Mompreneurs, women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

Tweet

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.

During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, (From Left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines,led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigitalPilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

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.

Women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

(From left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

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 Melissa Vergel de Dios highlights the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs in the Madiskarte Moms PH community, emphasizing how PLDT Home supports their small business growth.

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.”

2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair Concludes with Record-Breaking Success, Championing Sustainability and Local Innovation

Tweet

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully wrapped up its 2024 Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF), leaving a lasting impression of the nation's dedication to sustainability, innovation, and the promotion of high-quality Filipino products. Held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from August 21 to 25, the event, themed "Go Green! Go Local!" drew in thousands of visitors and generated impressive sales for participating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Organized by the DTI through the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), this year’s NTF brought together over 270 exhibitors from across the regions, showcasing a diverse range of artisanal and non-food products crafted from sustainable raw materials such as bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass. In addition, the fair featured unique food items, Halal products, coconut-based innovations, novelty items, holiday decor, and home furnishings, providing a comprehensive showcase of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity.

A major draw of the event were the special pavilions that featured curated selections of sustainable and innovative products. These included:

· The Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, highlighting eco-friendly products made from bamboo and natural fibers.

· The Coconut Philippines Pavilion, showcasing innovative coconut-based products.

· The Obra Pavilion, displaying creative outputs from design scholars.

· The KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, celebrating the rich coffee culture of the Philippines.

· The RAPID Growth Project Pavilion, promoting products from farmer-beneficiaries of the DTI’s Rural Agro-Industrial Project for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) project.

Additionally, the Innovation and Services Cluster provided an information hub for both the MSMEs and visitors, offering free consultations by government agencies and private sector partners.

Key Accomplishments

• Record-Breaking Sales and Attendance: The 2024 NTF was not just a showcase of Filipino creativity but also a resounding success in terms of sales and attendance. Attracting almost 28,000 visitors, the fair generated an impressive Php72.377-million in cash sales, booked orders, and orders under negotiation for participating MSMEs, demonstrating strong consumer interest in locally-made, sustainable products.

• Business Matching and Networking: The event facilitated numerous business matching and networking opportunities, further broadening the market reach and collaboration potential for local entrepreneurs. This fostered an environment conducive to growth and expansion for MSMEs.

• Promotion of Sustainability and Innovation: The fair successfully highlighted the Philippines' commitment to sustainability and innovation, showcasing products made from eco-friendly materials and featuring cutting-edge technologies. This emphasis on sustainable practices underscores the country's dedication to responsible and ethical business practices.

• Empowerment of MSMEs: By providing a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers and partners, the NTF played a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs. The event offered valuable opportunities for business growth and development, contributing to the overall economic progress of the country.

DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque expressed her gratitude to all participants, exhibitors, and partners, underscoring the fair’s significant contribution to the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines. “Let this fair be a reminder that together, we can do great things. Together, we can create a future where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand, and where Filipino products are celebrated not just here, but around the world,” she stated.

Further, Roque reiterated the Bagong Pilipinas development agenda for MSMEs: “The government, the private sector, and the entire nation stand with you. We are committed to providing you with the support, resources, and opportunities you need to thrive.”

As the 2024 NTF closed, the theme “Go Green! Go Local!” resonated strongly, leaving attendees inspired by the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that characterize Filipino craftsmanship. The DTI looks forward to building on this success in future events, continuing its unwavering support for the growth and prosperity of Filipino businesses.

For further information about national domestic trade fairs and other DTI initiatives, please follow the social media pages @BDTP on Facebook, @DTI_BDTP on X, and @dti.bdtp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in participating in future DTI-BMDPO fairs can contact their local DTI office or email Director Marievic Bonoan of the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

The enduring spirit of Independence Day heroes lives on in mompreneurs

Tweet

As we commemorate the country’s 126th Independence Day, we also reflect on its meaning and relevance in today's world. Just as we had inspiring heroes fighting for the Philippines’ right to self-government and freedom from colonial rule in 1898, we have modern-day heroes that continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and to individual self-sufficiency today.

