PLDT Home Celebrates Mompreneurs Transforming Communities at 4th Gawad Madiskarte
Present during the celebration were (from left) John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Home Consumer Business, PLDT Inc.; Rosalyn Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator, UN Women; Sheena Marie Mallari, owner of Jakesheen Homemade Spreads; Lanie Abanes Geronimo, owner of Ecobum Cloth Diapers; Melanie Medrano, owner of Gramworth Enterprises Inc.; Elsie Espiritu, owner of Kamagong Woodworks; Rambie Go, owner of Rambie’s Collection; Ina Pineda, VP and Head of Marketing Communications, PLDT Home; and Cheryl Maxine Loyola, AVP and Head of Public Relations and Brand Advocacies, PLDT Home. April 20, 2026 | PLDT Home recently concluded its 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards, celebrating the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino mompreneurs who continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has grown into a powerful platform that recognizes mothers who successfully balance family life while building impactful businesses. Now marking its fifth year, the growing community, together with partners from UN Women and the Philippine Commission on Women, launched its empowering campaign “Panahon Mo Na,” a rallying call for mothers who have quietly built businesses while caring for their families. The message is simple yet powerful: it is time for mompreneurs to take pride in what they have built and confidently embrace their identity as entrepreneurs. This spirit is reflected in the growing Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) community, which now has over 227,000 members supporting one another through shared experiences, mentorship, and digital empowerment. PLDT Home emphasized the role of connectivity in enabling these women to succeed, noting that beyond business growth, it also supports the everyday resilience of mothers navigating both family and enterprise. “At PLDT, we believe that reliable connectivity is a powerful enabler of growth. When mompreneurs are equipped with the right digital tools and supported by a strong community, they are able to expand their businesses, create opportunities, and uplift others,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology officer. Honoring Heart and Hustle: The PLDT Home 4th Gawad Madiskarte Winners This year’s awards recognized outstanding mompreneurs across several categories, showcasing the diversity of industries and impact within the community. Diskarteng Fiber Biz winner, Rambie Go, with presenter and judge Prep Palacios, Google Country Manager, John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Home Consumer Business, The Diskarteng Fiber Biz award was given to Rambie Go of Rambie’s Collection, whose handcrafted accessories made from upcycled materials promote sustainability while creating livelihood opportunities for fellow mothers. “I am happy and grateful for this award as this recognizes the growing interest in sustainable fashion and inspires fellow moms to start small,” said Go. Diskarteng Angat (Start-Up) winner, Sheena Marie A. Mallari, with presenter and judge Melissa Yeung-Yap, CEO of Greenstone Pharmaceutical and PLDT executives For the Diskarteng Angat (Start-Up) category,Sheena Marie A. Mallari of Jakesheen’s Homemade Spreads was recognized for crafting a variety of rich and creamy yema spread flavors. “Every challenge you face is part of your journey. Stay positive, stay consistent, and keep going,” said Mallari. Diskarteng Angat (Scale-Up) winner, Melanie A. Medrano, with presenter and judge Anna Meloto-Wilk, President and Co-Founder of Human Nature and PLDT executives The Diskarteng Angat (Scale-Up) award was presented to Melanie A. Medrano of Gramworth Enterprises Inc., whose healthy, easy-to-prepare instant cacao drink products support local farmers through ethical trade practices. “I want to say mabuhay to every Filipina. I believe that each of us has the diskarte, faith, and the support of our community to succeed,” said Medrano. Diskarteng Eco-Friendly (Start-Up) winner, Lanie Abanes Geronimo, with presenter and judge Ces Oreña-Drilon, broadcast journalist and news anchor and PLDT executives Lanie Abanes Geronimo of Ecobum Cloth Diapers won the Diskarteng Eco-Friendly (Start-Up) award for her locally made cloth diapers designed to help prevent skin irritation among infants. She started the business after the heartbreaking loss of her baby, turning her grief into a purpose-driven venture. “I’d like to congratulate all the mothers present. Each one of us has a story worth celebrating,” Geronimo said. Diskarteng May Puso (Scale-Up) winner, Elsie Camille Espiritu, with presenters and judges Bernadette “Bidibidi” De Los Santos, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and PLDT executives Elsie Camille Espiritu of Kamagong Woodworkz received the Diskarteng May-Puso (Scale-Up) award for her mom-led business, which creates handcrafted woodworks for homes and enterprises. “I was at a low point during the pandemic, but the Madiskarte Moms PH community inspired me to start earning and build a business born from my husband’s and my shared passions,” Espiritu shared. With over 200 nominations received, the awards highlighted the diversity and innovation within the mompreneur community. Winners received cash prizes and