we are taking significant steps towards realizing the President's vision for a more prosperous and competitive Philippines," ARTA Secretary Perez said. 

Messages of support from ARTA partners including USAID Urban Connect Chief of Party Dr. Allex B. Brillantes, UPPAF-RESPOND Chief of Party Dr. Enrico L. Basilio, DAP President and CEO Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, Australia Embassy to the Philippines Economic Section Counsellor Luke Villiers, and British Embassy Economic and Climate Change Counsellor Lloyd Cameron were delivered during the event.

Australia Embassy to the Philippines Economic Section Counsellor Luke Villiers underscored the vital role of regulatory reform in fostering economic prosperity of the  Philippines. In addition, British Embassy to the Philippines Economic and Climate Change Counsellor Lloyd Cameron expressed gratitude to ARTA for their dedication to economic reform by conducting RIA Trainings. Meanwhile, UPPAF-RESPOND Chief of Party Dr. Enrico L. Basilio conveyed sustained support for ARTA's RIA Training initiative.

This event also unveiled a new RIA training workbook, the Standard Cost Model Training Workbook, and expanded PRISM's course offerings with the addition of an Annual Regulatory Plan course.

Joining the recognition ceremony were ARTA executives, including Deputy Director General for Operations Undersecretary Gerald Divinagracia, Deputy Director General for Legal Undersecretary Geneses R. Abot, BRO Director Marbida L. Marbida, Legal and Public Assistance Office (LPAO) Director Leonardo O. Tapia, Investigation, Enforcement and Litigation Office (IELO) Director Concepcion Zeny Ferrolino-Enad, Compliance, Monitoring, and Evaluation Office (CMEO) Director Grace L. Fernandez, and Finance and Administrative Office (FAO) Director Lea-Grace B. Salcedo.

In the Bagong Pilipinas, where efficiency is the top priority, ARTA, together with its partners, will continue its initiative to help government offices improve their regulatory processes as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 

END

Inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mga tagasalin na magpatala sa KWF Direktoryo ng mga Tagasalin!

Ang KWF Direktoryo ng mga Tagasalin ay naghahangad na makatugon o mapunan ang kakulangan sa network ng mga tagasalin sa bansa lalo na sa network ng mga tagasalin mula sa rehiyon. Sa pamamagitan ng direktoryo na ito, matitiyak ng KWF na ang matitipong mga tagasalin ay propesyonal at de-kalidad na makatutugon sa pangangailangan ng pagsasalin sa iba't ibang katutubong wika ng mahahalagang dokumento, kasulatan, impormasyon, at iba pang katulad. Magsisilbi ding gabay ang direktoryo para sa pagbibigay ng KWF ng priyoridad sa mga tagasalin na nasa direktoryo nito para sa mga imbitasyon, pabatid, pagsasanay, proyekto, at anunsiyo sa mga proyekto at programa sa pagsasalin ng ahensiya.

Magpatala sa link na ito: https://forms.gle/cHJ63RF1Zskn1Gyg9

Bukás ang rehistrasyon hanggang sa 27 Disyembre 2024.

SCIENTISTS: "YOUR CLIMATE ACTION GUIDE ON FOOD"

The Report is based on the IPCC Scientists researches, Satellite data and Super Computers models.

QUOTE from the UN IPCC Scientists Report...

"Reducing the global average annual individual carbon footprint from 6.3 tons in 2020 to 2.1 tons in 2030, as recommended by experts, will no doubt involve changes to our food system and diet. Having greater awareness and making small changes will not only help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and individual carbon footprint but will ALSO improve water, air quality, health, and save tonnes of money." 

$$$. It's a WIN WIN WIN solution.

...UNQUOTE.

https://unfccc.int/news/we-need-to-talk-about-meat

Fossil fuels are the major factor to Global Warning and we need to reduce the consumption ASAP.

But there's another major factor that needs to be addressed and reduced as well!!!

(Note Before: Fossil fuels are not the #1 cause of deforestation or manure runoffs pollution of our rivers, lakes and waterways causing DEAD ZONES for example the Gulf of Mexico).

Note, this One single action is also the solution to most of the major Global problems like Inflation, Food price, World hunger, Ocean acidification,/Dead Zones, Deforestation, Rising Sea level, Biodiversity, Malnutrition, Health care, Environment pollutions, Improve water, land, air quality, moral values on Animal Welfare and other major global issues.

The UN IPCC Scientists' research shows Animal Agriculture is also the #1 cause to AGW as per below:

- The #1 cause of Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) GHG air pollution.

Note, CH4 is 25 times more potent at trapping heat than CO2 and N20 is 290 times more damaging than CO2

(Which makes Animal Agriculture the #1 cause of CH4 and NO2 ghg pollutions, more than all mode of transports put together, ie cars, ships, planes etc).