These are Filipinos who overcome hardships to achieve personal and financial empowerment through entrepreneurship. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, MSMEs “generate 62.4 percent of the country's total employment, contribute 36 percent of gross value added, and account for 25 percent of total exports.”

Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community that supports starting and established mompreneurs, exemplifies the enduring spirit of Filipinos whose businesses create opportunities for our people.

By creating products using materials and designs that are Filipino-centric impacts everyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It creates direct and indirect employment for suppliers and communities.

If there is any modern-day example of heroes, it is Filipino mothers who are smart to realize that it doesn’t takes a huge capital to start a business. When they changed their mindset that it could be done, they did it. After all, when you’re fighting for your family’s future, you become brave like the hero you can be.

From OFWs to business owners

For Lois Gabriel, mother of three daughters and an OFW in Dubai for six years in the early 2000s, the secret to becoming an entrepreneur was using her biggest skill: coordinating things. “Not everyone can coordinate with too many suppliers all at the same time. I am very good at reminding clients, following up suppliers, and doing quality control during execution.”

In Dubai, her degree in communication and her skill at organizing events paved the way to a side hustle in putting up events for her friends and church mates. When she came home to the Philippines to give birth, she decided to put up Lois Gabriel Events where she wears many hats as event coordinator, host and professional makeup artist.

“My first attempt didn’t materialize. In 2008, I enrolled at the School Fashion and Arts (SOFA) , where I took up makeup artistry. That was a game changer. I launched my makeup artistry page, clients were also looking for event coordination and that was the rebirth of Lois Gabriel Events. Currently, I have five people on staff and on call staff whenever I have events booked.”

The pandemic all but stopped her business but not her dreams. “My husband was earning enough for our daily needs, but we had no savings. Also, a very important reason for starting a business was my self-fulfillment as a woman and human being—that I am able to surpass the mediocrity cast upon women. It takes a lot of sweat and tears to be able to sustain a business.”

Another former OFW, April Ocampo worked in Macau and Singapore until the pandemic. In 2020, she was in the Philippines on maternity leave. For the next three years she was unemployed and became a full-time mom.

She wasn’t used to not working and suffered from post-partum depression. It caused her to question her worth, caused her anxiety and self-pity.“Napakaganda ng tinatakbo ng career ko noongwala pa akonganak. OFW po ako at tumutulongsapangangailangan ng pamilyanamin, may sarilingpera at kalayaan dati. Nawalan ako ng identity.”

To be honest, she says, putting up a business in the beginning was simply for herself, “para saakingsarili, para po sa sanity, at lalonglalo na po sa self-worth ko.”

In January this year, she put up Bounty Honey which sources wild honey in Mindanao. Her business began with only 18 bottles and P3,200.

Now, she is faced with the happy problem of supply since the demand for her honey is rising.

Leaving the comfort of the corporate world

Mommy Princess is a mompreneur who embodies an entrepreneur who tries her hand at business while an employee (she worked in BPO for 18 years) until she finally does it full time. During the pandemic, her company paid their employees three months despite halting work (they went back to the office after).

While stuck at home she sold homemade body wash under the name ISLA but pressed pause because she couldn’t find the right supplier. In 2022, she pivoted ISLA to handmade accessories using macramé and clay because they didn’t expire. “I’m a single parent with a 10-year-old and I still handcraft my jelwery pieces. When I have a lot of orders, I ask for help.” She employs stay-at-home moms and working students.

Mommy Princess says one of the biggest challenges in starting a business is limting one’s belief. “Whenyou’re surrounded by people that are not business minded, you get inputs like ‘Mahirapyan,’ ‘Naku saturated na ang market.’ The advantage in 2022 was it felt like everyone is starting a new normal life. So why not defy all the odds? What kept me going was my assurance that God got my back. His grace is sufficient.

