The graduation ceremony brought together 2,000 graduates who joined
in person or virtually, and reinforced the program’s role in uplifting women
entrepreneurs nationwide.
This marked a major achievement for the iSTAR Program in Western Visayas, particularly in Region VI, highlighting its role in equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build and sustain their businesses.
iSTAR graduates at the graduation ceremony in the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Gymnasium.
“For over 112 years, Coca-Cola Philippines has been refreshing the
lives of Filipinos and making a positive difference in our communities, said
Ivanna Dela Torre, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and
Sustainability at Coca-Cola Philippines.
The event was attended by key TESDA (Technical Education &
Skills Development Authority) officials, including Director General Sec. Jose
Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, Deputy Director General for Special Concerns
Felizardo R. Colombo, Executive Director of the Partnerships and Linkages
Office Floramel Joy C. Songsong, Chief of the National Training Center for
Women Mylene H. Somera, and TESDA regional and provincial representatives.
Strengthening partnerships for greater impact
iSTAR graduate and Sari-sari Store and Bakery owner Catherine
Gallano, shared how the program equipped her with the essential skills and
knowledge for her entrepreneurial success. Through the initiative’s digital
learning platform, she also gained confidence in financial management and
customer engagement, allowing her to expand her business.
“The iSTAR program has been incredibly beneficial as it empowers
women like me to run a sustainable business, allowing us to earn a living and
enhance our quality of life”, she shared.
iSTAR graduate Catherine Gallano proudly showcases her baked goods in her bakery, applying the skills and knowledge gained from the program to expand her business.
The success of the iSTAR Program is driven by the strong
collaboration between Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, and the NWTF. TESDA has
played a key role in expanding the program’s reach by providing training and
certification, as well as making iSTAR’s modules free and accessible nationwide
through the TESDA Online Program, ensuring more aspiring entrepreneurs can
benefit from the initiative.
“You get addicted to learning; you get addicted to [the] growth of
learning for yourself and sharing your learning through training others as
well. Spread the message: TESDA is here to make sure that no Filipino potential
goes to waste. We are here to ensure that you have the skills that you need for
whatever you or your family aspires for. That we are here to help you from
training to [trabaho],” said Sec. Benitez.
The NWTF has been instrumental in implementing iSTAR in grassroots
communities. Its commitment to championing entrepreneurship has played a key
role in ensuring that program participants—especially women—receive the
necessary training and support to sustain their businesses.
"Loans are just part of it; we need loans to have capital, but
the heart of Project Dungganon is to support, maximize, and protect the
business. iSTAR is one of the programs Dungganon delivers in order to
capacitate our members to better their businesses,” said Gilbert Stephan
Maramba, Director for Operations at the NWTF.
Expanding support through Centers for Entrepreneurship
Launched in 2020, the iSTAR Program is a free entrepreneurship
training initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA. It is designed to equip
aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills for starting and managing retail
businesses through digital platforms.
In July 2024, Coca-Cola Philippines launched Centers for
Entrepreneurship (CFEs) in seven key areas under the iSTAR Program. These hubs
serve as sustainable spaces for ongoing training, mentorship, and financial
support, ensuring that small business owners have access to resources that help
them thrive.
“To our graduates, your journey does not end here. The CFEs are your
"go-to" spaces for continuous learning, business mentoring, and
exploring new opportunities for innovation. As graduates, you are always
welcome to visit the NWTF CFE, where you’ll find support and guidance to help
you grow and sustain your businesses,” Dela Torre added.
For more information about the iSTAR Program, visit the Coca-Cola
Philippines Sustainability Hub: https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.
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