Center>PLDT and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) turn over grocery items to the women community in Payatas.

Championing women empowerment, PLDT and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) support the women communities in Payatas through various livelihood programs and donations.

Amid the pandemic, PLDT and PBSP provided livelihood opportunities for the Solidarity for Orphans and Widows (SOW) women seamstresses in Payatas. The SOW provided handmade washable facemasks and customized PLDT pouches for the Company. The facemasks are part of the hygiene kits distributed by PLDT in various schools and communities across the country.

To help the community, PLDT turned over grocery items to the 12 women seamstresses of SOW and two women leaders that have been helping the SOW group in Payatas. The grocery items were packed inside colorful pandan bags that were weaved by the women artisans from Toboso, Negros Occidental.

“Through the PBSP, we have built strong connections with women communities in various areas nationwide. PLDT celebrates the artistry and creativity of women everywhere as we honor them and their outstanding efforts, especially this women’s month. Our women artisans are very passionate with the things they do – whether these are handmade facemasks, pouches or even carefully designed bags. We are happy to be able to support them and help create more opportunities for them,” said PLDT Community Relations Head Katherine P. Diaz De Rivera.

“Maraming salamat po PBSP at PLDT [dahil] malaking tulong po ito sa mga nanay ng SOW. Happy women's month po! (Thank you very much to PBSP and PLDT [because this grocery pack donation] is a big help for all the mothers who are a part of SOW," said Martina Borce Atienza, who is one of the beneficiaries of the grocery pack donation. Atienza is one of the mothers and seamstresses under SOW.

“PLDT and PBSP's engagement with the women of SOW Payatas started last year with PLDT's support to Mask4AllPH. We are happy to note that the relationship continues until now, with PBSP and PLDT working together to make this project more sustainable, inclusive and responsive. As we celebrate Women's Month, we affirm our commitment to support the group so that their families can be spared from the continuing adverse effects of COVID-19. It is heartwarming to note that PLDT has also supported another women group, Pandan Weavers Association, for this women month celebration by purchasing some of their products. Muli, salamat, PLDT,” said PBSP Executive Director Elvin Ivan Y. Uy.

PLDT also supported women weavers from far-flung areas nationwide such as the Pandan Weavers Association, which is composed of women artisans, from Toboso, Negros Occidental.

For every purchase of the handmade items by the women communities in Payatas and Negros Occidental, more opportunities are made available for them as they work hard to happily provide the needs of their families, especially amid COVID-19 pandemic.