Gawad Madiskarte Celebrates Five Years of Heart, Hustle, and Community
PLDT Home and Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) mark a milestone this year as they celebrate five years of empowering Filipina mompreneurs – women who lead with heart, hustle, and ingenuity. From humble beginnings during the pandemic, the movement has grown into a thriving community of over 215,000 members, with more than 25,000 mompreneurs trained, equipped, and inspired to build businesses that uplift families and transform communities. This year, MMPH brings back Gawad Madiskarte, the annual awards ceremony that honors exceptional Filipina mompreneurs who embody leadership, compassion, and innovation. More than just awards, Gawad Madiskarte has become a powerful platform for uplifting women whose creativity and determination transform not only their families, but also their communities—and the nation. Butch Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Technology Head “You work wonders in three different worlds: the world of home, your own personal growth, and the world of business. At PLDT, we believe in the power of community, and our Madiskarte Moms exemplify this through their dedication and innovation,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Technology Head. You Are Seen. You Are Heard. You Are Valued. Every mompreneur in MMPH carries within her dreams, sacrifices, and an unshakable hope—not just for herself, but for those she holds dear. Gawad Madiskarte is more than a set of awards. It is a celebration of courage, purpose, and love. It is a way of honoring the mom who quietly keeps going at dawn, who figures out shipping logistics in her lunch break, who turns passion into profit—even when the odds seem against her. What Gawad Madiskarte Honors Beyond building businesses, mompreneurs are reshaping the meaning of success—proving it is not only about profit, but also about purpose and positive change. At the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, inspiring women from government, business, and entrepreneurship will once again come together to honor these trailblazers. Winners will be selected under two divisions: Start-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses running at least 6 months Scale-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses operating 13 months or more and DTI/BIR-registered Three major awards reflect MMPH’s core values: Diskarteng Angat – for growth and innovation Diskarteng May Puso – for social good and community impact Diskarteng Eco-Friendly – for sustainability and environment stewardship Special awards include Diskarteng Digital (for creative digital use), the Mompreneurs’ Choice Award (voted by the MMPH community), and the Madiskarte Icon (for an exemplary leader and inspiration). Stories of Triumph Last year’s winner of Diskarteng Angat – Scale-Up Division Award Heidie Ricca del Rosario, founder of HTP Clothing, turned a humble preloved clothing business into a thriving local fashion brand that empowers community seamstresses. From L-R (Ina Pineda, Vice President for PLDT Home Marketing Communications and Services, Butch Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Technology Head, Ricca Del Rosario, Owner of HTP Clothing, and Maxine Loyola, AVP & Head, PLDT Home Marketing PR, Influencer Management and Brand Advocacies) “Gawad Madiskarte allows us mompreneurs to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It fills our hearts to know the awards recognize that behind every successful business is a mom who made it happen,” Del Rosario said. (proposed quote) How to Apply Mompreneurs with inspiring stories and impactful businesses are invited to apply. Winners will receive cash prizes, capital support, and national recognition to help propel their businesses forward. Application deadline: November 15, 2025 Apply now through the Madiskarte Moms PH Facebook Group and the official MMPH website and learn more about the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, its categories, and past awardees.
Four ways AI is helping mompreneurs achieve work-life balance
Madiskarte Moms at Google Philippines Headquarters for Gemini Academy What if you could build a thriving business without missing out on precious family moments? The outdated notion that success demands sacrificing family time is being rewritten by a powerful force: technology. Today, innovative tools are empowering mompreneurs to seamlessly integrate their professional dreams with their personal lives. Success doesn’t have to come at the expense of family. Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva, the driving force behind the blossoming MP Nieva’s Flower Company, shares how she cultivates more precious moments with her family even as her stunning floral arrangements flourish. “We’re now better at making content for social media to promote the business,” she says. “We respond to customers’ inquiries quicker and more efficiently, plus we can offer fresh and innovative floral designs faster to customers.” You might think that Jenielyn has hired a whole new team to do content creation, marketing, and day-to-day operations—but no, the reality is quite different. Jenielyn and other members of Madiskarte Moms PH gained these enhanced capabilities through Gemini Academy, an AI training program held on March 5. This initiative, “Ayan na! AI na!,” was supported by PLDT Home in collaboration with Google Philippines and was launched during Women’s Month in March. Beyond providing an efficient infrastructure that allows mompreneurs to scale up their businesses and reach wider markets, PLDT Home empowers them through digital literacy programs and workshops with successful entrepreneurs who started small. Aside from Mommy Jenielyn’s story, the practical AI knowledge gained from Gemini Academy is now manifesting in the lives of other Madiskarte Moms in these significant ways: Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva of MP Nieva Flowers Writing captions that convert to sales “AI helps me to write convincing captions on social media, which is important to convert views to sales since we don’t have a physical store yet,” says Lea Daras, who founded and runs Jathniel’s Specialty and The FloraCraft Project, a food business and a customized, dried flower business, respectively. Xavier&Xandrei’s Melissa Moscoso agrees. “Using AI to write