specially designed trophies by Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay, while finalists were also recognized for their achievements, reinforcing the program’s inclusive and supportive approach. The distinguished panel of judges included Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, PLDT Inc.; Ces Oreña-Drilon, broadcast journalist and news anchor; Bernadette “Bidibidi” De Los Santos, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and owner of Bidibidi Enterprise; Prep Palacios, Country Manager of Google Philippines; Anna Meloto-Wilk, President and Co-Founder of Human Nature; Melissa Yeung-Yap, CEO of Greenstone Pharmaceutical; and Angela Chen-Delantar, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Eskwelabs. Their expertise and experience provided valuable insight in evaluating the finalists’ entrepreneurial journeys and the impact of their businesses. More than an awards ceremony, Gawad Madiskarte underscores the importance of empowering women through digital access and community support. By spotlighting these stories, PLDT Home continues to inspire more mothers to pursue entrepreneurship, proving that success is not only measured by profit, but also by purpose, perseverance, and the ability to uplift others. As the program continues to grow, it stands as a testament to how heart and hustle can drive meaningful change, both within households and across communities. Reinforcing this commitment, partners emphasized the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities for women entrepreneurs, noting that initiatives like Gawad Madiskarte help advance gender equality
Filipina moms drive 66% of businesses—but face barriers to scale
April 27, 2026 | Filipina entrepreneurs—many of them mothers—are powering the Philippine economy, owning 66% of existing businesses and 62% of newly registered enterprises. Yet despite this outsized contribution, many women-led MSMEs struggle to scale due to limited access to capital, gaps in digital adoption, and the challenge of balancing business and family responsibilities. Despite their strong presence, many women-led enterprises remain constrained—highlighting the need for more coordinated support systems to help them grow and scale sustainably. At the recent 4th Gawad Madiskarte, leaders from government and development organizations emphasized a clear call: resilience alone is not enough. Filipina entrepreneurs need stronger institutional support to scale. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the role of local governments in helping entrepreneurs transition from informal ventures into scalable enterprises. Programs like “Pangkabuhayang QC” provide capital assistance and mentorship to support business formalization and growth. Mayor Joy Belmonte of the Quezon City Government “Our goal is to guide entrepreneurs as they grow into formal enterprises that can create more opportunities,” Belmonte said, adding that support systems such as accessible childcare services are equally critical in enabling mothers to focus on innovation and expansion. UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina Echoing this call, UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina described investing in women entrepreneurs as a “smart macroeconomic strategy,” noting that many remain underserved despite their significant presence in the MSME sector. “Women entrepreneurs must not only be supported, they must be seen, recognized, and protected within the system,” Mesina said, calling for gender-responsive policies and stronger leadership commitment. Meanwhile, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla pointed to digital inclusion as a critical growth driver. Programs such as Elevate AIDA are already equipping women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, opening up new income opportunities, particularly for those working from home. Marking its fifth year, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)—now one of the largest mompreneur communities in the Philippines with over 228,000 members—is strengthening its role as a key enabler of growth, supporting women from startup to scale through training, mentorship, and community. Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer “At its core, entrepreneurship goes beyond hitting sales targets. It is about building a strong support system that empowers entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence, so they can better serve Filipino communities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of PLDT. Through training, mentorship, and peer support, MMPH helps women launch and grow their businesses. The platform also spotlights success stories through its annual Gawad Madiskarte awards, recognizing outstanding mompreneurs across different stages of business. From home kitchens to online marketplaces, Filipina mompreneurs continue to turn small spaces into thriving enterprises— uplifting families and communities along the way. But unlocking the full potential of women-led MSMEs will require more than resilience. It will take coordinated action across government, private sector, and communities to ensure these businesses not only survive, but scale. As MMPH enters its fifth year, the message is clear: investing in the Filipina entrepreneur is not just a social good. It is an economic imperative.