Another corporate employee since she graduated from college, Ayeng Antonio-Mendez opened Abuela Café and Bakery in the last quarter of 2022 and began full operations in August the following year.

When you have a full-time job, starting a business takes courage because you are either leaving a regular income or if you don’t leave you’re adding more stress to your life. “In terms of our corporate job, we were doing very well. But on the business side, this is the most complicated because construction is ongoing then and there have been delays and additional costs.”

Mom to a four-year-old daughter, Ayeng says her family—her brother and sister-in-law, Ayeng and her husband—started the café because it was a long-held dream of her mom. “We are all working in the corporate world, and we thought why not we try to build our own business that someday our children will also benefit from and maybe continue. We also carry some recipes we had inherited from our grandmothers too. It’s like making their legacy and ours, combined, to continue evolving.”

These women have created a chain of impact around them—not only economically but also mentally: to be brave, to be open to new possibilities, to take on challenges along the way—that’s true freedom.

Empower yourself like these Filipino moms. Join Madiskarte Moms PH on Facebook.

The Journey of Diskarte Pinoy TV with LBC at the Helm

Tweet

When Ellen and Arnel Sagle started their entrepreneurial journey, they were armed with nothing but a vision and P14,000. At the time, they had no idea that their venture, Diskarte Pinoy TV, would become a go-to online resource for power and garden tools.

She recalls that the major turning point for them was when a childhood friend and fellow entrepreneur, Karen Diaz, encouraged Arnel Sagle to take the plunge and start a business. They pooled their resources and that became the groundwork for Diskarte Pinoy’s future success.

"We began with modest means, but our dreams were anything but small. We were driven by the belief that hard work and dedication could turn our vision into reality," shares Ellen Sagle, Co-Founder of Diskarte Pinoy. “Karen’s encouragement and partnership talaga yung malaking bagay.”

Her early belief in the Sagles’ vision and her financial contribution laid the groundwork for eventual growth of their business. They dipped their toe in the world of online selling, starting with an ukay-ukay shop before transitioning into surplus power tools.

Growth and Reliability

It wasn’t long before they saw their product range expand from auctioned surplus goods to brand new power tools. And as their wares began to include big ticket items, they started to recognize the need for more reliable partners who could help them ship their goods.

“It was a customer, actually, who first raised the idea of shipping with LBC. And if we could find him and thank him now, we would,” Arnel reminisced.

With that single shipment, Diskarte Pinoy realized what a huge difference a reliable and trusted logistics partner could offer their business. At that point, they knew, if they wanted to grow their business and expand their reach, they needed LBC on their side.

The Perfect Ally

LBC emerged as the perfect ally, offering not just courier services but a partnership that understood and catered to the unique needs of an online business.

LBC’s tailored solutions, including the Asenso Hub platform, provided Diskarte Pinoy TV with discounts and logistical advantages that significantly impacted their bottom line and customer satisfaction.

The Asenso Hub service, in particular, was a game-changer for the Sagles. With it, they received up to 50% discounts on shipping rates, which not only boosted their profit margins but also allowed them to offer more competitive pricing to their customers.

“LBC transformed the way we did business. Their reliability, nationwide network, and services like Asenso Hub, which gave us significant advantages against our competition helped bring us to where we are now," Ellen explained. “This partnership allowed Diskarte Pinoy TV to streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and expand our market reach.”

This level of support from a courier company is almost unheard of in e-commerce, but LBC continues to demonstrate how instrumental they can be for local businesses who want to understand the complexities of online retailing.

The Angel Behind It All

Among all their serendipitous partnerships and alliances, there’s one that the Sagle’s credit for starting it all; the one that they consider their true angel.

“Without Karen, we never would have had the courage to start the ukay-ukay or surplus business, which means we wouldn’t have had a chance to start Diskarte Pinoy; we wouldn’t have met the first customer who wanted us to ship through LBC; and we wouldn’t have had a chance to expand our reach by working with them,” Arnel said.

