Plan W Philippines 2015 scholars share empowerment through song

MANILA, Philippines - It was a performance like no other. After seven days of intensive coaching and clinics, 34 scholars of Plan W Philippines finally got to demonstrate their learnings through song at the Philippine International Convention Center as a culmination of their choral conducting seminar under Sing Philippines.

Plan W, which is part of Diageo’s global community investment strategy, aims to build thriving communities. Its goal is to empower women by giving them opportunities to learn and develop skills to be able to influence society and the economy.

In the Philippines, a country renowned for its gift of song, Plan W aims to upskill women choir conductors and vocal ensemble teachers.

This is because outside of the few urban centers in the country, there are limited opportunities to be trained in these professions. Largely self-taught and honed by experience, grassroots choir conductors and music teachers struggle to raise the standards and quality of the singing arts.

Thus, in cooperation with Sing Philippines, Plan W Philippines provided female choir conductors and music teachers with the proper training in organizing and nurturing choirs.

“Last month we launched Plan W Philippines because we want women choir conductors and music teachers to have the skills and resources to build a better future for themselves and for their respective communities,” said Jon Good, general manager of Diageo Philippines. “I am happy to say that the program has empowered the 34 scholars by not only nurturing their soul and boosting their confidence, but also by giving them the economic opportunities that are only available when one has a formal music education.”

Thirty-four women aged 18 to 60 from 12 regions were chosen to be scholars of the program: already leading their own choirs, these women were selected based on their leadership and musical potential, their commitment to develop ensemble music, and their economic need. Their limitation: they are hampered by limited opportunities, resources, and access to formal training and education.

“This has a multiplier effect – from a few conductors, to many singers,” said Mark Anthony Carpio, artistic director of Sing Philippines. “The scholars will become the educators that will spark the love for singing to both the young and the old. Exposing singers to a choral experience develops in them a life-long passion for it. These passionately-engaged singers will in turn become the future conductors and music teachers – sustaining the culture of singing that is at the heart of the country.”

After the concert, scholars will be sent back to their communities to develop or enhance their own singing groups. The program’s trainers will visit the participants to observe the application of their learnings and to provide guidance.

As in the first, this phase will culminate in a local concert, thus introducing the outcome to the local community. This reinforces the goal of empowering women to make a difference by nurturing the Filipino culture to their communities through the inclusive nature of ensemble music. Additionally, the distinction of having been trained by Sing Philippines will build the scholars’ reputation and assure employers, patrons, and sponsors of their real and sustainable abilities.

“We at Diageo know that when women have access to learning and have an opportunity to pursue their passion, it creates a powerful ripple effect that positively impacts the society around them, builds thriving communities and progresses society,” said Georgie Passalaris, Diageo’s skills and empowerment manager for sustainable development.

To date, Plan W has empowered more than 115,000 women across 16 countries, impacting more than 575,000 people. In the Philippines, it was launched as part of the business’s priority initiatives.