The New “Diskarte”: Filipino Moms Turn to AI to Scale Their Businesses
PLDT Home and Google Philippines Lead the Charge in AI-Driven Digital Mastery for Filipino Mompreneurs Gemini Academy attendees gather around for a collaborative, hands-on activity. During the session, participants explored how to integrate various Google AI tools into their daily operations to elevate their local businesses. May 5, 2026 | For years, the conversation around empowering women has centered on one word: access. We talked about access to education, the internet, and the global marketplace. But as the world changes, so does what it means to be “connected.” Today, a new digital divide is emerging. It isn’t just about who has an internet connection. It’s about who knows how to use and maximize the digital tools at their disposal. As artificial intelligence (AI) begins to reshape how we work, learn, and grow our businesses, the goal is shifting. Being online is no longer enough. To truly thrive, women need the skills and confidence to lead in an AI-driven world. Moving Beyond the Connection Through a collaboration between PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) and Google, the second Gemini Academy for mompreneurs was recently held to bridge this gap. Building on last year’s introduction to AI, the program focused on practical use, showing participants how AI can support their businesses and help them stay competitive in a fast-changing digital landscape. It also encouraged women to become #maAIdiskartemom, embracing innovation by using AI tools. While “AI” can sometimes sound like a complicated term reserved for tech experts, Gemini Academy is proving that these tools are actually for everyone. Most especially for mompreneurs who are balancing their family life and work, while looking to reach more customers. AI is a partner that helps get things done faster and more creatively. Cheryl Maxine P. Loyola, AVP & Head, PLDT Home Marketing PR and Brand Advocacy “AI is no longer limited to large enterprises. It is for everyone, and we need to embrace it. Today, it goes beyond being a tool. It becomes a partner that helps you write product descriptions in seconds, respond to customers with confidence, create content, and support your day-to-day operations,” said Cheryl Maxine Loyola, AVP and Head of Public Relations and Brand Advocacy at PLDT Home. “When you put tools like Gemini in the hands of women who are already ‘madiskarte’, you do more than improve productivity. You unlock potential.” Tools for the Modern Filipina The Gemini Academy has always focused on making technology approachable. It also recognizes the efforts of mompreneurs who have leveraged AI to grow their businesses, such as mom ambassadors Princess Alvarez of ISLA Everything Accessories and Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva of MP Nieva’s Flower Shop. Princess successfully built a custom pricing calculator and business tracker from scratch with the help of Gemini. This gives her a real-time view of her business profitability without a technical background. Jenielyn also utilized Gemini to do deep research into bouquet trends and innovative “add-on” gift ideas. This keeps her up to date on the latest market trends, so she can consistently offer fresh gift ideas to customers. These stories reflect a broader shift in how Filipino women are redefining entrepreneurship in the digital age. Daphne Gripal Abello, Manager, PLDT Home Marketing PR and Brand Advocacy “What we’re seeing today is a new kind of ‘diskarte’—one where Filipina entrepreneurs are not just adopting technology, but using AI to lead, innovate, and scale their businesses with confidence, and ultimately lead their own success story,” said Daphne Gripal Abello, Manager, PLDT Home Marketing PR and Brand Advocacy. During this year’s Gemini Academy with PLDT Home’s MMPH, participants discovered how other innovative Google products can simplify their day-to-day business tasks, such as NotebookLM, which serves as their personal assistant, helping organize notes, understand complex documents, and brainstorm ideas. Music generator Lyria and AI image editor Nano Banana can open up new worlds of creativity, helping users explore music and media in ways once possible only with expensive equipment. While AI marketing tool Pomelli is designed to help streamline tasks and improve how they interact with digital information. Through digital mastery, women are moving from learning the basics to dominating the digital space. They are now finding ways to automate information so they can focus on what they are passionate about. Participants proudly share their work following the hands-on activity. They demonstrated how quickly mompreneurs can supercharge their brands and craft compelling, professional stories using Google AI tools. Celebrating the “Diskarteng AI” The mission doesn’t stop at training. Empowerment also means recognition. During the program, it was announced that next year’s Gawad Madiskarte, the annual awards ceremony of PLDT Home’s MMPH that honors the grit and ingenuity of Filipina entrepreneurs, will include the Diskarteng Digital Award. This category will honor women