Senator Legarda honors women MSME in Antique

Pandan, Antique- Senator Loren  Legarda today recognized the hardworking and skilled community-based, women-led MSMEs  and set the tone for the Legarda MSME Excellence Award 2025, held at the University of the Philippines Visayas Extension Campus in Pandan, to honor the resilience, determination, innovation and perseverance of women.

The awards recognized women-led enterprises and sustainable livelihoods that have flourished  with her support. “Sa simula pa man ay ipiaglaban ko, kasama ang aking bugto na si Cong. AA Legarda , ang sapat na suporta para rito-mula sa pagbibigay ng mga kagamitan hangang sa pagtatayo ng mga Weaving and Processing Center, Natural Dye Center and Weaving Center, Brick and Clay Facilities, Bamboo Processing Facilities, at marami pang iba,” the longest-serving female Senator in the country expressed.

Legarda has long championed initiatives that support entrepreneurs, particularly in the weaving and textile industries. Her efforts have led to the revival of patadyong weaving,supporting loom weavers in Bugasong and San Remigio. She also established Natural Dye and Weaving Centers  in partnership with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) in San Remigio and Bugasong ensuring the preservation and continued development of this traditional craft.

Additionally, she helped establish weaving centers in various towns, including Patnongon, Bugasong, Bagtason, Sto. Rosario, Pandan, Libertad, and San Remigio providing vital support to local artisans. Understanding the need for raw materials, she facilitated the establishment of a Cotton  Processing Center in Patnongon, securing a stable supply for weavers. She also provided weaving machines and production needs to the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (BLWA) to enhance their capabilities and sustain their craft.

Legarda has further empowered Antiquena women through support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). She provided funding and equipment through the DTI Shared Facility, allowing local businesses to improve their production and reach wider markets. Because of these efforts, Antiqueno products have gained recognition in prestigious trade fairs, including  the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF), Manila FAME, and the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt, Germany.

During the event, the Senator led the recognition of oustanding women entrepreneurs and cooperatives from the northern part of Antique as part of the Legarda MSME Excellence Award 2025. The awardees included Sto. Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Libertad Bariw Weavers Federation, Asosasyon kang mga Maninihon sa Bandoja, Tibiao Active Weavers and K Sustainotters Association(IATF), Malabor Abaca Pina Weavers Association (MAPWA), Alegre Nito Weavers Association, Blue Lagoons Spa, Gigi Bautista-Dioso, Pamela Alvarez, Duyong Sustainable Livelihood Program Association, and Jinalinan Working Women’s Organization (JWWO).

“Kayo rin ang mga Antiquenang bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya, mga babaeng may determinasyon magtayo ng sariling kabuhayan at magbigay sigla sa lokal na merkado,” the Senator emphasized in her speech, recognizing the vital role of women in shaping Antique’s economic landscape.

Meanwhile, Congressman AA Legarda led the recognition of the outstanding women entrepreeurs from the southern part of the province, highlighting their contributions to various industries and their role in driving local economic growth. The awardees included Elma T.Pena, Women Entrepreneur in  Livestock; Myrna Labuson, Women Entrepreneur in Mushroom Production; Luzviminda E. Clarinal, Women Entrepreneur in Weaving and Handicrafts; Aneline E. Mendoza; Women Entrepreneur in Bamboo Crafting; Amalia Gonzaga, Women Entrepreneur in Coffee Production and Processing, Jeneth M. Esmeralda; Women Entrepreneur in Food Processing; Thelma G. Obrique; Women Entrepreneur in Pottery; Susan Villamor; Analyn E. Mocorro; Women Entrepreneur in Gemstone Processing; Bernadeth Padayao and Rosvy Mena; Women Entrepreneur in Native Delicacies; Maricel Pariolan; Women Entrepreneur in Waste Management and Liane Esmane; Women Entrepreneur in Catering Services.

Furthermore, Legarda underscores the true economic empowerment goes beyond livelihood- it must also encompass access to quality healthcare, education, and sports development. She has upgraded hospital facilities in Antique, expanded sholarship programs for young Antiquenas, and launched skills training in tourism-related industries such as homestay managemet,hilot therapy, community culinary program, and tour guding. Supporting women in sports, she also funded sports facilities and backed Ms. Marian Capadoccia, the first all-Filipina champion of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Grand Slam-Singapore 2024.

For Legarda, public service has always been about ensuring that every woman is given the chance to thrive. This commitmet is reflected in the laws she has championed, including the Magna Carta for MSME’s, which she principally sponsored and authored; the Barangay Lilivehood and Skills Training Act, which she principally authored and sponsored; the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which she principally authored and co-sponsored, and the One Tow, One Product (OTOP)Philippine Act, which she principally authored and co-sponsored.

“Ang inyong kuwento ay ang aking laban, at sa bawat tagumpay, iisa tayong  lahat,” she declared. “Bilang inyong lingkod, saan man ako mapadpad, dala ko kayo, suot ko ang inyong likha, at ipinagmamalaki ko ang inyong gawa,” Legarda concluded.