• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) Inc. was recognized as outstanding development partner, during the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners in Malacañang Palace July 10.
NWTF founder and executive director, Suzzette Gaston, accompanied by foundation director of Operations Gilbert Maramba, received from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the award under the Improving Access to Finance category for Project Dungganon, and was lauded for its significant contributions to enhancing the business climate and supporting MSME growth.
The NWTF, through Project Dungganon, aims to help women achieve self-sufficiency and self-reliance, particularly in low-income and depressed urban and rural communities. It also seeks to increase women’s awareness of their economic potential, enhance their skills and productivity, and to improve their quality of life.
“This honorable distinction is a milestone for the organization as it ramps up its effort to build more sustainable communities through microfinance, environment-conscious programs, and initiatives on preventive healthcare,” the NWTF said in a press release July 11. “Through this three-pronged approach, NWTF aims to cover all aspects that significantly affect the client’s journey to better tomorrows.”
It added that with close to 600,000 clients in over 250 branches throughout the Philippines, “NWTF seeks to bring its services to more communities, (and) aims to open more branches in the near future as part of its commitment to creating more sustainable communities.”
The Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners is presented to institutions with remarkable programs and services aimed at supporting MSMEs, the Department of Trade and Industry said.
Aside from the NWTF, the Capiz State University Intellectual Property Management Office and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo Chapter Inc. were also awardees from Western Visayas.
The former was awarded under the Improving Access to Technology and Innovation category for implementing the Capsule Technology Business Incubator, while the PCCI Iloilo was honored in the Improving Access to Markets category for its Iloilo Business Expo initiative.
DTI6 director Rachel Nufable, who accompanied the awardees during the ceremony, said, “We are immensely grateful for having development partners that help boost economic growth in terms of technology and innovation, market access, and finance. Our DTI family truly appreciates and applauds their efforts and contributions in the region.” | CGC