who have successfully integrated AI into their businesses, demonstrating that “diskarte” today is about more than just hard work—it’s about being innovative and creative with the best available technology. Prep Palacios, Google Philippines Country Manager. “The award will recognize the mompreneur who can best leverage AI to scale her business. We want to show that a modern Filipina entrepreneur is not just a participant, but a leader in the global digital landscape. This is our way of celebrating your growth and AI mindset,” said Prep Palacios, Google Philippines Country Manager. Why This Matters Now If we don’t prioritize AI literacy for women today, we risk leaving them out of the most important economic conversations of tomorrow. Empowerment is about having a seat at the table, and in 2026, it’s all about maximizing digital potential. By turning connectivity into capability, PLDT Home’s MMPH and Gemini Academy are ensuring that Filipino women aren’t just spectators in the tech revolution. They are the ones leading it. It’s time to move beyond just getting online. It’s time to take charge. To know more about PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH, join the Facebook community and follow the official page.
From side hustle to lifeline: How moms are rewriting the family economy
Empowered by PLDT Home, modern Filipino moms are building businesses and brighter futures May 14, 2026 | This month, modern Filipino moms are proving that motherhood and entrepreneurship can thrive hand in hand. Across the country, more mothers are stepping beyond traditional roles and embracing life as “mompreneurs,” building businesses from home, pursuing their passions, and reshaping their families’ future through digital innovation. Through communities like PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), the modern “side hustle” has evolved into something far more powerful: a tech-enabled lifeline helping families navigate an increasingly unpredictable world. For many mompreneurs, the journey began with either necessity or a spark of inspiration, a homemade chili garlic recipe, curated thrift finds, bespoke footwear, or personalized digital art. Some were driven by the economic uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially after losing jobs or sources of income. What started as small ventures eventually became sustainable businesses that now support entire households and communities. Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles, founder of HERS by Godfather and Diskarteng Malikhain awardee at Gawad Madiskarte 2023. “I had just resigned from my corporate job and I had an 8-month-old baby to take care of. It was challenging at first because running a business means thinking about marketing strategies, finances, and product development 24/7. That’s on top of my responsibilities as a mom. It was daunting at first, but I was able to press on,” says Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles, founder of Marikina-based bespoke footwear brand HERS by Godfather. May Martin-Pimentel, founder of Momsatwork and Diskarteng Digital awardee at Gawad Madiskarte 2023. “My husband and I got laid off in Dubai, so we decided to return to the Philippines to start anew. When I started Momsatwork, all I could think of was that I had to succeed for my family. I wanted other moms who had the same struggles as me to find a support system through MomsatWork. I wanted to make an empowering and educational platform that will provide opportunities for moms like me,” echoes May Martin-Pimentel, founder of consultation firm Momsatwork. Faced with changing realities, mothers like Angeles and Pimentel chose to adapt, rebuild, and take charge of their futures. With the support of their loved ones and the sisterhood they found through PLDT Home’s MMPH community, they learned how to scale their businesses and to transform homegrown ideas into thriving enterprises. The Power of an Uninterrupted Connection In today’s digital-first economy, a mompreneur’s most valuable tool goes beyond creativity and determination — it is reliable internet connectivity. From managing online orders and hosting livestreams to attending upskilling webinars and engaging customers on social media, a stable internet has become essential to sustaining and growing their businesses. PLDT Home continues to empower Filipino moms by providing the connectivity they need to pursue opportunities online. Through high-speed and reliable internet, mompreneurs can reach customers across the Philippines and even overseas which allows their businesses to grow beyond the limits of geography. The rise of the “Madiskarte Mom” reflects how economic empowerment can begin at home. With the right tools, support systems, and opportunities, mothers are redefining what is possible for the modern Filipino family. More than building businesses, they are building confidence, purpose, and a lasting digital legacy for future generations. Joelle Dianne Vinegas, founder of Golden Pots Agriculture and Diskarteng May-Puso awardee at Gawad Madiskarte 2023. “More than entrepreneurial success, Madiskarte Moms PH renewed my purpose and confidence. I learned that motherhood does not mean the end of personal goals. It should, in fact, fuel you to aspire higher,” says Joelle Dianne Vinegas, founder of garden shop Golden Pots Agriculture. This Mother’s Day, PLDT Home celebrates the women who turned challenges into opportunities and passion into purpose. They are the new architects of the family economy — proving that with heart, determination, and meaningful connection, a side hustle can truly change lives and uplift communities. For more information, join the PLDT Home Madiskarte Moms PH Facebook Community and follow its official Facebook page.