- The #1 cause of Deforestation, Soil degradation and Biodiversity lost/damage. 

We are using 70-80% of our land and water resources either to breed or to grow food for Animal Agriculture.

- The #1 cause of animal manure runoffs into our rivers, lakes and waterways causing river pollution and Dead Zones. 

(For example The Gulf of Mexico is a Dead Zone now because of Animal Agriculture.)

-  The #1 cause of water shortages. Nestle is reporting, we won't have enough water to feed 50 billion cows in less than 30 years. It's,  better we start to consume water directly. We can easily feed 10 billion humans in 2050.

It's inevitable, Animal Agriculture is using 70-80% of land and water resources. 

Therefore, it's unsustainable. 

If we can feed 100 billion cows, goats, pigs etc. Why can't we feed 10 billion humans by 2030?

- The #1 cause of the destruction of Coral Reefs due to trawling, using explosives and other damaging fishing methods. 

Phytoplankton generates 50% of Oxygen and have ability to absorb CO2. The Reefs are dying and cannot take another 1°C degree. If the Reefs die, the phytoplankton dies.

- The #1 cause of Ocean Acidification globally.

- The #1 cause of Pandemics and overuse of antibiotics causing antibiotics resistance/loss resulting antimicrobial infections. Listeria, COVID -19 latest.

We have mutated antibiotics resistant Superbugs which cannot be treated with the existing antibiotics. We are losing antibiotics due to Animal Agriculture.

- The #1 cause of most Cancers, Diabetes, Alzheimer, Cardiovascular Disease, High BP, Obesity, etc. (Fyi, 75% humans are Lactose Intolerant, which means humans are naturally allergic to Lactose i.e milk, cheese, butter, etc)

The inequality and availability of nutritional food in less developed communities, are contributing the Health Crisis. We have Malnutrition related diseases for our children and future generations.

We are subsidizing meat, cheese and dairy which is the only natural source of unhealthy trans-fat but we don't subsidize healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, it should be vice versa.

This makes the unhealthy Carcinogenic foods cheaper and affordable. While making healthy foods unaffordable to poorer communities.

The Global cost of health care for treating these nutritional caused diseases are in Trillions of dollars annually. This is driving high cost of living and making rich countries to become poorer.

So, switching to more plant based diet is the most cost-effective and cheaper health care cost. Therefore, the best lifestyle option.

The damage caused by Climate Change like  storms, floods, draughts, crop loss, infrastructure damage. Undoubtedly will cost Billions of dollars. Driving up inflation and Countries into poverty and mass famines.

This is just to name a few of the many more negative impacts of Animal Agriculture.

We are subsidizing an Industry that causes so much damage and destruction to our environment. Not sure how we have come to this decision?

Animal agriculture is not good for the Environment, Humans and Animals. No one profits from this Industry, not even the meat companies,

Nobody wins, we will all eventually lose. The Animal Agriculture Industry is very harmful to our Environment.

*** REPLACING BEEF PER MEAL WITH RICE, CORNS, POTATOES OR OTHER PLANT BASED FOOD , CAN REDUCE A PERSONS CARBON FOOTPRINT BY ALMOST HALF.***

We cannot wait for politicians or government policies. Due to politics, livelihoods, religion, etc issues.

We can choose not to buy from irresponsible meat companies and choose more eco-friendly food.

We as consumers can choose to reduce our carbon footprint by making more conscious and informed low carbon food choices. 

Consumerism is a very powerful tool that can change the global food system. It's Demand vs Supply. 

Let's use the our power, the People's Power.

It's easy, add more plant based food ie fruits, vegetables, legumes, lentil, nuts, beans and seeds.

Reduce food products with high carbon, water, land other resources intensive, ie Animal products which is meat, dairy, eggs, etc.

WE CAN EASILY TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE AND REVERSE IT!!!

Everyone is responsible for their carbon footprint and most of us like to reduce our CF.

Please share the Science around in your socmeds, we will see the reduction in our circle. Let's make the right choices.

Remember, our decisions must be based on Science only.

(N.B: If we add another 1°C of heat, most crops like rice, wheat and other grains will be lost. We looking to reach it in another 10 years. Currently, we will be experiencing food prices going UP!!!).

We should learn about sustainable Eco-friendly food choices and reduce resources inefficiencies ie water, land etc.

*Financial Gains*: Trillions of Dollars we save money on health care, infrastructure/crop damage due Hurricane, floods, crop failure due to extreme draughts. It's the most Cost Effective and most sustainable option available. $$$

As per the IPCC Scientists #Switching to a more plant centric diet is The  BIGGEST SINGLE INDIVIDUAL ACTION we can take to tackle Anthropogenic Global Warming. 