As Diskarte Pinoy TV looks to the future, the foundation laid by their early supporters and the ongoing partnership with LBC continue to be central to their growth strategy. The journey of Ellen and Arnel Sagle from a small startup to a successful online shows how strategic partnerships and support networks can make a huge difference, no matter how modest your start is.

Let LBC Propel Your Business Further. Find out how your business can achieve success with the help of LBC. Sign up now!

For more information, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/article/the-journey-of-diskarte-pinoy-tv

Angel Investors Network Pushes for Advocacy and Intentionality in Empowering Filipina Entrepreneurs

Tweet

Navigating the capital-raising environment is especially challenging for women. But the investing community and the startup ecosystem can benefit from a two-pronged approach: advocacy and intentionality.

Tina Di Cicco, Chairperson of MAIN’s Gender Lens Investing Committee, discussing MAIN's Gender Lens Investing strategy.

This was the statement of Tina Nepomuceno-Di Cicco, the Gender Lens Investing Committee Chairperson of Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN), the Philippine’s largest network of angel investors, in the recently concluded FoundHer Forum, organized by a Filipino-based women-led inclusion studio, Imaginable Impact at KMC One Ayala in line with Women’s Month.

 

In her keynote speech, Di Cicco highlighted that advocating for and intentionally supporting women-led businesses will encourage more women to succeed and attract and grow investments.

 

“Through advocacy, we communicate our vision and goals, as well as promote and support each other’s businesses. Intentionality, on the other hand, is when we turn our advocacy into action–it's when we put our resources into investing in women and helping make women-led businesses succeed,” Di Cicco said, sharing tips on how women can appear more investible. 

 

In addition, she noted that while the gender gap remains a pressing issue with only 2% of global venture capital funds going to women-led businesses, investments on women entrepreneurs are in fact growing in Southeast Asia with data indicating that female-led startups raised $1.41 billion in equity funding in 2023, which accounts for 18 percent of capital raised in the region. This is a 12.6 percent increase from the previous year.

 

Di Cicco also pointed out that the current trend indicates that more investors and networks are using Gender Lens Investing when considering startups to invest in and support. Gender Lens Investing (GLI) is a strategy that MAIN employs, through the support of the Australian Aid’s Investing in Women program, to maximize investment potential in women-led businesses. Through the GLI, MAIN provides extensive support to women-led startups, especially those at the early stage, in terms of capital allocation, training, and mentorship. To date, more than 40% of the startups that MAIN members have invested in are female-led.

 

“We are hearing investors prioritizing portfolio diversity, with many incorporating gender lens investing strategies. What we see across the board is a slow but steady increase in gender lens investing,” Di Cicco said, underscoring investors’ intent to address gender disparity through their investment choices.

 

“This is the time for women founders. We are being sought. We are more visible. There is no better time to be a woman than now,” Di Cicco added.

 

The FoundHer Forum is a signature event series elevating the conversation on investing in female founders, to bridge the capital gap for women in the startup ecosystem. Aside from MAIN, FoundHer Forum was made possible in partnership with KMC Solutions, a leading provider of flexible office space requirements and co-working space for emerging businesses in the Philippines.

 

Aside from supporting women-led businesses, MAIN, composed of more than 120 angel investors, aims to increase the number of female investors in the Philippines by diversifying their own membership. MAIN is also a member of the Gender Lens & Impact Investment Council (GIIC), a member-based industry body that seeks to build the gender lens and impact investment ecosystem in the Philippines.

 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------

About Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN)

MAIN is the largest committed private investors network in the Philippines that was formed to support the country’s startup ecosystem by connecting investors with promising early-stage companies. Apart from providing capital funding, it also mentors entrepreneurs, provides expertise support, and opens networking opportunities. This innovative startup ecosystem will benefit both MAIN members’ portfolio and overall growth of Filipino startups.