Sustainable Growth Is the New Diskarte in Business
Why Strategic Scaling Is the Competitive Advantage of Filipino Mompreneurs By: The Madiskarte Moms PH Community June 5, 2026 | Across the Philippines, a growing number of mompreneurs are demonstrating that long-term stability, digital readiness, and disciplined expansion are the true hallmarks of modern diskarte. Many of these mothers launched their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, when households sought alternative sources of income amid uncertainty and economic disruption. Entrepreneurship became both a necessity and an opportunity. It was enabled largely by digital platforms and reliable home connectivity. For many families, the home became both a headquarters and a marketplace. At the height of lockdowns, online demand surged, and digital transactions accelerated. But as markets stabilize and competition intensifies, the benchmark for success has shifted. It is no longer a question of who generated the highest sales during temporary spikes in demand. The true measure is sustainability, in which enterprises have strengthened their foundations, built loyal customer relationships, and developed systems capable of weathering inflation, shifting consumer behavior, and market volatility. In this new phase of economic growth, endurance matters more than momentum. Micro, small, and medium enterprises form the backbone of the Philippine economy, with many home-based and family-led ventures contributing directly to household income. For mothers leading these businesses, growth is not an abstract ambition. It supports tuition, healthcare, daily essentials, and long-term security. This evolving mindset is reflected in the experience of Madiskarte Moms PH, a community initiative powered by PLDT Home. What began as a platform supporting digitally enabled mothers has grown into a dynamic ecosystem that champions sustainable entrepreneurship. Within this community, scaling is viewed not as a race but as a strategic milestone. In the digital age, connectivity is a critical infrastructure. Online storefronts, digital payments, customer engagement, and marketing all depend on reliable broadband access. PLDT Home recognizes that enabling entrepreneurship requires more than access alone. It requires empowering households to transform connectivity into productive economic participation. By providing reliable broadband solutions, PLDT Home supports mothers who manage home-based enterprises, enabling them to reach customers, build brands, and compete effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace. Sustainable growth reflects disciplined leadership. It means reinforcing operational systems before expanding capacity, maintaining consistent product quality as volume increases, and exercising sound financial management amid rising costs and uncertainty. In an environment shaped by inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and rapidly shifting digital platforms, resilience becomes a competitive advantage. Businesses that scale with preparation are better positioned to withstand disruption and capture opportunities when they arise. As more Filipino households embrace entrepreneurship as a long-term pathway to financial resilience, digital infrastructure must evolve. Sustainable enterprises require connectivity that is reliable and responsive to the demands of running a home-based business. This is why PLDT Home continues to strengthen its support for home-based entrepreneurs, such as through PLDT Fiber Biz, which is designed to address the growing digital requirements of micro and home enterprises. Complemented by initiatives like Madiskarte Moms PH, this reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that digital access translates into capability, confidence, and sustainability. As the Philippine economy continues to evolve, the future of entrepreneurship will favor those who combine ambition with resilience. Sustainable growth is not about limiting potential. It is about securing it. It values systems over shortcuts, preparation over impulse, and long-term value over short-term gains. Through sustained investment in connectivity and community, PLDT Home and its Madiskarte Moms PH initiative affirm that the new diskarte is not simply about moving fast. It is about building enterprises with the discipline to endure and ensuring that Filipino families grow not just in income, but in stability, strength, and long-term opportunity. Learn more about Madiskarte Moms PH and PLDT Home’s support for home-based entrepreneurs by joining the community.