content about my sustainable and eco-friendly products has been a game-changer. With Gemini’s assistance, I can quickly generate engaging and relevant captions that resonate with my audience. It also enabled me to bring my ideas to life by creating images that perfectly capture my vision.” Melissa adds that thanks to the workshop, she learned how to refine her prompt-making skills to generate “precisely the kind of content I need, saving me time and effort in the long run.” Abby Cruz’s Momi Bigbig Kitchen food business has gotten more sales via their online sellers with the help of Gemini, which creates promotional materials to use in selling. “Gemini really helped our business grow bigger online, and I’m looking forward to what more it can do for the business.” Analyzing business data AI is not only for content creation, it can also be used to analyze business data and suggest innovative ways to expand your market, product offering, and teach you how to optimize operations. AI can help predict future trends based on past sales and customer behavior, which can help entrepreneurs keep a tight inventory and streamline operations. It can also quickly identify marketing strategies that engage your audience — when, where, and which platforms — that can convert views to sales. In short, AI processes your data and suggests actionable insights. Ricca Del Rosario of HTP Clothing Scheduling, saving time Let’s be real, it sounds basic, but it’s a game-changer: remembering what actually needs to be done! How many times have you almost missed something important — a kid’s event, a crucial deadline — because it just vanished from your mental to-do list? With everything mompreneurs have on their plates, AI can step in as that reliable friend who can help keep track of everything. You can connect Gemini to your Google account and ask it to calendar those business meetings right alongside the kids’ recitals and nudge you about that supermarket run or the content you promised to post. Think of it as your memory, amplified! BC Fragrance founder Bernadette Lim says, “Gemini has become my virtual partner, research assistant, marketing team, and creative writer. It helps me maximize my schedule: what takes me a long time to do, it does quickly, like writing descriptions for my scents or breaking down complex regulatory information. It has helped me move faster and smarter, maximizing my limited time at work since I’m also hands-on with my daughter, and it keeps me informed on what I need to do for the business and for my family .” Planning meal plans and grocery lists Ever stare blankly into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner again? Or maybe you’re trying to get healthier meals on the table for the kids or stick to a food budget? AI can be your new kitchen whiz! It can suggest easy recipes tailored to your needs. Even cooler, you can just tell it what ingredients you’ve already got. It’ll find recipes you can make. This little bit of kitchen magic frees up so much time for mompreneurs, meaning more quality moments with the family. And when kids see their moms rocking their businesses and being there for them, it’s seriously inspiring. “Balancing many responsibilities is a reality for mompreneurs. Google’s generative AI tools, such as Gemini, are designed to reclaim valuable time. With Gemini acting as a powerful assistant, we hope to empower more people to achieve greater efficiency, both personally and professionally,” said Prep Palacios, Head of Industry at Google Philippines. Madiskarte Moms have truly found a new BFF and business partner in Gemini. These mompreneurs and countless Filipino women are inspiring the next generation — daughters, nieces, young dreamers watching from the sidelines — to believe they can do it too. Because when women see other women thriving, they start visualizing their own version of success. Try out Google Gemini today and see how it can help you be more efficient and achieve work-life balance! Then join the country’s biggest network
Connected Moms Lead: Building a Stronger Community for Filipino Moms, This Women’s Month
The relentless demands of modern motherhood, amplified by digital expectations, leave 66% of Filipino moms struggling to balance work and family. This year’s Women’s Month celebration spotlights the efforts of hardworking women, including moms wearing many hats. Following the National Women’s Month theme of “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas,” Madiskarte Moms PH’s Connected Moms Lead campaign speaks to the importance of equipping moms with the right tools, skills, and digital connectivity to navigate modern life. It emphasizes that being connected isn’t just about building a social media presence but also having the access to resources and opportunities that meet the demands in every aspect of their lives. MMPH is empowering moms not just to balance their lives, but also to lead with purpose. At the heart of this, PLDT Home continuously enables moms to connect, thrive, and lead. With its most reliable connectivity, moms are empowered to balance their lives, pursue their own passions, and ultimately, achieve their dreams, making it possible for moms to build their own success stories. Unlocking new digital skills Recognizing the challenges of the rapidly evolving tech landscape, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, MMPH partnered with Google Philippines to host the successful ‘Ayan na! AI na!’ Gemini Academy for mompreneurs. Gemini Academy provided actionable strategies to leverage AI for tasks like content creation, social media management, and customer service, freeing up valuable hours for both business and family. Moreover, by learning how to use AI to streamline administrative tasks and even support their children’s education, mompreneurs gained the ability to create a more balanced and efficient lifestyle. The workshop empowered participants with the knowledge to safely and responsibly utilize Gemini and other AI tools, fostering business growth and improved family life. Attendees learned practical applications of AI to streamline processes, generate innovative product ideas, and integrate these tools into family routines, such as assisting with children’s schoolwork. Recognizing notable mompreneurs The stories of inspiring mompreneurs are about to be celebrated once again. Gawad Madiskarte returns, recognizing those who have built successful home-based online businesses while balancing family life. This year, MMPH is expanding its focus to honor mompreneurs who are leading the way in sustainable business practices, and creating a positive impact on their communities and the environment. The nomination announcement is coming soon, marking the start of a celebration of their remarkable contributions. Connecting with fellow moms and the community From March 19 to 21, MMPH will host the Madiskarte Moms Bazaar, where mompreneurs can sell their products, ranging from homemade food to handmade crafts. This is their chance to bring their wares outside of e-commerce, allowing more people to try them out and treat themselves with unique items. Madiskarte Moms Bazaar is also a great opportunity for mompreneurs to connect with fellow mompreneurs from the community. It gives them a chance to learn and inspire each other with their own experiences. Madiskarte Moms PH is a community that empowers Filipino moms to lead with purpose in the digital age. Join the movement now. ### MMPH is an online community established to support and provide education, and business opportunities for Filipino mompreneurs. It boasts over 198,000 community members and 15,000 trained mompreneurs. In its advocacy to promote digital upskilling and entrepreneurship among women, MMPH has been partnering with local and international brands. MMPH has also won various industry awards, such as the Silver Award from the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, Grand Anvil, the highest PR award in the country, from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, Gold Award for Best PR Program in Southeast Asia from the ASEAN PR Network, Prosperity Award from the UN Global Compact Network Philippines, and the PR Campaign of the Year in Community Relations from the Internal Business Awards. For more information on MMPH, visit madiskartemoms.ph.
Mompreneurs, women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum
Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity. Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. Women in business When people think of “women in business,” they immediately think of women executives working for big companies in finance or retail rather than the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who are often the driving forces behind local economies. The pandemic revealed the untapped potential of these women through Madiskarte Moms PH. And four years after its inception, this online community of almost 200,000 mompreneurs continues to promote digital upskilling, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and expand access to community support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses. PLDT Home, which supported the online community of moms from its founding, helped these small businesses not just to survive but to flourish during their most challenging times. PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH Melissa Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.” Vergel de Dios relates the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition and awards for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had—P3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, but it was also unfortunately stolen or lost. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made P7,000. This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes together and sell them. From that P7,000, her income is now seven figures.” PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity for women in business and in tech goes hand in hand with the continuous expansion of its fiber network across the country and support for programs on internet education for the whole family. “We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,” Vergel de Dios added. Breaking gender stereotypes Breaking conventional gender roles and mindsets has also allowed the government to map out an inclusivity plan for women. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy said the Philippine Development Plan or “the nation’s blueprint” includes strategies to mainstream gender equality in government. Moderator and Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised a valid point on women who work from home still bearing increased domestic responsibilities. “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?” Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys said, “We need to take away the mindset that home care is only for women. Unpaid home care is not allowing women in that kind of working model to really succeed. And so participation of the husband in those conversations needs to be more active and the women need to be more forthcoming—it cannot be assumed that it’s understood.” Will AI take away jobs? As AI becomes more intelligent—by learning from humans! — the inevitable question for every employee is: will my employer replace me with a computer program? Not likely, according to Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. “When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. Because the goal of digital transformation is to make sure that you deliver efficiencies as well as ensure that your business is competitive.” That future may not always be in the office, according to Vergel de Dios. “Sometimes success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream. It also starts with education so that at a young stage the stereotypes are broken at the formation stage.” ### About MMPH MMPH is an online community established to support and provide education, and business opportunities for Filipino mompreneurs. It boasts over 198,000 community members and 15,000 trained mompreneurs. In its advocacy to promote digital upskilling and entrepreneurship among women, MMPH has been partnering with local and international brands. MMPH has also won various industry awards, such as the Silver Award from the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, Grand Anvil, the highest PR award in the country, from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, Gold Award for Best PR Program in Southeast Asia from the ASEAN PR Network, Prosperity Award from the UN Global Compact Network Philippines, and the PR Campaign of the Year in Community Relations from the Internal Business Awards. For more information on MMPH, visit madiskartemoms.ph.
