Negros Occidental, Philippines – Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Atty. Jocelle Batapa Sigue was recently recognized at the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Awards for her outstanding contributions to gender empowerment, digital inclusion, and policy-driven social change. The awarding ceremony, led by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Philippine Plan for a Gender-Responsive Development.
USec Sigue, a proud Negrense and Bacolodnon, has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and well-being of women and children. Her work has focused on expanding opportunities for women through digital innovation, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and providing legal assistance to victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
As convenor of the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA), USec Sigue has been instrumental in promoting digital skills training for women and girls, encouraging women’s participation in digital careers and entrepreneurship, and advocating for safer digital spaces.
Prior to her current role, USec Sigue served as a Bacolod City Councilor for nine years, where she championed the passage of landmark ordinances such as the Bacolod City Gender and Development (GAD) Code and the ordinance creating the Bacolod Inter-Agency Council Against Human Trafficking.
USec Sigue’s commitment to gender advocacy extends beyond her professional work. She co-founded the Anti-Trafficking Legal Advocates Society (ATLAS) with her husband, Atty. Arnel Sigue, and serves as Chairman of the Board of Voice of the Free – VF Foundation, Inc.
In 2016, USec Sigue was named one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) for her work in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
The WEGE Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations working to advance gender equality. USec Sigue’s recognition is a testament to her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
TNC is very proud of this new achievement unlocked by USec Sigue, who also happens to be one of the Global Women Who RULE (GWWR) recognized profiles in 2024.
💡Follow Usec Jocelle online thru: http://jocellebatapasigue.com
Photo credits to 📸 Richard Malihan
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