AI training opens doors for women entrepreneurs in the Philippines

BENGUET, Philippines (ILO News) - Women entrepreneurs in a remote community are gaining new tools to grow their businesses through artificial intelligence.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), under the United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital-PINAS), partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) for a training held on 8 April 2026 at the Itogon Training Centre. The session focused on AI for Digital Novice Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Women business owners from the United Mothers Livelihood Association of Ucab-Rural Improvement Club took part in the training. They learned how to use free and simple AI tools to improve their enterprises, most of which are informal and thus require sustained support toward formalization.

Director Khalid Hassan of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines stressed the importance of inclusive digital growth. He said the initiative aims to ensure that no entrepreneur is left behind as technology advances.

Participants were guided by trainers from DOLE-CAR, who were previously trained by the ILO. The trainers also serve as focal persons for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Programme.

In his message, Director Hassan highlighted the role of small businesses in the economy as new generation of business owners who are creative, driven, and full of potential.

He added that many small enterprises in the Philippines are still at an early stage of digital adoption. “MSMEs make up almost all businesses—but many are still at the early stages of going digital and fear technology believing that is costly and complex." He assured the entrepreneurs that the training helps them overcome these fears and realize that they need not be experts to use AI in business.

The training aimed to make digital tools more accessible. “You don’t need to be an expert. What matters is your willingness to learn,” Director Hassan said.

Participants were introduced to practical AI applications that can help them make better business decisions and reach more customers. They were also taught how to use these tools responsibly.

For many of the women, the training changed how they view technology. They said they no longer need to be techies to benefit from AI.

The programme also aims to build confidence among entrepreneurs. “Digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about people,” Director Hassan emphasized.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to bring digital opportunities to grassroots communities. By equipping local centers with connectivity tools, the programme seeks to reduce barriers for small businesses in remote areas.

With new knowledge and skills, participants said they are now better prepared to expand their businesses and adapt to a changing economy.

© ILO

© ILO

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Digital PINAS is a joint programme that supports MSME digitalization by addressing policy, regulatory, and systemic barriers to digital inclusion. It is implemented by ILO, ITC, and UNDP in partnership with the DICT and other government agencies. All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.

For further information, please contact ILO Manila via this email.