From September 29 to 30, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), conducted the “orkshop for Women Entrepreneurs: Her Route to Foreign Markets in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The two-day workshop brought together government officials, trade experts, academics, international organizations, legal practitioners, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and women entrepreneurs to advance discussions on trade and gender.
Among those who addressed the participants were H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO, who delivered the opening remarks, and Consul Oliver Delfin, who led the introductory session and facilitated the exchange among entrepreneurs.
On the second day, DivinaLaw Partner Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan responded to and analyzed the session “A Story of Change – Beyond Entrepreneurship,” delivered by Ms. Sandra Dondenne, Outreach and Technical Assistance Officer of the WTO Trade and Gender Office. Moderated by Atty. Maria Jane Paredes of the University of the Philippines, the session demonstrated how women entrepreneurs leverage trade-related opportunities to drive economic activity and strengthen community development at the local level.
The two-day program provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of international trade. Through expert-led discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, the workshop equipped women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to expand their businesses globally.
Atty. Bathan is a Resident Counsel of DivinaLaw’s Cebu Office. Her practice areas cover Litigation, Arbitration, Labor, Immigration and Naturalization, and Corporate and Special Projects.
