Filipina Mompreneurs Power 66% of Businesses but Still Face Growth Barriers

     Filipina entrepreneurs, many of them moms are quietly shaping the local economy in such a powerful way, owning 66% of existing businesses and 62% of newly registered ones. It’s inspiring, but at the same time, it also reveals a reality that’s often overlooked.

     Behind these numbers are women juggling so much running a business while managing the demands of home and family. And while their impact is undeniable, many women-led MSMEs still face challenges when it comes to scaling, from limited access to funding to gaps in digital adoption. It’s something that was echoed at the recent 4th Gawad Madiskarte, where leaders from both government and development organizations shared a common message: resilience can only go so far. For Filipina entrepreneurs to truly grow and thrive, stronger and more intentional support systems need to be in place.

Filipina Mompreneurs Power 66% of Businesses but Still Face Growth Barriers

     Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the role of local governments in helping entrepreneurs transition from informal ventures into scalable enterprises. Programs like “Pangkabuhayang QC” provide capital assistance and mentorship to support business formalization and growth.

Filipina Mompreneurs Power 66% of Businesses but Still Face Growth Barriers

Our goal is to guide entrepreneurs as they grow into formal enterprises that can create more opportunities,” Belmonte said, adding that support systems such as accessible childcare services are equally critical in enabling mothers to focus on innovation and expansion.

     Echoing this call, UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina described investing in women entrepreneurs as a “smart macroeconomic strategy,” noting that many remain underserved despite their significant presence in the MSME sector.

Filipina Mompreneurs Power 66% of Businesses but Still Face Growth Barriers

Women entrepreneurs must not only be supported, they must be seen, recognized, and protected within the system,” Mesina said, calling for gender-responsive policies and stronger leadership commitment.

     Meanwhile, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla pointed to digital inclusion as a critical growth driver. Programs such as Elevate AIDA are already equipping women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, opening up new income opportunities, particularly for those working from home.

    Marking its fifth year, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) now one of the largest mompreneur communities in the Philippines with over 228,000 membersis strengthening its role as a key enabler of growth, supporting women from startup to scale through training, mentorship, and community.

Filipina Mompreneurs Power 66% of Businesses but Still Face Growth Barriers

At its core, entrepreneurship goes beyond hitting sales targets. It is about building a strong support system that empowers entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence, so they can better serve Filipino communities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of PLDT.

     Through training, mentorship, and a strong sense of community, MMPH continues to support women as they start and grow their businesses step by step, at their own pace. It also shines a light on real stories through the annual Gawad Madiskarte awards, celebrating mompreneurs at different stages of their journey.

     What’s inspiring is how many of these businesses begin in the simplest spaces, home kitchens, small corners, or online shops and slowly grow into something sustainable. It’s more than just income; it’s about helping uplift families and creating ripple effects within communities.

     But while resilience plays a big role, it can’t be the only thing women rely on. For women-led MSMEs to truly grow and scale, there has to be more intentional support—from government, the private sector, and the communities around them.

     As MMPH marks its fifth year, one thing becomes even clearer: supporting Filipina entrepreneurs isn’t just meaningful, it’s essential. It’s an investment not just in women, but in the future of the economy as a whole.