In an effort to promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among women, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) has partnered with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to launch the search for the “Outstanding Women in Franchising” and the “Most Gender-Sensitive Franchise Company,” which will be among the new categories of the Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA), the country’s only industry awards for franchising.

PFA Chairman Emeritus Mr. Samie Lim (in photo, second from right) and Vice Chairman Ms. Bing Sibal-Limjoco (rightmost) were joined by (from left) Ms. Teresita Salud, Deputy Executive Director-PCW and Ms. Myrna Yao, Chairperson-PCW at the signing of the memorandum of understanding held during the 2nd Women Entrepreneurship Summit organized by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship and the PCW at the World Trade Center Manila. 

Aside from recognizing the role of women in economic development particularly in the franchise sector, the awards also hope to further women economic empowerment, to encourage women entrepreneurs to use franchising as a strategy for business expansion and to inspire women to become entrepreneurs.

Ms. Limjoco noted that franchising allows for an enabling environment, which will make it easier for women to go into business. Mr. Lim, for his part, said that the partnership will be part of a growing advocacy to provide economic opportunities to marginalized sectors, adding that PFA has always sought ways to open opportunities to small entrepreneurs through its programs and activities.

Last year, PFA actively promoted for the participation of prize-winning business ideas by students and regional-based enterprises in the Franchise 2009 Expo.  Mr. Lim said that he looks forward to the pavilion for women entrepreneurs in the forthcoming Franchise 2010 Expo scheduled on July 16-18 at the SMX Convention Center.