The women empowerment in community development initiatives of energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) took center stage during a recent benchmarking activity of the Gender and Development Advocates from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of Regions 9 & 10. The group visited the SPI-assisted women’s coop in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental which is currently engaged in an upcycling project converting industrial waste materials such as plastic sacks into novelty items like bags, convention kits, and corporate tokens. VK Chairperson Shielah Cablinda (5-L) narrated how the coop grew from a small kitchenette project into a thriving social enterprise not only engaged in upcycling activities but also providing ancillary services to various industries.