Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8) — Conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has opened its Better World Cubao (BWC) to provide social support for underprivileged women, especially those who have been subjected to violence.
Marking International Women’s Day, the facility would serve as a “health, empowerment, and recovery (H.E.R.) center” for disadvantaged women, including mothers, the company said in a statement Tuesday.
SMC said 360 mothers have already signed up for the program.
“With BWC, we hope to give our mothers from disadvantaged communities the tools and guidance they need to be healthier, stronger women for themselves, their families, and communities,” SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang was quoted as saying in the statement.
“Women’s experiences at home, even their health, work, and economic security have all been affected negatively by the pandemic. We hope to address issues they continue to face by bringing together advocates who will help provide interventions. We want to create a community of women that supports other women,” he added.
Based on research conducted by SMC, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on women’s health, rights, and well-being.
Mothers have also faced a hard time accessing government clinics amid coronavirus rules limiting public transportation, and due to a shortage in health staff and reduced clinic hours.
Citing a survey from the Commission on Population and Development, SMC noted 25% of Filipino adults said women experienced “harmful acts in various forms” during the global health crisis.
Through the facility, SMC said mothers “will be able to gain access to health services, learn how to communicate their needs effectively, receive support from other women, and learn more about their rights and push for them.”
“Right now, our focus is on launching our health clinic, women’s rights workshops, and legal consultations, as well as safe space classes,” Ang said.
“Our vision is to eventually turn BWC into a community hub that brings together several community agencies to provide programs and services to empower women,” he added.
The businessman also expressed gratitude to BWC’s partners: AHA Learning Center, Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, Akbayan Women, Women Writing Women, Bantay Bastos, Angat Buhay Women, and Miriam College.
SMC started building Better World community centers in 2019, which seek to address various social issues.
On this International Women's Day, we look at some issues women face and how a newly opened space for them hopes to provide livelihood and health support.@PaigeJavier has the details. pic.twitter.com/NdPthfHazk
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) March 8, 2022