Madiskarte Moms learn best practices from founders of Potato Corner, Carmen’s Best and more in PLDT Home Biz masterclass
From L-R (Jorge Wieneke, Potato Corner co-founder and Tokyo Tempura founder, Paco Magsaysay, Carmen’s Best founder, Zarah Jane Juan, Zarah Juan Founder, Bianca Larrañaga, Wanderskye’s Co-founder and CEO, and Jaypee Morales, President and CEO of Rite Tea Passion, innovation, and tech know-how. These were just some of the things that Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) members learned from successful Filipino entrepreneurs in the masterclass powered by PLDT Home Biz. With the goal of empowering mompreneurs and equipping them with a winning mindset to succeed in business, this one-day intensive masterclass program was divided into three sessions with topics ranging from Creating an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Product Innovation and Using AI and Social Media to promote their businesses. Passion, innovation, and tech know-how. These were just some of the things that Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) members learned from successful Filipino entrepreneurs in the masterclass powered by PLDT Home Biz. With the goal of empowering mompreneurs and equipping them with a winning mindset to succeed in business, this one-day intensive masterclass program was divided into three sessions with topics ranging from Creating an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Product Innovation and Using AI and Social Media to promote their businesses. Madiskarte Moms receive their certificates of attendance for the PLDT Home Biz Masterclass. Passion and confidence Wanderskye’s Co-founder and CEO Bianca Larrañaga shared that passion can propel one’s business in a way that money can’t. She emphasized the importance of identifying and pursuing one’s passion as the foundation of a successful entrepreneurial venture. While it was hard to enter a market already saturated by brands catering to tourists, Wanderskye differentiated itself with unique and quality products. This opened the avenue to partner with national retailers such as Rustan’s, The Travel Club and ROX. It also opened stores in Boracay, Siargao and Bohol, as well as in Metro Manila malls and airports. President and CEO of Rite Tea Jaypee Morales shared the same sentiment.. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify problems in their own lives and develop innovative solutions to address them. Despite the challenges and setbacks Rite Tea faced during its early stages, Jaypee said perseverance, resilience, and unwavering belief in one’s vision can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and achieve success. How to get customers to do your marketing One of the most challenging aspects of starting a business is creating an identity that people will remember — and love. In hospitality, where the market is transient by nature, it’s essential to make a good first impression immediately or you lose your chance to make new customers. That is why for Commune Café owner Rosario Juan, first and foremost, one needs a distinctive aesthetic and ambiance to attract customers and make them want to experience your product. Second, never forget the human touch—from exceptional customer service that builds a strong relationship with patrons to the details of the physical store. Third, remember that customers are in tune with market trends—so should mompreneurs be. As an example, her own Commune Café has carved a unique identity that resonates with its target audience, developing a loyal customer base that spreads positive word-of-mouth. Failure can lead to innovation Carmen’s Best is in most grocery stores today but when it started in 2007 founder Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay was sending out his products on individual orders. Paco emphasized the importance of setting high standards and striving for perfection. By delivering exceptional quality, businesses can differentiate their products, build brand loyalty, and attract discerning customers. Meanwhile, Potato Corner co-founder and Tokyo Tempura founder Jorge Wieneke found a niche in the market that brought one product outside the fast-food chains and into its own small spaces across 11 countries. Founded 25 years ago, Potato Corner, dubbed “The World’s Best Flavored Fries,” has become a top-of- mind entry point for budding entrepreneurs. Jorge emphasized the importance of understanding consumer needs and preferences to identify underserved niches and untapped opportunities in the market. He advocated for a culture of experimentation and risk-taking, highlighting the value of failing fast and learning from mistakes to drive innovation. Many entrepreneurs say that embracing failure is the first step to success. It sounds ironic, but it’s true, said Zarah Jane Juan, founder of Zarah Juan brand, known for unique Filipino bag designs using icons of everyday life. AI and social media First PLDT Home Biz Masterclass Social media is a powerful platform to engage with audiences, build brand awareness and drive sales. Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn can help mompreneurs reach an audience beyond the Philippines. nRocket Inc. CEO Jay Jazmines said AI can be a game changer for one’s business if used wisely and strategically. Entrepreneur Fibo Lim of the Fibo Lim Group of Companies advised mompreneurs to use their social media content to connect with customers and to educate, entertain, and experience. Drizzled Chicken owner Maine Fontanilla broke down how to use these platforms, such as TikTok to attract customers, build brand awareness, and encourage dine-ins; and Facebook for collecting online orders, showcasing flavors, and guiding the order process. This masterclass is part of the PLDT Home Biz relaunch to introduce enhanced Home Biz plans with significantly faster speeds and a lot of exclusive benefits. In addition, PLDT Home is launching a dedicated Facebook community for existing and new subscribers. This online hub will provide access to exclusive masterclasses, personalized one-on-one coaching sessions, expert customer support, and a range of exclusive perks to help home-based businesses thrive. ### About MMPH MMPH is an online community established to support and provide education, and business opportunities for Filipino mompreneurs. It boasts over 197,000 community members and 15,000 trained mompreneurs. In its advocacy to help and educate mompreneurs, MMPH has partnered with local and international brands. MMPH has also won various industry awards, such as the Silver Award from the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, Grand Anvil, the highest PR award in the country, from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, Gold Award for Best PR Program in Southeast Asia from the ASEAN PR Network, Prosperity Award
