Across the Philippines, a significant and growing number of women are transforming online platforms into robust, full-fledged businesses, fundamentally reshaping the nation's entrepreneurial landscape. In celebration of Women's Month, PLDT Home is highlighting this remarkable surge and expanding its comprehensive support for women-led enterprises through stronger connectivity solutions, advanced artificial intelligence training, and targeted programs designed to help businesses scale responsibly and sustainably.
The Rise of Women-Led Entrepreneurship
Recent data from the Philippine Commission on Women reveals the profound impact of this shift. Women currently own an impressive 66 percent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and lead 62 percent of newly registered businesses. These compelling figures underscore the expanding influence of women as powerful economic drivers and dedicated community builders throughout the country.
Recognizing this substantial impact, PLDT Home has consistently positioned reliable connectivity as the essential backbone of women's entrepreneurship. What initially began as support for home-based businesses during the pandemic has now evolved into a dynamic movement that provides critical digital infrastructure, enabling thousands of women to operate efficient, competitive, and fully online ventures.
Madiskarte Moms PH: A National Network
A key reflection of this commitment is Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), powered by PLDT Home. From its origins as a small online community, it has expanded into a nationwide network encompassing more than 225,000 women entrepreneurs, now ranking among the largest such networks in the country. Its exponential growth represents a broader movement toward women's financial independence, leadership development, and long-term business resilience.
Menardo "Butch" Jimenez, Jr., PLDT chief operating officer and chief technology officer, emphasized the company's role. "Women are already shaping the country's entrepreneurial landscape in powerful ways," he stated. "Our role is to ensure they have the digital infrastructure and future-ready capabilities to sustain and scale that impact. Connectivity today is more than access — it is an enabler of innovation, inclusion, and long-term growth."
Deepening AI Capabilities for Women Entrepreneurs
As the digital economy continues to evolve, PLDT Home is expanding its support beyond basic connectivity to include essential skills development and innovation assistance.
Building on the success of last year's Gemini Academy in partnership with Google Philippines, PLDT Home will once again bring the program to Madiskarte Moms, this time featuring more advanced discussions that reflect how rapidly artificial intelligence has progressed over the past year.
The enhanced Gemini Academy aims to equip women entrepreneurs with practical tools to embed AI into every stage of their business operations. Key focus areas include:
- Enhancing digital marketing campaigns and generating smarter customer insights
- Supporting product innovation and development processes
- Streamlining daily operations and management tasks
- Simplifying accounting and financial tracking procedures
By integrating AI across marketing, product development, operations management, and financial tracking, mompreneurs can work more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and build enterprises that are both competitive and sustainable in today's fast-evolving digital economy.
Recognizing Sustainable Leadership
PLDT Home also champions long-term, sustainable entrepreneurship through the annual Gawad Madiskarte Awards. On March 28, the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards Ceremony will recognize outstanding mompreneurs who exemplify innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. These women are building enterprises designed to endure — generating livelihoods, supporting communities, and contributing meaningfully to economic development.
By combining reliable connectivity, advanced AI training, and recognition platforms that promote sustainability, PLDT Home continues to strengthen its ecosystem of support for women-led enterprises.
This Women's Month, PLDT Home reaffirms its belief that empowering women entrepreneurs creates ripple effects far beyond individual success. Stronger women-led businesses help stabilize families, strengthen communities, and contribute to broader economic stability and growth throughout the Philippines.
