Renewable energy producer SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) has graduated 44 women from Ifugao under a digital skills training program aimed at expanding livelihood opportunities in communities hosting major power assets.

The graduates completed Batch 2 of the Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program on January 15, following a 20-day training and on-the-job component focused on data annotation tasks used in artificial intelligence applications. Participants came from Mayoyao, Lamut, Lagawe, Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, and Kiangan—areas within or near SNAP’s hydroelectric operations.

The program, implemented with Connected Women’s Elevate AIDA initiative and funded by the Aboitiz Foundation, positions community development alongside SNAP’s core renewable energy operations in Northern Luzon, including the Magat, Ambuklao, and Binga hydropower facilities.

Elevate AIDA trains participants in image identification, categorization, and labeling—skills that allow graduates to join the remote digital workforce while remaining in their home communities. About 80 women initially joined online orientations in October 2025, with selected candidates advancing to formal training and on-the-job exposure held in December.

“Programs like Elevate AIDA reflect SNAP’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in our host communities,” said SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Yu. “By equipping women with relevant digital skills, we open up new income opportunities that allow them to work from the comfort of their homes while still managing their household responsibilities.”

The Ifugao batch builds on SNAP’s first Elevate AIDA cohort in 2023, which trained 49 women from host communities in Isabela, Ifugao, and Benguet. Of that first batch, 22% have since engaged in digital work while continuing with upskilling programs, according to the company.

Local officials welcomed the initiative, framing it as a complement to provincial development priorities. “We commend SNAP, AFI, CW, and all partner institutions for their shared vision and unwavering collaboration, which has made meaningful development possible through unity, foresight, and shared responsibility. Let us sustain our collaboration to succeed and help our communities thrive,” said Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog, in a message delivered by Provincial Administrator Dra. Priscilla Pragada.

Lamut Mayor Mariano Buyagawan said the program exposes communities to new economic pathways. “We are grateful to SNAP for this project, which directly benefits the people of Ifugao Province. Making artificial intelligence (AI) training accessible is truly eye-opening and will equip our community with new skills for future opportunities brought by technological advancement.”

Batch 2 graduate Hazel Grace Lustado of Lamut said the training helped her gain confidence and new qualifications despite having no prior technology background. “Although I am not a tech-savvy person and am new to the world of AI, I have learned a lot and boosted my self-confidence,” she said. “This training has allowed me to add data annotation to my resume. Even as a stay-at-home mom, I can upgrade my skills, work from home, and help elevate my family. Thank you, because when we women are empowered, we elevate lives.”

Following the graduation, the Aboitiz Foundation and UnionBank conducted a financial literacy and cybersecurity session for graduates to help them manage income from remote work and understand online security risks. 

What are your views on the role of energy companies in building digital and economic resilience in host communities? Join the discussion. 

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