Madiskarte Moms prove that passion and grit can lead to a successful business
Gawad Madiskarte 2024 Winners Women, especially mothers, who are entrepreneurs have proven time and again that they have the passion and grit to make a difference in their families’ lives. “You work wonders in three different worlds: the world of home, your own personal growth, and the world of business. You’re actually doing three times the work that men are doing,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, addressing the mompreneurs in the room during Gawad Madiskarte 2024 at Seda Hotel in BGC last October 19. This is the third awards ceremony that Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) and PLDT Home have staged since the founding of the group in 2020. Jimenez added that the true winners are the moms, and that this year’s awardees have inspired many moms to become entrepreneurs “and eventually our whole country will benefit from what the Madiskarte Moms are doing.” Now with 191,000 members in the community, MMPH has indeed come a long way from its founding during the pandemic. This year’s awards are focused on sustainable practices, a commitment PLDT shares. “For us at PLDT, sustainability is not only caring for the environment, but it’s also about gender empowerment. This is the embodiment of gender empowerment because it allows women not only to dream, but to take action and to make a difference in society,” said PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel De Dios. One of the most admired women at last Saturday’s event was Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairwoman Ermelita V. Valdeavilla. She highlighted that authentic women empowerment is about uplifting other women, and that being “madiskarte” holds so much power. “Madiskarte is a powerful word,” Valdeavilla said, and wondered out loud why there is not a single word in the English language that could approximate its meaning. “In English, it is translated as strategic, wise, smart, inventive, ingenious, resourceful, clever, witty, innovative, and proactive. Yes, it takes 10 English words to describe madiskarte.” At last Saturday’s awards, eight women were highlighted as the embodiment of the word “madiskarte.” Diverse businesses Gawad Madiskarte 2024 received more than 100 applications, shortlisted 17 mompreneurs and their businesses, and awarded 8 mompreneurs in two main categories (Start-up and Scale-up) and three special awards. This year’s panel of judges was composed of Butch Jimenez; Jonjon San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls; Tweetie de Leon, mompreneur, owner of TdLG Designs; Angelica Chongco, owner of Mayumi Organics; Pia Hontiveros, broadcast journalist; and Annette Gozon-Valdes, President, GMA Films. For this year’s Diskarteng Angat category, the winners are Stephanie Morales, who put up a self-portrait studio called Pixellab (Start-up); and Ricca Cruz del Rosario, who started HTP Clothing (Scale-up) simply from the desire to sell her own clothes, and now sells about 30,000 pieces of clothing a month. For Diskarteng Eco-Friendly, the winners are Melissa Blanca Moscoso for Xavier & Xandrie Start-up, which uses discarded katsa or discarded flour sacks and turns them into bags; and Bianca Mateum of Isay Bags (Scale-up), which upcycles waste into bags and storage items. For Diskarteng May-Puso, Avon Tuazon Obedoza opened Bahay Ugnayan Educational Services (Start-up), an after-school tutoring service that frees up moms’ time after work for more personal time with their families; and Alona Bazar Laylo, who put up Jobiba Baby Diapers and Wipes (Scale-up), a low-cost, high-quality brand of diapers. All six women each received P100,000 in cash, Lalamove vouchers worth P10,000, and kitchen appliances from Tough Mama. In the special awards category, Jenilyn P. Sicabalo won the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for her business MP Nieva Flower Shop, which grows the abaca used for bouquet wraps. She won P50,000, Lalamove vouchers and Tough Mama products. Meanwhile, MK Bertulfo, founder of FH Moms, won both the Diskarteng Digital and Diskarteng Homebiz awards. Her business helps women in MSMEs participate in the digital economy, providing training and education in conducting business online, setting up e-commerce platforms, and other digital strategies. She won a total of P100,000 for both awards, along with Lalamove vouchers and Tough Mama products. Every mompreneur at Gawad Madiskarte, and those who are part of Madiskarte Moms’ growing community, have shown bravery and perseverance in running their home businesses. Time and again, they’ve supported each other in the journey to growth and success. Join the community on Facebook and visit madiskartemoms.ph. ### (L-R): – Melissa Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer, PLDT, Inc., Butch Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer, PLDT Inc., Stephanie Lee Morales, Diskarteng Angat (Start-up), Bianca Mateum, Diskarteng Eco-friendly (Scale-up), Ricca Cruz Del Rosario, Diskarteng Angat (Scale-up), Avon Tuazon Obedoza, Diskarteng May Puso (Start-up), MK Bertulfo, Diskarteng Digital and Diskarteng Homebiz, Alona Bazar Laylo, Diskarteng May Puso (Scale-up), Jenielyn P. Sicabalo, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award (Special Citation), Melissa Blanca Moscoso, Diskarteng Eco-friendly (Start-up) winners and Ms. Ermelita Valdeavilla, Chairperson of Philippine Commission on Women Ms. Ermelita Valdeavilla, Chairperson, Philippine Commission on Women Butch Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer, PLDT Inc. Melissa Vergel De Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer, PLDT Inc.
