PLDT Home recently concluded its 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards, honoring the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino "mompreneurs" who are making meaningful contributions to their communities while balancing family life.
Launched in 2020, the initiative has evolved into a platform that recognizes mothers who have turned resourcefulness—or “diskarte”—into thriving enterprises. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to grow alongside its community of women entrepreneurs.
Rising movement
This year, PLDT Home, together with partners UN Women and the Philippine Commission on Women, introduced the campaign “Panahon Mo Na,” encouraging mothers to embrace their identity as entrepreneurs and take pride in what they have built.
The message resonates strongly within the Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) community, which has expanded to more than 227,000 members. The group serves as a support system where women share experiences, gain mentorship, and access digital tools that help them grow their businesses.
PLDT Home underscored the importance of reliable connectivity in enabling these ventures, noting that digital access plays a key role not just in business growth but also in helping mothers manage daily responsibilities.
“At PLDT, we believe that reliable connectivity is a powerful enabler of growth,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., PLDT COO and chief technology officer.
“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.”
Heart and hustle
This year’s Gawad Madiskarte winners reflected a wide range of industries and personal journeys.
Rambie Go of Rambie’s Collection took home the Diskarteng Fiber Biz award for her handcrafted accessories made from upcycled materials, promoting sustainability while creating livelihood opportunities for fellow mothers.
In the start-up category, Sheena Marie Mallari of Jakesheen’s Homemade Spreads was recognized for her line of yema-based products, while Melanie Medrano of Gramworth Enterprises Inc. won in the scale-up category for her instant cacao drinks that support local farmers through ethical sourcing.
Meanwhile, Lanie Abanes Geronimo of Ecobum Cloth Diapers received the eco-friendly start-up award for her locally made cloth diapers—a business born from personal loss that she transformed into a purpose-driven mission.
Elsie Camille Espiritu of Kamagong Woodworkz earned the Diskarteng May-Puso (Scale-Up) award for her handcrafted wood products, a venture inspired during the pandemic through support from the MMPH community.
Beyond recognition
With over 200 nominations received, the awards highlighted not only innovation but also the diversity of stories behind each business. Winners received cash prizes and specially designed trophies, while finalists were likewise recognized—reinforcing the program’s inclusive approach.
A panel of judges composed of industry leaders from media, technology, business, and development sectors evaluated the entries, bringing a broad perspective to the selection process.
More than a celebration, Gawad Madiskarte serves as a platform for empowerment. It reinforces the idea that success goes beyond profit, encompassing purpose, perseverance, and the ability to uplift others.
Partners also emphasized the role of such initiatives in advancing gender equality, noting that empowering women entrepreneurs contributes to both economic and social progress.
As the program continues to expand, it highlights how Filipino mothers—often working quietly behind the scenes—are driving meaningful change in their households and communities.
“What makes a Madiskarte Mom remarkable is not how she succeeds when things are easy, but how she moves forward when they are not,” Jimenez said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