P/S: In case, you unfamiliar or in doubt on any of the #1 topics, feel free to check them with people around you, thank you 🙏 

Also, feel free to comment, as I will only be happy to clear any doubts, its the least I can do for Mother Earth.

#ClimateAciionNow #netzeronow

#GoGreen #FoodSystemChangeNow

#COP29

FAPAS UK raises bar for PH canned meat analysisDOST-ITDI passes intl proficiency test

The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was credited by  Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) of the United Kingdom with a distinction in the global competency test for canned meat.

The Chemistry Laboratory of the Standards and Testing Division of the DOST-ITDI received a Very Satisfactory Performance rating in the international proficiency testing (PT) on the analysis of nutritional components of canned meat (heat treated can).  DOST-ITDI joined 45 laboratories from different countries worldwide in the FAPAS PT scheme which ran from July 19 to August 30, 2024.

FAPAS, a world renowned accredited PT provider, supports the food and water testing industries since 1990. Its  Food Chemistry programme is accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) as set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)  and is certified as compliant to ISO/IEC 17043:2010 which specifies general requirements for the competence of PT providers.

DOST Secretary Renato U.  Solidum, Jr. in a comment said that, "Unknown to the ordinary Pinoy meat lovers, a Government of Canada report ranked the Philippines as the 18th largest global retail sales market for processed meat with sales of US$1.9 billion in 2021.  Shelf stable meat or canned meat had retail value sales of US$453 million also in 2021. This is a  good opportunity for local producers to partner with DOST-ITDI and upgrade their products with a globally recognized seal of approval."

DOST-ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V.  Briones added that "As you know, the Philippines' canned meat market encompasses various products beyond ham.  It includes canned luncheon meat, corned beef, and vienna sausages. A public health scare of a global scale cemented this preference for canned meat."

Referring to the COVID 19 pandemic, she noted how certain issues dictated lifestyle alternatives including a heightened emphasis on food security and prolonged shelf life. "In fact, some food processing projects of ITDI focused on how to secure and sustain the raw materials for some of the industry's food manufacturing chain," said Dr. Briones.

She explained that "This shift in consumption patterns prompted manufacturers to innovate and diversify their offerings, catering to evolving tastes and preferences. These changes now make canned meat testing vital as a health security measure."
Further, while sources say that fresh meat is preferred by many, canned meat offers convenience, long shelf life, and accessibility, making it popular for certain alternative lifestyles.

Euan O’Sullivan, President and CEO of the LGC Standards, another PT provider, asserts that "Customer expectations that canned meat products are both authentic and free from original, fraudulent, or accidental contamination means that manufacturing processes should be  highly regulated."

As a result, official control laboratories like that at DOST-ITDI must not only be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, it should as well participate in international proficiency testing, Sullivan concluded. 

With this current distinction received by DOST-ITDI, local gastronomes would be able to safely enjoy a cosmopolitan cuisine that incorporates fresh and canned meat in soups, meat pies, one dish meals, or casseroles. (AMGuevarra\\ ITDI S&T Media Service)

DTI Chief welcomes WTO Director-General, highlights PH role in global trade

Manila City, Philippines—On December 3, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque hosted a welcome dinner for World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the occasion of her first visit to the Philippines.

 

This landmark event marked the start of a series of high-level engagements during Director-General’s visit, aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening the relationship between the WTO and the Philippines.

 

During the occasion, DTI Secretary Roque showcased the country’s significant role in facilitating inclusive trade policies, promoting sustainable economic growth, and fostering innovation.

 

“The WTO continues to be a key platform in our nation’s drive for global competitiveness, with a particular focus on empowering local businesses. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s visit demonstrates the critical need for collaboration with international leaders to shape policies that are equitable, forward-thinking, and innovation-centered,” she noted.

 

As part of the discussions, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala provided updates on the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, which was launched earlier this year at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.

 

The WEIDE Fund seeks to support women entrepreneurs in developing and least-developed countries by enhancing their access to digital technologies and expanding their online business presence.

 

The welcome dinner brought together WTO and DTI officials, alongside notable Filipino women entrepreneurs who exchanged insights about strategies for building equitable global trade frameworks. In the dialogue, the attendees affirmed their commitment to further empower Filipino entrepreneurs while implementing measures that accelerate their success on the global stage.

 

Moreover, officials in attendance vowed to advance regulations on inclusiveness and digital innovation to uplift domestic enterprises. In addition, Filipino businessmen also contributed practical insights based on their experiences in navigating both the local and foreign markets.

 

For her part, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala recognized the Philippines’ involvement in the multilateral trading system and its proactive national initiatives, which are critical to level the playing field for underrepresented groups.