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.
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.”
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.
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.