Building empires from home: Celebrating sustainable Businesses by Mompreneurs
PLDT Home honors mompreneurs through Gawad Madiskarte 2024, awarding the most innovative and sustainable businesses founded and led by mothers. Filipino mothers are the role models the world needs. Not only are they caring, nurturing and resilient, they also bring communities together and embody the country’s spirit of innovation. When something is lacking, they find ways to make it whole; when they are constrained by their financial situation, they dig deep into their experiences to find solutions. They do all this with a smile as they share advice and encourage each other. These are the moms of Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), an online community of mom entrepreneurs helping women start their path to financial freedom. Founded during the pandemic when thousands of women lost their jobs, moms added another role to their name: mompreneur. PLDT Home recognized from the outset that this movement was the future of entrepreneurship in the Philippines. Building empires from home—starting with micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—is the new way to financial independence as the platform lets mompreneurs showcase their ability to learn new skills and manage their roles as caregivers, teachers, and business owners. Today, the community has 190,000 members, 450+ members turned brand affiliates, 150 recipients of business toolkits, over 24,900 trained mompreneurs, and 16 online masterclasses and webinars. And so Gawad Madiskarte was born to celebrate the triumphs of Filipino mompreneurs, those who inspire not just their families but their communities through their creativity and hard work. The awards are supported by PLDT Home as part of its commitment to nation building and its purpose of inspiring innovation and meaningful connections. Gawad Madiskarte 2024 is set for October 19 at Seda Hotel in BGC. It will award mompreneurs in three categories: Diskarteng Angat, Diskarteng Eco-Friendly and Diskarteng May-Puso in start-up and scale-up divisions. The panel of judges for this year’s competition is a formidable lineup of industry leaders and experts, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Their diverse backgrounds and accomplishments make them a truly distinguished panel. This panel is composed of Butch Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer, PLDT Inc.; Jonjon San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls; Tweetie de Leon, owner of TdLG Designs; Angela Chongco, owner of Mayumi Organics; Pia Hontiveros, broadcast journalist; and Annette Gozon-Valdes, President, GMA Films. Gawad Madiskarte 2024 puts the spotlight on mompreneurs who champion sustainability as business owners, whether it’s by leaving the least carbon footprint in their manufacturing process and operations, supporting local communities, or creating products that are part of the circular economy. Nominees and prizes Six (6) mompreneurs can bring home the major prizes across three subcategories (Diskarteng Angat, Diskarteng Eco-Friendly, Diskarteng May-Puso) where each will receive ₱100,000. Two (2) winners across two subcategories (Diskarteng Digital, Diskarteng Homebiz) will each receive ₱50,000, and all other finalists will each receive ₱25,000. Also lending their support to the mompreneurs is delivery and logistics company Lalamove, which will provide ₱10,000 worth of Lalamove vouchers to the six (6) major winners; and ₱7,500 worth of Lalamove vouchers to two (2) special award winners. Mompreneurs can use these vouchers for their product deliveries and business operations that require courier services. To make their home life easier and more fun in the kitchen, home and kitchen appliances brand Tough Mama will give all winners a Detachable Electric Griller and Plate; and Tough Mama Hand Mixer to all 18 finalists. On top of all these prizes is a beautiful trophy created by world-class sculptor Ram Mallari. Throughout his career, Mallari has brought sustainable art to a whole new level. His artworks are made from discarded metal and other materials, and given new life as he fashions them into provocative works of art. This year’s nominees for Diskarteng Angat are (start-up) Olivia’s Partyland, Pixellab Self Portrait Studio, Le Vourge Scents; (scale-up) Momi Bigbig’s Kitchen, Ulap Bedsheet, Love My Pajamies, HTP Clothing. For Diskarteng Eco-Friendly, the nominees are (start-up) Bloomingdale Collections, Bayong Pampanga, Xavier & Xandrie; (scale-up) MP Nieva’s Flower Company, OPC, Isay Bags. For Diskarteng May Puso, the nominees are (start-up) Bounty Honey – Pure ,Raw,Wild from Mindanao, Isla PH Essentials, Bahay Ugnayan Educational Services; (scale-up) Jobiba Baby Diaper and Wipes, FH Moms. Using “waste,” not adding to it Sustainability may be fashion’s biggest trend judging from the recent Fashion Week series in New York, London, Milan and Paris. In London especially, eBay and Vinted put on runway shows of preloved clothing and accessories, showing once again that with fashion’s cyclical nature, nothing really goes out of style. A number of this year’s nominees recognize that fashion can be sustainable by upcycling materials and making use of “waste” to create something new and beautiful. One nominee makes bayong bags embellished with PVC straps. Think Pretty Woman, but instead of going back to show them she had money, our heroine-slash-entrepreneur started experimenting on lowering the costs of PVC bags. And the rest is history. Another nominee focuses on middle-class women who prefer reusable, earth-friendly items that would last them a long time. The company upcycles factory-reject materials into bags. It’s a family business that started from scraps of venetian blinds that their dad would bring home from the factory. What began as a home business in 2009 scaled up through bazaars and online shopping. These women exemplify entrepreneurs that prioritize their social responsibility by adapting sustainable practices, local sourcing, and community engagement. Just what the world needs. Be part of the future of entrepreneurship and this inspiring movement by joining our Facebook group.
