Telecommunications company PLDT Inc., through its consumer arm PLDT Home, recognized five Filipino mompreneurs at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards, highlighting how mothers are building businesses while supporting their families and communities.
The annual program, launched in 2020, has grown into a platform that celebrates women who balance caregiving with entrepreneurship. Now in its fifth year, the initiative continues to expand alongside the Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) community, which has reached more than 227,000 members.
This year’s campaign, “Panahon Mo Na,” encourages mothers to take pride in their entrepreneurial journey and embrace their identity as business owners. The program is supported by partners such as UN Women and the Philippine Commission on Women, reinforcing its focus on women’s empowerment and inclusion.
PLDT Home underscored the role of internet connectivity in helping small businesses grow, especially for mothers managing both home and enterprise.
Five entrepreneurs were recognized for their innovation and impact:
- Rambie Go, founder of Rambie’s Collection, won the Diskarteng Fiber Biz award for handcrafted accessories made from upcycled materials. “I am happy and grateful for this award as this recognizes the growing interest in sustainable fashion and inspires fellow moms to start small,” Go said.
- Sheena Marie A. Mallari, of Jakesheen’s Homemade Spreads, received the Diskarteng Angat (Start-Up) award for her flavored yema spreads. “Every challenge you face is part of your journey. Stay positive, stay consistent, and keep going,” Mallari said.
- Melanie A. Medrano, of Gramworth Enterprises Inc., earned the Diskarteng Angat (Scale-Up) award for cacao-based products that support local farmers. “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,” Medrano said.
- Lanie Abanes Geronimo, founder of Ecobum Cloth Diapers, won the Diskarteng Eco-Friendly (Start-Up) award for locally made cloth diapers designed for infant care. “I’d like to congratulate all the mothers present. Each one of us has a story worth celebrating,” Geronimo said.
- Elsie Camille Espiritu, of Kamagong Woodworkz, received the Diskarteng May-Puso (Scale-Up) award for handcrafted wood products. “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 said.
More than 200 nominations were submitted this year, reflecting the diversity of businesses led by mothers across the Philippines. Winners received cash prizes and trophies designed by Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay.
Gawad Madiskarte goes beyond recognition, with digital access and community support as key drivers of inclusive growth. Through mentorship, shared experiences, and online tools, the MMPH network helps women scale their ventures and create opportunities for others.
Partners emphasized that programs like this contribute to gender equality by enabling women to participate more actively in the economy.
PLDT Home continues to encourage more mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs to join the Madiskarte Moms PH community, to grow a nationwide network where women can build sustainable businesses and uplift their communities.
