How Madiskarte Moms Turn Passion and Grit into Thriving Businesses

Women, especially mothers, have consistently demonstrated their passion and grit as entrepreneurs, making significant impacts on their families’ lives.

During the Gawad Madiskarte 2024 event at Seda Hotel in BGC on October 19, PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez praised mompreneurs for their remarkable multitasking abilities. “You work wonders in three different worlds: home, personal growth, and business. You're doing three times the work that men are doing,” he stated.

This year's awards ceremony marked the third collaboration between Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) and PLDT Home since the group’s founding in 2020. Jimenez highlighted the inspirational role of this year’s awardees in encouraging other moms to pursue entrepreneurship, ultimately benefiting the entire country.

With a community of 191,000 members, MMPH has evolved significantly since its inception during the pandemic. This year’s awards emphasized sustainable practices, aligning with PLDT’s commitment to environmental and gender empowerment. PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel De Dios stated, “Sustainability is not only about the environment but also about empowering women to dream, take action, and make a difference in society.”

Philippine Commission on Women Chairwoman Ermelita V. Valdeavilla underscored the essence of authentic women empowerment, noting that being “madiskarte”—a term embodying resourcefulness and ingenuity—holds immense power.

At the Gawad Madiskarte 2024 event, eight exceptional women were recognized as embodiments of this spirit.

Diverse Businesses Celebrated

This year, Gawad Madiskarte received over 100 applications, ultimately awarding 8 mompreneurs across two main categories (Start-up and Scale-up) and three special awards. The judging panel featured notable figures, including Butch Jimenez and prominent business leaders.

Award Winners

Diskarteng Angat:

Start-up: Stephanie Morales (Pixellab)

Scale-up: Ricca Cruz del Rosario (HTP Clothing)

Diskarteng Eco-Friendly:

Start-up: Melissa Blanca Moscoso (Xavier & Xandrie)

Scale-up: Bianca Mateum (Isay Bags)

Diskarteng May-Puso:

Start-up: Avon Tuazon Obedoza (Bahay Ugnayan Educational Services)

Scale-up: Alona Bazar Laylo (Jobiba Baby Diapers and Wipes)

Each of these six women received P100,000 in cash, Lalamove vouchers, and kitchen appliances from Tough Mama.

In special awards, Jenilyn P. Sicabalo was honored with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for her business MP Nieva Flower Shop, while MK Bertulfo, founder of FH Moms, won both the Diskarteng Digital and Diskarteng Homebiz awards for empowering women in MSMEs with digital training.

Every mompreneur at Gawad Madiskarte exemplifies bravery and perseverance, supporting one another on their journeys toward growth and success.

Join the thriving community of Madiskarte Moms on Facebook and visit madiskartemoms.ph to learn more.