Gawad Madiskarte returns with stronger focus on sustainability for 2024 awards
Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)’s Gawad Madiskarte powered by PLDT Home, the awards that pay tribute to mompreneurs, is back! This year, MMPH is putting the spotlight not only on hardworking and successful moms, but also on businesses that champion sustainability. In a time when the Philippines is facing environmental and economic challenges, Gawad Madiskarte is looking for mompreneurs that are leading by example, demonstrating that sustainable business practices are not only possible but also profitable. By supporting and celebrating these visionary women, Gawad Madiskarte hopes to inspire other entrepreneurs and businesses to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all. According to a report by earth.org, some of the pressing environmental issues in the Philippines in 2024 are plastic pollution and marine pollution. The country is highly dependent on single-use plastics that generate an annual 2.7 million tons of waste, a problem that the World Bank calls “staggering,” coupled with an insufficient waste management system. The World Bank also reports that an estimated 20% of this plastic waste end up in Philippine waters, endangering marine biodiversity. This year’s major awards are Diskarteng Eco-Friendly, for the mompreneur who is leading the charge in environmental responsibility and pioneering green solutions with vision and progress; Diskarteng Angat, for the mompreneur who achieves exceptional sales growth in her business while leading the way in sustainability; and Diskarteng May Puso, for the mompreneur who creates a positive change by fulfilling her social responsibility to her communities. There will be two winners per major award. One winner will come from the Start-Up category and the other one from the Scale Up category. For the Start Up category, the mompreneur’s business should be running for at least six months; for the Scale Up category, it should be running for at least 13 months with supporting documents such as a DTI and BIR permits. Owners must also have an online shop in any e-commerce platforms or social media accounts. Diskarteng Digital and Diskarteng Home Biz special awards will also be given. To join, fill out the Google Form with your answers and requirements. Mompreneurs may access Gawad Madiskarte application form by joining the community. Submission of all entry forms starts on March 8, 2024, International Women’s Day. MMPH is an online community established to support and provide education, and business opportunities for Filipino mompreneurs., it boasts over 172,000 community members and15,000 trained mompreneurs. In its advocacy to help and educate mompreneurs, MMPH has partnered with local and international brands. MMPH has also won various industry awards, such as the Silver Award from the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, Grand Anvil, the highest PR award in the country, from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, Gold Award for Best PR Program in Southeast Asia from the ASEAN PR Network and the Prosperity Award from the UN Global Compact Network Philippines. For more information on MMPH and Gawad Madiskarte, visit madiskartemoms.ph.
Madiskarte Moms movement for mom entrepreneurs shines at the 3rd UN Global Compact Network Philippines’ SDG Awards
The Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) program has been recognized at the 3rd United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards. Recognizing companies and programs with outstanding contributions towards sustainable development, particularly on areas of the Planet, Prosperity, and People, the SDG Awards cited MMPH for enabling digital inclusion among women, promoting decent work and economic growth, and supporting the recovery and resilience of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). MMPH (“resourceful moms” in English) is an online community founded by PLDT Home in September 2020 with a group of Filipino mom entrepreneurs (mompreneurs). Statistics show that about 33% of Filipino women lost their jobs at the height of the pandemic. MMPH fostered an active community that helps women find alternative sources of income, use digital tools to their advantage, and continuously exchange ideas and share experiences about running home-based and online businesses. Three years since its launch, MMPH now has 170,000 community members. It has trained more than 15,000 moms, supported at least 75 businesses through the provisioning of digital kits, conducted at least 11 regular webinars and masterclasses, and produced over 160 educational videos about several areas of doing business sustainably and responsibly. MMPH has also been recognizing outstanding mompreneurs through its Annual Gawad Madiskarte Awards and active participation in various public fora and engagements.
