Transforming previously ignored talent into thriving entrepreneurs, the COMPLETE WoMen initiative—Comprehensive Partnership for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Training of WoMen—stands as a powerful force for empowerment among marginalized groups. Spearheaded by the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), this comprehensive program recognizes the vast array of skills within women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, enterprising youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and indigenous peoples. By providing targeted training and fostering an enabling environment, COMPLETE WoMen transforms these skills into sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities.
A vision for change
Originally launched in 2019 as an interagency advocacy program for women in the SOCCSKSARGEN region by then-DOT regional director Nelly Nita Dillera—now deputy director general for TVET partnership and community-based TVET at TESDA—COMPLETE WoMen was relaunched in 2022 with an expanded mandate. The program is grounded in the belief that every individual has the potential to contribute to nation-building. By equipping participants with essential business knowledge—from accounting and finance to human resources and operations management—COMPLETE WoMen empowers them to thrive individually while uplifting their communities.
Flagship programs
Celebrating women’s achievements
The National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) in 2022 marked a significant milestone for COMPLETE WoMen. Under the theme “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women”, this celebration highlighted the progress made towards gender equality while acknowledging the work still needed. The initiative organized practical webinars focusing on personality development, effective communication, grooming, and discussions on gender roles and rights. These activities fostered a sense of community among participants and encouraged them to break societal biases.
Tailored training programs
Understanding that each community has unique needs, COMPLETE WoMen conducted a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) in collaboration with local partners, including the DTI-Zamboanga City Office. This analysis identified specific skills gaps across sectors such as food service, retail, and fashion. Consequently, participants received tailored training programs designed to meet their needs effectively. Key offerings included the following: Business Models’ Innovation for Impact; The Evolving Role of Women Entrepreneurs; Rebuilding Better: Building Your Business with Canva; and Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in the New Digital Economy.
These programs enhance individual capabilities while contributing to the broader economic fabric of their communities.
GROWTH initiative: Nurturing entrepreneurship
The COMPLETE WoMen GROWTH project exemplifies the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among women. Partnering with organizations like Iskaparate and Women Empowerment Entrepreneurs (WEME), COMPLETE WoMen aims to create gender-responsive training programs that empower women entrepreneurs. Through this collaboration, a series of relevant training sessions were established, focusing on vital areas such as business planning, market identification, product design, and online selling strategies.
“MSMEs are like in kindergarten; all businesses aspire to graduate to higher levels,” says Iskaparate president and COO Josefina Natividad. “Iskaparate is not just an online platform for selling products; it also educates MSMEs through PTTC.”
Angat Dumagat!
One of COMPLETE WoMen’s most impactful aspects is its outreach to indigenous communities. A visit to the Dumagat Indigenous Peoples community in Brgy. Puray, Montalban, Rizal evolved into an opportunity for empowerment through training. By conducting a TNA during their visit, COMPLETE WoMen identified specific livelihood training needs that led to comprehensive workshops on food production, entrepreneurship development, and health and wellness enterprise training.
This initiative not only provided skills but also fostered self-reliance among community members. Participants learned how to create products from local resources—such as traditional snacks and wellness products—preserving cultural heritage while generating income.
E-TAAS ang Pinay MSMEs:
Digital empowerment
In today’s digital age, COMPLETE WoMen recognizes the necessity of equipping women entrepreneurs with digital marketing skills. In partnership with the DTI-Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development and National Confederation of Cooperatives, the E-TAAS ang Pinay MSMEs program offers comprehensive training on digital marketing strategies tailored specifically for Filipino MSMEs. This initiative empowers women by enhancing their online presence and expanding their market reach across 16 regions nationwide.
Through collaborations with social media e-commerce platforms, COMPLETE WoMen provides ongoing support to ensure that women-led businesses thrive in the digital landscape. Since its inception from 2022 to 2024, approximately 1,500 women entrepreneurs have benefited from this transformative program.
COMPLETE WoMen is more than just an initiative; it is a movement toward inclusivity and empowerment for marginalized groups across the Philippines, including women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, enterprising youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and indigenous peoples. By harnessing untapped potential and providing essential resources for growth, this program changes lives and strengthens communities.
As we look toward the future, supporting these efforts remains crucial—because when we empower one woman or one community, we pave the way for an entire nation’s progress. Through COMPLETE WoMen, we are not only addressing the unique challenges faced by these marginalized groups but also celebrating their diverse talents and contributions to society. Together, we can build a more equitable future for all.
