Manila, Sept. 3 -- The Australian government has announced a PHP172-million impact loan program to support women entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

The initiative is aimed at expanding the access to capital and promoting gender-inclusive economic growth, according to a statement released by the Australian Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

The embassy said the loans would be coursed through the Australian Development Investments (AID) and female-led ARQ SME Finance.

"The Philippines is home to extraordinary Filipina entrepreneurs-but many face barriers when they seek funds to grow their businesses," said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown PSM.

"Australia is proud to partner with ARQ to help create more business oppo...