Organized in collaboration with Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community of nearly 200,000 Filipino mompreneurs, the event emphasized gender equality, digital inclusivity, and the power of entrepreneurial innovation.
Athena Denise Galao, country program coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion alongside a panel of trailblazing women leaders: Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT chief sustainability officer and ardent advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH; Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and country head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, and Agnes Gervacio, CEO of Connected Women.
Women in business
Often, the term “women in business” conjures images of high-ranking corporate executives in finance or retail, overshadowing the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who truly energize local economies.
During the pandemic, the untapped potential of these women came to light through Madiskarte Moms PH. Now, four years since its launch, this vibrant online community continues to drive digital upskilling, sharpen entrepreneurial expertise, and broaden access to essential community support for launching and growing home-based businesses.
Vergel de Dios shared a powerful story from the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home's annual awards recognizing outstanding mompreneurs.
She recounted the experience of one awardee who, after losing the P3,000 she had saved to buy milk for her child, refused to succumb to despair. Instead, this mom sold her old clothes and raised P7,000. This turning point marked the start of her business, HTP (Half the Price). With newfound capital, she rallied her friends to join her in selling unwanted clothing. Today, the business has been posting a seven-figure income.
Breaking free from traditional roles
PLDT Home has played a crucial role in supporting these home-based enterprises. By offering digital upskilling, entrepreneurial training, and access to internet education programs, the company has helped mompreneurs not only survive the pandemic but flourish despite its challenges.
Masterclasses on website creation, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are empowering women to break free from traditional roles and redefine success on their own terms.
Shared responsibilities
The forum also tackled the ongoing issue of domestic responsibilities, with discussions on how the burden of housework can hinder professional advancement.
GoDigital Pilipinas’ Campos stressed the importance of shared responsibilities in the home, advocating for greater involvement from male counterparts.
Meanwhile, government initiatives, as outlined by NEDA Undersecretary Uy during the forum, are being integrated into the national development blueprint to mainstream gender equality and support women's continuous participation in business and tech.
Will AI take away jobs?
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and learn from human behavior, a common concern arises: Will AI eventually replace human jobs?
Gervacio of Connected Women offered a reassuring perspective. She said digital transformation shouldn’t be about reducing headcount, but rather about increasing efficiencies and maintaining competitiveness.
“When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. The true objective is to streamline processes while keeping your business competitive,” she noted.
By harnessing digital transformation and nurturing community support, mompreneurs are setting inspiring examples for future generations, proving that empowerment begins with innovation, collaboration, and breaking down old stereotypes. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
