Vice President Sara Z. Duterte cited on Friday the success of Makabagong Ina at Kababaihan Tungo sa Asenso (MIKA) based in San Pedro, Laguna as a good example of women empowerment.

MIKA is one of the first beneficiaries of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) “MagNegosyo Ta Day” program which marked its second year anniversary last Tuesday attended by Duterte.

“Masasabi nating ang MIKA ay isa sa nagsusulong ng women empowerment dahil ito ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga ina at kababaihan sa buong bansa na nakatulong upang mabago ang kanilang buhay lalong-lalo na sa kanilang pamilya (We can say that MIKA upholds women empowerment because it inspires all mothers and women nationwide which helps change their lives, especially their families),” Duterte said.

The Vice President, who decided to join the organization, also cited how it has grown in such a short time since it was formed.

“Nakamamangha na sa loob ng dalawang taon umabot na sa 20,000 ang mga miyembro at aktibo sa mga gawain ng kanilang lungsod at komunidad (It is amazing that in two years, the members reached 20,000 and active in events in the city and communities),” Duterte said.

Duterte believes that mothers and women make a big contribution to the country’s development and resilience.

Founded by San Pedro City Mayor Art Mercado’s wife Mika Mercado, MIKA is the largest local women’s organization that produces paper made of water lily, which is abundant in the city. (PNA)