Panahon Mo Na: Honoring the Growth and Grit of Filipino Mompreneurs at 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.

Now marking its fifth year, the growing community launches its empowering campaign “Panahon Mo Na,” a rallying call for mothers who have quietly built businesses while caring for their families. The message is simple yet powerful: it is time for mompreneurs to take pride in what they have built and confidently embrace their identity as entrepreneurs.

At the heart of this movement is Gawad Madiskarte, the flagship awards program of MMPH, these inspiring journeys take center stage. Now in its fourth year, the awards recognize outstanding mompreneurs who demonstrate creativity, resilience, and ingenuity in building and growing their businesses.

Inspiring Finalists of the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of businesses built by mothers who have turned passion and perseverance into opportunity. For the Start-Up, Diskarteng Angat category, the finalists are Kianne Intila Telan of Creationz by Kianne, Mercedita T. Madrona of KusiNANAY's Food Products, and Sheena Marie A. Mallari of Jakesheen’s Homemade Spreads.

In the Start-Up, Diskarteng Eco-Friendly category, the finalists include Rambie Go of Rambie’s Collection, Lanie Abanes Geronimo of Ecobum Cloth Diapers, and April Rose Ocampo of Bounty Honey, whose businesses highlight sustainability and environmentally conscious practices.

Meanwhile, the Start-Up, Diskarteng May-Puso category recognizes Lara Dela Torre of LCP Studios, Elsie Camille Espiritu of Kamagong Woodworkz, and Rhiozeel Pomer of St. Pio Innovations Solutions Corp, entrepreneurs whose ventures reflect purpose-driven initiatives that create positive impact in their communities.

For the Scale-Up, Diskarteng Angat category, the finalists are Abigael M. Cruz of Momi Bigbig’s Kitchen, Sahara Carmona of Chits Plants and Flower Shop, and Melanie A. Medrano of Gramworth Enterprises Inc., whose growing enterprises demonstrate how mompreneurs can successfully expand their businesses while balancing family responsibilities.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

Selecting this year’s winners is a distinguished panel of leaders from business, media, and entrepreneurship.

The judges include Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, PLDT INC., Ces Oreña-Drilon, Broadcast Journalist and News Anchor, Bernadette “Bidibidi” De Los Santos, Executive Director, Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and Owner, Bidibidi Enterprise, Prep Palacios, Country Manager, Google Philippines, Anna Meloto-Wilk, President and Co-Founder, Human Nature,  Melissa Yeung-Yap, CEO, Greenstone Pharmaceutical, and Angela Chen-Delantar, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Eskwelabs.  Their expertise and experience provide valuable insight in evaluating the finalists’ entrepreneurial journeys and the impact of their businesses.

Championing Women’s Empowerment and Leadership

Beyond the awards, the 4th Gawad Madiskarte will feature learning sessions designed to inspire and equip mompreneurs with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and women empowerment.

Among the distinguished resource speakers are Ma. Rosalyn “Lenlen” Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, and Ms. Ermelita Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women. Through their talks, they will share perspectives on advancing inclusive economic opportunities and strengthening the role of women entrepreneurs in nation-building.

These sessions aim to provide mompreneurs with both practical knowledge and inspiration as they continue to grow their businesses while balancing the demands of family life.

Celebrating the Heart of the Hustle

The winners will be announced during the 4th Gawad Madiskarte on March 28, 2026, at SEDA BGC, where outstanding mompreneurs will be honored for their achievements and contributions to the growing community of Filipina entrepreneurs.

Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay holds the finished trophy for the 4th Gawad Madiskarte.

Awardees will receive cash prizes and a custom trophy designed by Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay, whose sculpture captures the determination and dreams of mompreneurs striving to build better futures for their families.

Winners will take home P100,000 each, while the Diskarteng Fiber Biz Special Award winner will receive P50,000. Finalists will also receive consolation prizes of P25,000 each.

More than just an awards program, Gawad Madiskarte continues to serve as a platform for recognizing the strength, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino mothers.

As the Madiskarte Moms community celebrates its fifth year, the message behind the campaign resonates strongly with mompreneurs everywhere:

Panahon mo na.

For more information, follow Madiskarte Moms PH on Facebook and join the growing community of Filipina mompreneurs.