Resilience Before the Rain: PLDT Home Strengthens Network and Customer Support Ahead of Typhoon Season
Anchored on year-round readiness, PLDT Home combines network resilience, proactive customer communication, and on-ground assistance to help communities stay connected during severe weather. For Filipino families, severe weather is not a rare emergency. It is a recurring reality. According to PAGASA, an average of 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility every year, making disaster preparedness an essential part of daily life. When storms disrupt power, mobility, and essential services, a family’s immediate anxiety often centers on communication: Can we reach our loved ones? Are they safe? How do we call for help? Recognizing that connectivity is a lifeline, PLDT Home is strengthening its year-round preparedness approach. By reinforcing network infrastructure and redundancy, leveraging satellite broadband to support connectivity and accelerate restoration, identifying critical areas, and keeping PLDT At Your Service booths ready for deployment as needed, PLDT Home aims to help families stay connected, informed, and supported before, during, and after severe weather events. A Data-Driven Approach to Readiness To guide its response and after-sales support, PLDT Home has identified three critical focus areas based on urgency, recovery needs, and historical weather data. Calamity-affected areas are locations still recovering from severe storms in 2025, where restoration and customer assistance remain priorities. Customers in these areas are encouraged to visit the nearest PLDT Store for after-sales service, account support, and power support through charging stations. Priority connectivity areas are communities recently affected by natural disasters where focused deployment can help fast-track customer support. In these locations, customers may visit the nearest PLDT Store or PLDT At Your Service booth for after-sales service, connectivity assistance, free calls, free WiFi, and charging support. At-risk areas include 12 cities identified in PLDT data as repeatedly affected over the past two years, typically from August to December. In these areas, heightened readiness protocols will be implemented to support faster response and service continuity. “In every storm we’ve responded to, the first thing people ask for is a signal. They want to call home and hear that everyone is safe. That is what we are doing our best to protect,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer. “At PLDT Home, we understand that connectivity is not a convenience. It is the thread that holds families together. We refuse to be caught unprepared. For us, readiness means being there to help protect Filipinos’ lives before, during, and after a storm,” he added. A Playbook for Continuous Readiness PLDT Home’s operational blueprint begins long before a typhoon makes landfall. Its proactive readiness strategy is anchored in strengthening the network, preparing field support, and helping customers know where to turn during disruptions. PLDT Home strengthens network infrastructure and redundancy in high-risk areas to minimize service disruptions. When a network path or facility is affected, backup routes and systems help keep services running, while satellite broadband may be deployed to support connectivity and accelerate restoration in areas affected by calamities. For families, these added layers of readiness can make a critical difference during emergencies, when staying reachable and informed matters most. Customer communication is also central to PLDT Home’s preparedness efforts. Subscribers in areas undergoing restoration may receive timely SMS advisories on service updates, available support channels, and nearby locations where they can seek assistance. On-Ground Support Through PLDT At Your Service During calamities, PLDT At Your Service teams will be deployed to conduct on-the-ground activities in affected communities, serving as one-stop support hubs for existing and new subscribers alike. In the immediate aftermath of a calamity, these booths will help families reconnect by providing free WiFi, free calls, and free charging stations. These services are designed to help residents update loved ones, coordinate with family members, and reach support channels when communication is most urgent. As communities transition from immediate response to recovery, PLDT Home’s on-ground support will expand to include customer service and connectivity assistance. Where available, PLDT At Your Service teams may also provide support such as free installation, speedboost offers, and 24-hour quick installation to help households restore or establish connectivity more quickly. Aligned with the PLDT Group’s #KonektedforResilience advocacy, PLDT Home ensures that customers have multiple ways to seek help, whether through PLDT At Your Service booths, nearby PLDT Stores, or direct field assistance. Because when severe weather hits, the best connection is the one that is already prepared.
