35 Puerto Princesa women from the Academy for Women (AWE) Entrepreneurs Puerto Princesa under the American Corner (AC) Puerto Princesa successfully graduated and received their diplomas at the AWE first Cohort Graduation held at the PSU Amphitheater on October 27.

Hosted by Palawan State University through the AC Puerto Princesa headed by Mr. Christian Robert Nalica, AC Puerto Princesa and PSU Library Services Director., the graduation ceremony was facilitated by the American Spaces Philippines and the U.S. Embassy through Ms. Senith Araez and Ms. Jade Alambro, AWE facilitators.

The ceremony commenced as Dr. Evelyn B. Tomas, Dean, College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), delivered the opening message of Dr. Elucila M. Sespeñe, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), on behalf of Dr. Ramon M. Docto, University President, followed by the virtual messages of the AWE partners.

After the messages, four (4) members of the AWE Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their ideas in the Pitch Opportunity. Ms. Arlene Avillanosa from the AWE Individual Businesses Team gave her an innovative idea addressing a problem in aquaculture. Ms. Antonnete Herdiles from the Kapitbahayan sa Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran (KKK) raised her proposition for their Lamayo business. While two members from the AWE Young Entrepreneurs Society also presented their innovative ideas. Ms. Erika Jane Dumas discussed the Crochet business in which she has her own, called “La Kniterras,” and Ms. Chara Grace Ageas talked about her healthy pastry products.

The members’ ideas and propositions were welcomed and given recognition by the pitch panelists consisting of Dr. Evelyn B. Tomas, CBA Dean, Ms. Maria Theresa V. Rodriguez, Business Permits and Licensing Officer (BPLO), and Ms. Mitzi Almira Garcia, PITBI Facility and Operations Manager.
The Pitch Opportunity was immediately followed by the Graduation Rites and messages of congratulations from Ms. Araez and Ms. Alambro.

The graduating women are part of the five (5) graduating teams, including the AWE Individual Businesses, AWE Tiniguiban, AWE Honda Bay Boat Owners Association (HOBBAI), AWE Kapitbahayan sa Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran (KKK), and the AWE Young Entrepreneurs Society.

Aside from diplomas, the AWE Entrepreneurs graduates also received special team awards. The AWE Individual Businesses team got the ‘Social Bee’ award. AWE Tiniguiban team earned the ‘Going the extra mile’ award. At the same time, the AWE HOBBAI team bagged the ‘The Mountain Mover’ award. The AWE KKK team gained the ‘The Calm of the Seas’ award’ and the AWE Young Entrepreneurs Society team acquired the ‘The Go-getter’ award.

Meanwhile, the AWE Volunteer team was also given special individual awards with Ms. Princess Denise Pabli who got ‘The Jedi’ award, Ms. Hope Joy Palermo and Ms. Nikki Rosario who received the ‘The Motivator’ award.

Moreover, Ms. Avillanosa, Ms. Ageas, and Ms. Herdiles were announced as winners in the Pitch Competition.
Mr. Nalica also expressed his gratitude through his Special Thanks message to the partners, core team, and everyone who made the entire program to fruition before Ms. Pauline Anderson, U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, delivered congratulatory and closing remarks.

For this batch, the AWE Entrepreneurs Puerto Princesa has accomplished a one hundred percent (100%) rate for its first Cohort Graduation.