 

MAIN’s upcoming pitch nights are slated on April 30 (Q2), July 23 (Q3), and October 22 (Q4). The network also conducts seminars and training sessions semi-annually. This includes a StartupAcademy and MAINAcademy sessions this coming May, and a HardTalk session in June.

 

To learn more about these upcoming events, stay tuned to MAIN’s social media platforms (linkedin.com/company/manila-angel-investors-network/) for more details. For investors interested in joining MAIN, please contact invest@main.ph.

Enstack Launches "HERstory": A Celebration of Women in Leadership

Tweet

Series aims to inspire professional ambition and personal growth by spotlighting trailblazing women in business and industry

Enstack, the AI-powered mobile app that enables everyone to be entrepreneurs, announced today the launch of EmpowHER HERstory, a year-long video series designed to spotlight the journeys, challenges, and achievements of female leaders across various industries.

EmpowHER HERstory, a new initiative from Enstack’s EmpowHER campaign, gives a closer look at the lives of influential women who balance professional success with personal roles such as that of mothers and primary caregivers.

As a female-led company, Enstack consistently highlights female entrepreneurs, emphasizing role models just ahead in their journeys for relatable inspiration. With EmpowHER HERstory, Enstack also wants to celebrate women who have reached the C-suite, built billion-peso businesses, or created an impact on millions of Filipino lives while juggling different personal roles, with an aim to motivate audiences toward even bigger dreams and substantial ambitions.

This series brings to the fore influential women including:

●       Yangyang Zhang, Xendit's Chief Innovation Officer, known for her pivotal role in financial innovation across Southeast Asia;

●       Ruoshan Tao, Canva's Head of Marketing for Southeast Asia and Latin America, who is transforming digital design accessibility worldwide;

●       Ambe Tierro, Country Managing Director at Accenture Philippines, who is setting the standard for excellence in the IT and consulting industry;

●       Berna Romulo-Puyat, Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, instrumental in shaping national financial and economic policy; and

●       Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, renowned for her dedication to community development and governance.

In the Philippines, women hold 39% of senior management^[1] and have surpassed men in tertiary education enrollment, with a ratio of over 2.57 million women to 1.87 million men in AY 2021-2022^[2]. However, the labor force participation rate for women is at 34.5%^[3], highlighting a discrepancy that underscores the critical importance of visible, diverse female leaders to inspire the next generation.

"Within Enstack's ecosystem, where nearly 70% of merchants are women, we are deeply committed to amplifying female entrepreneurship and underscoring the significant impact women have on the economy. EmpowHER HERstory is about the power of visibility and representation. It's about revealing not only the achievements of women but also the paths they've taken, the obstacles they've overcome, and the significant impacts of their journeys,” shares Enstack's CEO, Macy Castillo. “This initiative is our way of inspiring viewers to dream bigger, encouraging not just young women but people from all walks of life to challenge norms, break barriers, and pursue their dreams with relentless passion."

 

---------------------------------------

About Enstack

Enstack is changing the way businesses are built by empowering everyone to become entrepreneurs. Enstack is more than just a  mobile app that removes barriers in starting a business. By integrating Artificial Intelligence into the core of business building, it is a transformative force in entrepreneurship, providing tools and a supportive ecosystem to help its users dream bigger, build smarter businesses, and live richer lives. For more information on the Enstack Magic update and to join a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs, visit www.enstack.com.

 

 

---

^[1] 2022 Women in Business Report, Grant Thorton

^[2] Commission on Higher Education

^[3] Philippine Statistics Authority

Gawad Madiskarte returns with stronger focus on sustainability for 2024 awards

Tweet

 

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 byearth.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 Bizspecial awards will also be given.

 

To join, fill out the Google Form with your answers and requirements.  Mompreneurs may access Gawad Madiskarte application formby 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.

