Senator Honors Women Entrepreneurs in Antique

Sen. Loren Legarda recognized women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Antique during the Legarda MSME Excellence Awards 2025 at the University of the Philippines Visayas Extension Campus in Pandan.

The event honored the resilience, determination, and innovation of women entrepreneurs who have flourished with Legarda’s support.

“Sa simula pa man ay ipinaglaban ko, kasama ang aking bugto na si Cong. AA Legarda, ang sapat na suporta para rito—mula sa pagbibigay ng mga kagamitan hanggang sa pagtatayo ng mga Weaving and Processing Center, Natural Dye Center, Brick and Clay Facilities, Bamboo Processing Facilities, at marami pang iba,” Legarda said.

A long-time advocate for entrepreneurship, particularly in the weaving and textile industries, Legarda has spearheaded projects to revive patadyong weaving, supporting loom weavers in Bugasong and San Remigio.

She also helped establish Natural Dye and Weaving Centers in collaboration with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) in San Remigio and Bugasong, preserving Antique’s rich textile heritage.

Weaving centers have also been set up in Patnongon, Bagtason, Bugasong, Sto. Rosario, Pandan, Libertad, and San Remigio, providing essential resources for local artisans.

To secure raw materials for weavers, Legarda facilitated the establishment of a Cotton Processing Center in Patnongon and provided weaving machines and production supplies to the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (BLWA).

Beyond weaving, Legarda has empowered women through MSME development, funding equipment through the DTI Shared Services Facility, and helping Antiqueño products gain recognition at major trade fairs, including the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF), Manila FAME, and the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt, Germany.

Recognizing Women Entrepreneurs

During the event, Legarda led the recognition of outstanding women entrepreneurs and cooperatives from northern Antique, including:

Sto. Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Alegre Nito Weavers Association

Libertad Bariw Weavers Federation

Asosasyon kang Maninihon sa Bandoja

Tibiao Active Weavers and Knotters Association

Malabor Abaca Pina Weavers Association

Pamela Q. Alvarez

Gigi Bautista

Blue Lagoon Spa

Duyong SLPA

Rosalia Lopez

Jinalinan Working Women Organization

“Kayo rin ang mga Antiqueñang bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya, mga babaeng may determinasyong magtayo ng sariling kabuhayan at magbigay sigla sa lokal na merkado,” Legarda said, emphasizing the crucial role of women in Antique’s economy.

Meanwhile, Rep. AA Legarda presented awards to women entrepreneurs from southern Antique, including:

Elma T. Peña – Livestock

Myrna Labuson – Mushroom production

Luzviminda E. Clarinal – Weaving and handicrafts

Aneline E. Mendoza – Bamboo crafting

Amalia Gonzaga – Coffee production and processing

Thelma G. Obrique – Pottery

Nelly Mistio – Bamboo processing

Irele Mahimpit – Bamboo handicrafts

Edna Ticuan – Nito weaving

Empowering Women Beyond Entrepreneurship

Held in celebration of National Women’s Month, the awards highlighted the role of Antiqueña women in strengthening local economies, preserving cultural traditions, and driving sustainable development.

Legarda also stressed that economic empowerment must include access to healthcare, education, and sports development.

She has upgraded hospital facilities in Antique, expanded scholarship programs for young Antiqueñas, and introduced skills training in tourism-related industries, including homestay management, hilot therapy, community culinary programs, and tour guiding.

To support women in sports, Legarda funded sports facilities and backed Marian Capadoccia, the first all-Filipina champion of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Grand Slam-Singapore 2024.

Her commitment to women’s empowerment is reflected in laws she championed, including:

Magna Carta for MSMEs (principal sponsor and author)

Barangay Livelihood and Skills Training Act (principal author and sponsor)

Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law (principal author and co-sponsor)

One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act (principal author and co-sponsor)

“Ang inyong kuwento ay ang aking laban, at sa bawat tagumpay, iisa tayong lahat,” Legarda said.

“Bilang inyong lingkod, saan man ako mapadpad, dala ko kayo, suot ko ang inyong likha, at ipinagmamalaki ko ang inyong gawa,” she concluded.