Women entrepreneurs and mompreneurs played an important role at the first Asia-Pacific UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards forum, where companies promoting gender equality in the region were recognized.
Athena Denise Galao, UN Women Philippines country program coordinator, moderated a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, including Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT chief sustainability officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Infosys BPM Philippines country head; NEDA Undersecretary Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.
Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community of nearly 200,000 Filipino mompreneurs, was highlighted for its role in digital upskilling, entrepreneurship, and community support for women running home-based businesses. PLDT Home, which has supported the group since its inception, has provided training on website creation and online safety while expanding its fiber network to improve digital access.
Vergel de Dios shared the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition program 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. Unfortunately, not only was her budget just enough, but the money was also stolen or lost. Instead of succumbing to helplessness, she sold her old clothes and made P7,000. She turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business, HTP or Half the Price. With capital in hand, she reached out to her friends, gathered their unwanted clothes, and sold them. From that initial P7,000, her income has now grown to seven figures.”
PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity in business and technology aligns with its continuous expansion of fiber networks across the country and its support for internet education programs for families.
“We’ve provided masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites and how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so they, too, can move forward,” Vergel de Dios added.
The discussion also addressed gender stereotypes in business and home life. Uy said the Philippine Development Plan includes strategies to integrate gender equality into government policies, while Campos emphasized the need to challenge the perception that home care is solely a woman’s responsibility.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, Gervacio stressed that digital transformation should drive efficiency, not job cuts. Vergel de Dios added that success is no longer confined to executive roles, noting that entrepreneurship offers new opportunities for women.
The UN WEPs Awards forum underscored the evolving landscape for women in business, highlighting initiatives that support gender inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and digital empowerment.
