The New Diskarte: How Filipino Moms Are Using AI to Grow Their Businesses and Reclaim Their Time

     For years, conversations about empowering women have focused on one important thing: access to education, opportunities, the internet, and the growing digital economy. While these remain essential, the digital landscape continues to evolve at an incredible pace. Today, being connected means so much more than simply having an internet connection. It’s no longer just about being online; it’s about knowing how to make technology work for you and using digital tools to create meaningful opportunities.

     As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives from content creation and customer service to business management, a new kind of digital divide is emerging. The question is no longer, “Can you go online?” but rather, “Do you know how to maximize the tools available to you?” For many Filipino women, especially mompreneurs balancing family responsibilities while growing their businesses, learning how to leverage AI could be the key to staying competitive, working smarter, and achieving long-term success.

The New Diskarte: How Filipino Moms Are Using AI to Grow Their Businesses and Reclaim Their Time

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

PLDT Home Celebrates Inspiring Mompreneurs at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards

     There’s something deeply inspiring about mothers who quietly build dreams while taking care of their families at the same time. The kind of women who juggle business meetings between household chores, pack orders late at night, and continue showing up for their families while slowly building something meaningful of their own.

     That same spirit was celebrated at the recently concluded 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards by PLDT Home, honoring Filipino mompreneurs whose resilience, creativity, and determination continue to create positive impact within their communities.

PLDT Home Celebrates Inspiring Mompreneurs at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards
Present during the celebration were (from left) John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Home Consumer Business, PLDT Inc.; Rosalyn Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator, UN Women; Sheena Marie Mallari, owner of Jakesheen Homemade Spreads; Lanie Abanes Geronimo, owner of Ecobum Cloth Diapers; Melanie Medrano, owner of Gramworth Enterprises Inc.; Elsie Espiritu, owner of Kamagong Woodworks; Rambie Go, owner of Rambie’s Collection; Ina Pineda, VP and Head of Marketing Communications, PLDT Home; and Cheryl Maxine Loyola, AVP and Head of Public Relations and Brand Advocacies, PLDT Home.

‘Panahon Mo Na’: Celebrating the Rise of Filipino Mompreneurs Through the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

     Behind every small business run by a mother is a daily balancing act, between managing a household, raising children, and building a livelihood. For many Filipina mompreneurs, entrepreneurship is not just about earning income but about creating opportunities for their families and shaping a future on their own terms.

     Recognizing the resilience and determination of these women, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms Philippines (MMPH) continues to empower mothers across the country through community support, learning opportunities, and programs that celebrate their achievements.

‘Panahon Mo Na’: Celebrating the Rise of Filipino Mompreneurs Through the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

PLDT Home Strengthens Support for Women-Led Enterprises This Women’s Month

     A growing number of women across the Philippines are turning online platforms into full-fledged businesses, reshaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape in the process. This Women’s Month, PLDT Home highlights this surge and expands its support for women-led enterprises through stronger connectivity, AI training, and programs aimed at helping businesses scale responsibly.

     Recent data from the Philippine Commission on Women shows just how significant this shift has become. Women own 66 percent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and lead 62 percent of newly registered businesses. These figures underscore the growing influence of women as economic drivers and community builders nationwide.

PLDT Home Strengthens Support for Women-Led Enterprises This Women’s Month