FSSI supports social entrepreneurs to grow local communities

Tweet

Social investment non-profit organization Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) continues to scale up social entrepreneurship by offering financial and non-financial products to Filipino enterprises, promoting inclusive socio-economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The British Council, supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, reported that social enterprises in the country have struggled to balance their environmental and financial goals to achieve business stability and effectively measure their overall impact. FSSI addresses this challenge through its triple bottom line (3BL) approach, which measures People, Planet, and Profit as the main indicators. Through this approach, FSSI has benefited over 280 local social enterprises, resulting in deeper support to the communities they belong to, more paths to sustainability, and more profitable businesses – all at the same time.

“Social enterprises aim to create social and environmental impact, while maintaining a viable business at the same time,” said Sixto Donato C. Macasaet, Executive Director at FSSI. “In order to achieve their goals, we and our partners from national civil society organizations and international organizations help them address their challenges through our needs-based services that include loans, developmental deposits, seed capital, and equity investment.”

Boost socio-economic impact

Women-led enterprise Mallig FST Multi-Purpose Cooperative is engaged in lending, savings deposits, agricultural inputs trading and mechanization services, and rice milling. In 2022, the cooperative expanded and opened a gas station in Mallig, Isabela to create jobs for their immediate community.

The cooperative also started the construction of a multi-purpose building which will be used as the cooperative’s office, convenience store, agricultural trading store for bulk purchase of agricultural supplies, and other stalls for rent. Through FSSI’s Investing in Women project, they are able to augment their working capital for agricultural inputs trading and thus, offer agricultural inputs to farmer members at a lower price. They also give them technical advice for better yield per cropping.

“We are now able to establish a one-stop-shop that will cater to the various needs of farmer members and non-members alike in Mallig,” said Marilyn Binag, Manager at Mallig FST Multi-Purpose Cooperative. She added that this will also be an opportunity for the cooperative to grow beyond its 642 members—234 of whom are women—by helping them realize their potential economic contributions through helping more communities even outside of Isabela.

Empower local communities

Nueva Ecija-based women-led social enterprise Kilusang Lima para sa Lahat Multi-Purpose Cooperative (K5 MPC) already began partnering with FSSI through a loan program in 2006 to sustain its financial support to its members who are farmers and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Our members' need for capital for various purposes outweighs the share capital contributed by investing members,” said Guillermo Bacsa, General Manager at K5 MPC. Guided by the 3BL approach, in 2006, FSSI offered K5 MPC a credit line to support their members and to empower the communities they serve and contribute to local economic development.

FSSI joined the inauguration of K5 MPC's Peaks and Waves Bed and Breakfast at Dingalan, Aurora. (L-R: Nikki Natan, FSSI Knowledge Management, Advocacy, and Communications Officer, Leah Embuido, FSSI Financial Services Manager, Mark Tañedo, FSSI Credit Officer, Evelyn Roxas, Sherlyn Alcantara, and Ma. Loida Dela Cruz, K5 MPC Board Directors)

In 2022, K5 MPC worked with FSSI, under a renewed partnership, to expand its services to nearby province, Aurora, and launched its first lodging business, “Peaks and Waves Bed and Breakfast.” FSSI supported the construction of the lodging house which now contributes to the local economy of the town of Dingalan through tourism, employment generation, and environmental protection by segregating, composting, and recycling wastes, and reusing containers to reduce plastic usage.

“Our members’ trust is a vital part of community development,” Bacsa said. “By empowering them and providing them solutions that fit their needs, our capital grew from PHP 60,000 to PHP 40 million to date.”

Founded on the principles of People, Planet, and Profit, FSSI offers customizable services that empower social enterprises to ensure they thrive in their respective sector and foster holistic community development.

To discover more about how FSSI supports local social enterprises, visit fssi.com.ph or go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FSSI.Philippines.