Mompreneurs win big at Gawad Madiskarte 2023 for their hard work, creativity, innovation
Women entrepreneurs helping each other is a beautiful thing to witness. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and prioritizing social impact, they are driving positive change on multiple fronts. These women are the inspiring mompreneurs of Madiskarte Moms (MMPH), an online community of Filipino mothers who want to learn, start, and grow their online home businesses while enjoying their home life. At the second annual Gawad Madiskarte, which recognizes mompreneurs with creative and innovative businesses, eight women stood out for creating successful businesses that made a transformative impact not only in their own lives, but also in the communities around them. Gawad Madiskarte was first launched in 2022 to celebrate mompreneurs and to encourage more women to act on their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. The audience at the awards luncheon — many of them also tireless and hardworking mompreneurs—was inspired to hear the winners talk about their struggles and successes, many with tears in their eyes. It was also heartwarming to hear how Madiskarte Moms PH, the tight-knit community of local mompreneurs honored by Gawad Madiskarte, was the catalyst that changed their lives for the better. Six winners from the Start Up and Scale Up categories received P100,000 each, three Special Award winners received P50,000 each from PLDT Home, and a trophy by world-class sculptor Ram Mallari. Each winner also received a one-year PLDT Home Fiber subscription, a laptop from ASUS, and a one-year Canva Pro subscription. Start-Up Category Gawad Madiskate 2023 Start-Up Winners In the Start Up category, Diskarteng Angat was awarded to Catherine K. Fabello of Cami Candles; Diskarteng Digital went to Eraiza Camille A. Ramos of Eleira’s Crochet; and Diskarteng May-Puso went to Joelle Dianne F. Venegas of Golden Pots Agriculture. Eraiza Camille Ramos learned to crochet because she didn’t have the money to buy nice clothes for her newborn daughter, she said when she accepted the trophy. When she started posting monthly photos of her baby wearing crochet headbands, hats, socks, and dresses on Facebook, her inbox was flooded by mommies inquiring whether she was selling them online. “I started and grew my business online,” she said as her cute products were flashed on the screen behind her. Today, Eleira’s Crochet sells crocheted baby clothes and accessories, dolls and toys, and even Christmas ornaments. The young mom has truly embraced digital tools to help her business grow. Mom of three boys Catherine Fabello of Cami Candles said that during the pandemic, she experienced anxiety and couldn’t sleep. Instead of allowing her mental health to deteriorate or passively waiting for the pandemic to be over, she leapt into action. “Why not make something out of the problem I’m currently dealing with?” she said. The solution for her was to make aromatic candles. “I also wanted to help others who were experiencing the same thing, lalo na yung mga mahirap makapag-relax,” she added. Remember the plantito and plantita craze that reached its peak during pandemic? Joelle Dianne F. Venegas of Golden Pots Agriculture started selling plants knowing that people found them relaxing to have around in their houses and gave them something to physically care for. “Then I discovered that there was a better product with fewer competitors—organic fertilizers,” she narrated. For the first two years she sold only one type of organic fertilizer but has since expanded and focused on seeds, herbs, and other organics. “As a mother, I realized that it’s important to teach children environmental protection, and that we can reconsider our lifestyle choices to ensure that we have a bright future,” she said. Scale Up Category Gawad Madiskate 2023 Scale-Up Winners In the Scale Up category, the award for Diskarteng Angat was given to Irene D. Herrero of Jacob’s Gourmet Food; Diskarteng Digital went to Rojerette May Martin-Pimentel of Moms@Work Management Consultancy Firm and DigiTalent; and Diskarteng May-Puso went to Erica Joana Angela Redrico of Produkto PH. Irene D. Herrero or “Chef Irene” is a single mom of four kids. She’s one of the pioneer manufacturers of 100% organic gourmet food in the Philippines. Chef Irene believes that everyone has the power to keep toxins out of their body—but they must have products to choose from to make that decision. “I started with three kilos of tuyo,” she said. “And from there, dumami ang products namin.” Jacob’s Gourmet Food’s product range includes pasta sauces like creamy tuna pesto and Italian pepperoni; Filipino favorites tuyo, dulong, dilis, bagnet, gambas and suka. Chef Irene scaled up Jacob’s Gourmet Food not only in the Philippines, but in 28 other countries as well. Rojerette May Martin-Pimentel’s Moms@Work provides consultation and talent, and education for moms who want to become freelancers. “Freelancing allows anyone to work remotely,” she said, “and you can offer that service to clients anywhere in the world.” Her company “wants mothers to be able to earn a living while looking after their families.” Moms@Work is a one-stop website for those looking for talents and those offering their particular set of skills to employers. “Technology really brings us closer to our dreams and closer to our goals.” Thirty-one-year-old Erica Joana Angela Redrico, wife and mother to an 11-year-old, considers her company a “curator” of products. Produkto PH is a multi-vendor online marketplace for ingenious Filipino entrepreneurs. More than just a retail concept, it brings together like-minded people who want to support their communities, so buyers need only one online store to choose from multiple vendors. Produkto PH also holds physical pop-up events. “Wherever you look, there are products and people who make them,” she said. “They just need someone to support them.” As an example, she mentioned the weavers from Aklan who made P100,000 in two days of a Produkto PH selling event. “This enabled them to open a small shop in Aklan.” Special Awards Gawad Madiskate 2023 Special Awardees Gawad Madiskarte also gave special awards to three mompreneurs. Diskarteng Malikhain went to Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles of HERS by Godfather; Diskarteng Pasulong was awarded to Jazel T. Gallaza of Kapekoh; and