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As part of its continuing efforts to promote women empowerment in innovation and entrepreneurship, the latest episode of Tekno PreSyensya—the official broadcast program of DOST Ilocos Region—featured the Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) Program.
During the discussion titled “Fueling Women-Led Social Innovation: WHWise Program Overview and Proposal Guide,” Ms. Dolf Mirelle J. Montecillo, Project Technical Assistant VI and Assistant Program Manager of the WHWise Program, shared valuable insights about the initiative, including practical guidance on developing a strong WHWise proposal following the extension of the application deadline until June 5, 2026.
Launched in 2021 by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the WHWise Program supports women-led social enterprises through technology, research and development (R&D), technical assistance, and mentoring. The program aims to strengthen the capacity of women social entrepreneurs to create greater impact in their communities and among marginalized sectors through innovative and sustainable solutions.
According to Ms. Montecillo, the WHWise Program plays a vital role in helping women-led social enterprises expand their services and social impact. Through the program, women entrepreneurs are empowered to maximize science, technology, and innovation in improving their operations and reaching more communities. She also emphasized the program’s “multiplier effect,” where the success of one women-led enterprise inspires more women to pursue their own community-driven initiatives.
During the interview, Ms. Montecillo encouraged aspiring women entrepreneurs to pursue innovation despite the challenges of balancing various responsibilities. She highlighted the availability of support systems such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), innovation hubs, DOST programs, and other capacity-building initiatives that can guide women throughout their entrepreneurial journey. She also assured the public that DOST offices and the WHWise Program remain open to assisting applicants in proposal development and innovation planning.
Ms. Montecillo further clarified that proposals that are not immediately approved may still be improved and resubmitted in future application cycles, depending on the reason for disapproval. She explained that the program aims not only to provide funding opportunities but also to help social enterprises strengthen their capabilities and connect them with the most suitable support mechanisms.
Through Tekno PreSyensya, DOST Ilocos Region continues to bring science, technology, and innovation programs closer to the public, particularly to women aspiring to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. The agency encourages women-led social enterprises and aspiring social entrepreneurs in Region 1 to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their concept proposals before the extended deadline.