How disaster-proofing businesses can help mompreneurs thrive
August 3, 2026 | A typical day for a mompreneur involves balancing family responsibilities, customer orders, and business growth. In the Philippines, where typhoons, floods, and other calamities can disrupt daily life without warning, business as usual can change in an instant. For home-based entrepreneurs, these are more than natural events. They can damage supplies, delay deliveries, cut off communication with customers, and disrupt an important source of household income. Building a disaster-resilient business does not require a complicated corporate plan. It starts with understanding the risks of operating from home and preparing simple ways to protect essential resources, keep essential operations running, and recover faster when disruptions occur. Here are some of the most common challenges mompreneurs may face during a crisis, along with practical steps they can take: The inventory trap: Spoiled or damaged supplies Power outages can spoil ingredients, while flooding can damage raw materials, packaging, and finished products. What to do: Keep supplies on raised shelves or in waterproof containers, and have frozen ice packs ready to help protect perishables during short outages. The logistics halt: Delayed deliveries and lost connectivity Severe weather can suspend courier services and make it difficult to update customers when connectivity is unstable. What to do: Inform customers about possible delays before conditions worsen and save ready-to-send advisory messages on your phone. Keep alternative courier contacts, but never arrange deliveries when conditions are unsafe. The digital freeze: Lost records and delayed payments A damaged device or an unavailable digital payment platform can prevent you from accessing orders, supplier contacts, and funds for urgent expenses. What to do: Regularly back up essential business files to a secure cloud service and keep an offline list of urgent orders and supplier contacts. Set aside a small emergency business fund for times when digital payments are unavailable. Connectivity as part of business readiness For a home-based business, reliable connectivity helps mompreneurs receive weather updates, communicate with customers and suppliers, manage digital payments, and respond quickly to disruptions. PLDT Home supports this readiness by strengthening its network, sending proactive service advisories, and deploying PLDT At Your Service teams to affected communities as needed. Through free Wi-Fi, calls, charging stations, and customer assistance, these efforts can help mompreneurs stay informed, reconnect with customers, and resume operations sooner after a calamity. The value of community as a support network Preparing for emergencies shouldn’t feel like a solo effort. For home-based creators, business resilience goes hand in hand with community support. Connecting with fellow mompreneurs offers practical insights, emotional support, and real-world lessons that you won’t find on a standard checklist. PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms, an online community tailored for mompreneurs, gives women a dedicated space to exchange ideas, share logistics updates during bad weather, and support one another through both everyday hurdles and sudden disasters. Hearing how another home-based mom managed a multi-day power outage or handled delivery complaints provides a practical blueprint for your own business. While natural disasters cannot be prevented, their impact on your hard-earned business can be significantly reduced. By combining realistic contingency plans, simple digital habits, and the backing of a like-minded community like MMPH, mompreneurs can build more resilient businesses that adapt, recover, and continue to thrive, no matter what challenges come their way. Join PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH group to meet and interact with a wide network of inspiring mompreneurs.
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.