1st batch of women retailers hurdle Coke-TESDA program

12 March 2013

Now more adept in managing their business, a total of 1,175 women from various regions in the country emerged as graduates of a training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Coca Cola Philippines Inc.

Of the women who finished the training, a total of 126, who came from the cities of Pasay and Manila, were recognized on March 12 in ceremonies that feted them as the first batch who finished the Coke-Tesda Sari-Sari Store Training and the Access to Resources (S3TAR) Program.

"I'd like to congratulate all graduates of the S3TAR Program. You made the right choice when you enrolled in this program," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said.

Villanueva said the recognition came in time for the celebration of the Women's Month, which showed that "Investing in women makes social as well as business sense."

"You have proven that women can lead the nation in treading the straight path (tuwid na daan). Use your knowledge and skills in making your business thrive and helping spur growth in your community," the TESDA chief told the graduates.
The S3TAR program is designed to empower 100,000 women sari-sari store owners and operators all over the country by the year 2020 through training in business coaching, marketing goods, financial management, choosing the right business and simple accounting procedures.

To date, Coke-TESDA S3TAR program is present in 11 provinces and cities throughout the country namely, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Misamis Oriental, Davao, Pasay-Makati and Manila.

Apart from the graduates (1,175), some 4,600 women are still currently enrolled and are finishing their training program.

"The key here is sustainability, because all the women retailers already have their businesses to tend.  The training revolves around ways of ensuring that women are in the right business and can make it profitable," Villanueva said.
 
Coca Cola disbursed close to P8.2 million to TESDA for the implementation of the program, 85 percent of which have be used for the recruitment, selection and training of the sari-sari store women beneficiaries.

The remaining amount would be used for the development of the trainers' manual, training modules and workbook, and other administrative expenses.
Three batches of trainers earlier attended the training programs conducted late last year at the TESDA Women's Center in Taguig City. Currently, the S3TAR program has a total of 68 trainers qualified to teach the program modules.

Villanueva led the recognition ceremony along with TESDA officials and Coca Cola officials led by Adel Tamano, vice president for public affairs and communication.

Sunshine Cabauatan, Coca Cola successful women entrepreneur, narrated her experiences with the program and how it has helped women.

The event also showcased booths highlighting the activities of the program, assisting the public on topics such as access to mechandising, access to financing, and health and wellness.