The New Diskarte: How Filipino Moms Are Using AI to Grow Their Businesses

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.

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 the definition of being "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.

It’s no longer enough just to be online. 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.

PLDT Home Honors Mompreneurs Transforming Communities at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

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.

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.

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 and PLDT executives

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 by enabling women to thrive both economically and socially.

Jimenez added, “What makes a Madiskarte Mom remarkable is not how she succeeds when things are easy, but how she moves forward when they are not.”

Mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the Madiskarte Moms PH community and be part of a growing network that empowers women to thrive in business.

“Panahon Mo Na”: Honoring Filipino Mompreneurs at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards

 Behind every small business run by a mother is a daily balancing act, between managing a household, raising children, and building a livelihood. For many Filipina mompreneurs, entrepreneurship is not just about earning income but about creating opportunities for their families and shaping a future on their own terms.

Recognizing the resilience and determination of these women, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms Philippines (MMPH)continues to empower mothers across the country through community support, learning opportunities, and programs that celebrate their achievements.

Now marking its fifth year, the growing community launches 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.

At the heart of this movement is Gawad Madiskarte, the flagship awards program of MMPH, these inspiring journeys take center stage. Now in its fourth year, the awards recognize outstanding mompreneurs who demonstrate creativity, resilience, and ingenuity in building and growing their businesses.

Inspiring Finalists of the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of businesses built by mothers who have turned passion and perseverance into opportunity. For the Start-Up, Diskarteng Angat category, the finalists are Kianne Intila Telan of Creationz by Kianne, Mercedita T. Madrona of KusiNANAY's Food Products, and Sheena Marie A. Mallari of Jakesheen’s Homemade Spreads.

In the Start-Up, Diskarteng Eco-Friendly category, the finalists include Rambie Go of Rambie’s Collection, Lanie Abanes Geronimo of Ecobum Cloth Diapers, and April Rose Ocampo of Bounty Honey, whose businesses highlight sustainability and environmentally conscious practices.

Meanwhile, the Start-Up, Diskarteng May-Puso category recognizes Lara Dela Torre of LCP Studios, Elsie Camille Espiritu of Kamagong Woodworkz, and Rhiozeel Pomer of St. Pio Innovations Solutions Corp, entrepreneurs whose ventures reflect purpose-driven initiatives that create positive impact in their communities.

For the Scale-Up, Diskarteng Angat category, the finalists are Abigael M. Cruz of Momi Bigbig’s Kitchen, Sahara Carmona of Chits Plants and Flower Shop, and Melanie A. Medrano of Gramworth Enterprises Inc., whose growing enterprises demonstrate how mompreneurs can successfully expand their businesses while balancing family responsibilities.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

Selecting this year’s winners is a distinguished panel of leaders from business, media, and entrepreneurship.

The judges include 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, Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and Owner, Bidibidi Enterprise, Prep Palacios, Country Manager, Google Philippines, Anna Meloto-Wilk, President and Co-Founder, Human Nature,  Melissa Yeung-Yap, CEO, Greenstone Pharmaceutical, and Angela Chen-Delantar, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Eskwelabs.  Their expertise and experience provide valuable insight in evaluating the finalists’ entrepreneurial journeys and the impact of their businesses.

Championing Women’s Empowerment and Leadership

Beyond the awards, the 4th Gawad Madiskarte will featurelearning sessions designed to inspire and equip mompreneurs with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and women empowerment.

Among the distinguished resource speakers are Ma. Rosalyn “Lenlen” Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, and Ms. Ermelita Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women. Through their talks, they will share perspectives on advancing inclusive economic opportunities and strengthening the role of women entrepreneurs in nation-building.

These sessions aim to provide mompreneurs with both practical knowledge and inspiration as they continue to grow their businesses while balancing the demands of family life.

Celebrating the Heart of the Hustle

The winners will be announced during the 4th Gawad Madiskarte on March 28, 2026, at SEDA BGC, where outstanding mompreneurs will be honored for their achievements and contributions to the growing community of Filipina entrepreneurs.

Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay holds the finished trophy for the 4th Gawad Madiskarte.

Awardees will receive cash prizes and a custom trophy designed by Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay, whose sculpture captures the determination and dreams of mompreneurs striving to build better futures for their families.

Winners will take home P100,000 each, while the DiskartengFiber Biz Special Award winner will receive P50,000. Finalists will also receive consolation prizes of P25,000 each.

More than just an awards program, Gawad Madiskartecontinues to serve as a platform for recognizing the strength, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino mothers.

As the Madiskarte Moms community celebrates its fifth year, the message behind the campaign resonates strongly with mompreneurs everywhere:

Panahon mo na.

For more information, follow Madiskarte Moms PH on Facebook and join the growing community of Filipina mompreneurs.

PLDT Home Champions Women-Led Enterprises This Women’s Month

 A growing number of women across the Philippines are turning online platforms into full-fledged businesses, reshaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape in the process. This Women’s Month, PLDT Home highlights this surge and expands its support for women-led enterprises through stronger connectivity, AI training, and programs aimed at helping businesses scale responsibly.

Recent data from the Philippine Commission on Womenshows just how significant this shift has become. Women own 66 percent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and lead 62 percent of newly registered businesses. These figures underscore the growing influence of women as economic drivers and community builders nationwide.

Recognizing this impact, PLDT Home has long positioned connectivity as the backbone of women’s entrepreneurship. What began as support for home-based businesses during the pandemic has now evolved into a movement that provides a digital infrastructure, enabling thousands of women to run efficient, competitive, and fully online ventures.

A key reflection of this commitment is Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), powered by PLDT Home. From a small online community, it has expanded into a nationwide network of more than 225,000 women entrepreneurs, now among the largest in the country. Its growth represents a broader movement toward women’s financial independence, leadership, and long-term business resilience.

PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr.

“Women are already shaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape in powerful ways,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer. “Our role is to ensure they have the digital infrastructure and future-ready capabilities to sustain and scale that impact. Connectivity today is more than access — it is an enabler of innovation, inclusion, and long-term growth.”

Deepening AI Capabilities for Women Entrepreneurs

Madiskarte Moms PH community members at the 2025 Gemini Academy

As the digital economy evolves, PLDT Home continues to expand beyond connectivity to include skills development and innovation support.

Building on the success of last year’s Gemini Academy in partnership with Google Philippines, PLDT Home will once again bring the program to Madiskarte Moms, this time with more advanced discussions reflecting how rapidly artificial intelligence has evolved over the past year.

From enhancing digital marketing campaigns and generating smarter customer insights to supporting product innovation, streamlining operations, and simplifying accounting processes, the enhanced Gemini Academy aims to equip women entrepreneurs with practical tools to embed AI into every stage of their business. By integrating AI across marketing, product development, operations management, and financial tracking, mompreneurs can work more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and build enterprises that are both competitive and sustainable in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.

Recognizing Sustainable Leadership

Ms. Ermelita Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte Awards Ceremony

PLDT Home also champions long-term, sustainable entrepreneurship through the annual Gawad MadiskarteAwards.

On March 28, the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards Ceremony will recognize outstanding mompreneurs who exemplify innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. These women are building enterprises designed to endure — generating livelihoods, supporting communities, and contributing meaningfully to economic development.

By combining reliable connectivity, advanced AI training, and recognition platforms that promote sustainability, PLDT Home continues to strengthen its ecosystem of support for women-led enterprises.

This Women’s Month, PLDT Home reaffirms its belief that empowering women entrepreneurs creates ripple effects far beyond individual success. Stronger women-led businesses help stabilize families and strengthen communities.

Join Madiskarte Moms PH, where women rise, connect, and thrive.

Connected Moms Lead: Strengthening Communities & Empowering 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 ngSektor, 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, mompreneursgained 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 mompreneursto 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.

Empowering Women in Business: Mompreneurs Shine at UN Women WEPs Awards Forum

 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.  

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.

L-R) During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, 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)

 

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.

 

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 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?

L-R) During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, 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)

 

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.”