-------------------------------

About FSSI

The Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI), a social investment organization established in 1995, works for the development of sustainable communities through social entrepreneurship. We provide financial and capacity building services to social enterprises across the country which live out the triple bottom lines (3BL) of social equity, environmental protection, and economic development.

For loans and project-related inquiries, please contact our Project Development and Monitoring Unit through Nezar Viernes at nezar.viernes@fssi.com.ph or mobile 0967 221 3160 or Carol Cepeda at carolinecepeda@fssi.com.ph or mobile 0917 855 8129.

EmpowHER! Women entrepreneurs share game-changing biz hacks

Tweet

As the Christmas season approaches, entrepreneurs seek clever adaptations and strategies to maximize their business productivity. 

Enstack CEO Macy Castillo champions women entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of the app at the EmpowHER Christmas Bazaar

Enstack, the all-in-one digital business app championing women entrepreneurs, invited several businesswomen to share their innovative "business hacks" at the EmpowHER: Christmas Bazaar, held in Bonifacio Global City, November 30.

Enrilyn Lee of EFR Subic Yacht Rentals shared that they successfully transformed their business by leveraging Enstack's digital tools to accept debit and credit card payments. Through Enstack's easy onboarding process, they can now accommodate international card payments, expanding their market and attracting a global clientele.

"We've adopted credit card transactions as our primary payment method, utilizing Enstack's mobile POS and generating payment links for buyers. This convenient solution has opened doors to a broader customer base, ensuring secure transactions. It feels like having an extra department, an extra helping hand in our business," shared Lee.

Strip It! Founder Arlette Alvarado shares the success story behind their high-quality, natural skincare products, and highlights the significant role Enstack has played in expanding their business

Enstack has also played a pivotal role in the growth journey of businesses like Scarlet Enterprise. Arlette Alvarado, Founder and General Manager of Scarlet Enterprise, reflects on their 17-year journey: "Our business, which began as a humble retail venture, has now become our bread and butter. Today, we predominantly engage in B2B transactions through distributorship, and Enstack's seamless sales invoicing feature has been the key to making this remarkable transition possible."

Macy Castillo, CEO, and co-founder of Enstack, believes in the potential of Filipino entrepreneurs and emphasizes the important role of MSMEs in the country’s overall economic growth.

“At Enstack, we believe that everyone has the potential to be a successful entrepreneur with the right tools, access, and resources. We encourage our users to challenge the conventional use of our app, to adapt and tailor it to their unique business needs. The innovative ways in which our users employ Enstack's features not only demonstrate their resourcefulness and adaptability but also embody our mission to empower entrepreneurs. We are committed to providing a platform that fosters such entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.” stated Castillo.

Empowering Filipina women, one product at a time. With Enstack's streamlined checkout process, Hiraya Pilipina now efficiently manages online orders, ensuring a seamless purchasing experience for customers

Reviving tradition with a modern twist, BJCY reimagines Filipino tampipi bags into trendy designs for everyday wear. Enstack's inventory management and automated invoicing features help optimize operations, streamlining the supply chain and order processing for a seamless customer experience

EFR Subic Yacht Rentals sets sail to new horizons with Enstack, revolutionizing their brand by enabling hassle-free international card payments

Moreover, other women entrepreneurs highlighted how Enstack's inventory monitoring, invoicing, payment collection, and shipping features streamlined their operations.

----------------------

About Enstack

Enstack is changing the way businesses are built by empowering everyone to become entrepreneurs. The all-in-one business app provides a suite of features that encourages users to think big, start bold, and scale fast. With Enstack, the journey from groundbreaking idea to market disruption is made seamless, supporting not just business operations but the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them. With a commitment to fostering an environment of innovation and efficiency, Enstack continues to support women in breaking barriers and achieving unprecedented success in the digital economy. The app empowers everyone to be entrepreneurs, allowing them to easily build their own web store, sell online and in-person, accept different forms of cash and cashless payments, and ship through multiple logistics partners.