PLDT's Inspiring Support for Mom Entrepreneurs Recognized at the 3rd UN Global Compact Network Philippines' SDG Awards

For its Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) program, the largest integrated telecommunications network in the Philippines, PLDT Inc. (PLDT), was honored at the 3rd United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards.

The SDG Awards recognized businesses and initiatives that have made exceptional contributions to sustainable development, with a focus on the Planet, Prosperity, and People sectors. MMPH was recognized for facilitating women's digital inclusion, encouraging decent work and economic growth, and bolstering the resilience and recovery of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).

Receiving this recognition for PLDT Home and MMPH makes us happy and proud. Melissa Vergel de Dios, FVP, Head of Investor Relations, Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart, said, "This initiative demonstrates our continuing thrusts to embed sustainability in the way we do business and promote digital inclusion in support of achieving sustainable development."

An online community called MMPH, or "resourceful moms" in English, was established by PLDT Home in September 2020 in collaboration with a group of mom entrepreneurs from the Philippines.

According to statistics, during the pandemic's peak, roughly 33% of Filipino women lost their jobs. MMPH created a vibrant community that supports women in utilizing digital tools, looking for alternate sources of income, and constantly exchanging ideas and experiences regarding operating online and home-based businesses.

With its three-year anniversary behind it, MMPH has 170,000 community members today. More than 15,000 mothers have received training from it, at least 75 businesses have benefited from the provision of digital kits, at least 11 regular webinars and masterclasses have been held, and more than 160 instructional videos covering various aspects of conducting business responsibly and sustainably have been produced. Through its yearly Gawad Madiskarte Awards and active participation in a variety of public forums and engagements, MMPH has also been honoring exceptional mompreneurs.

Cheryl Maxine Loyola, Assistant Vice President, PLDT Home Marketing, PR, Influencer Management, and Brand Advocacies, stated, "Our goal is to help upskill Filipino moms on how to start and grow their home-based businesses and empower them to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey, while also providing them with access to digital solutions and tools."

With the continued support of PLDT Home and MMPH, mompreneurs and their staff can overcome poverty and attain prosperity by empowering them digitally. "We think that women can further empower their families to realize their dreams by becoming financially secure through entrepreneurship," Loyola continued.

MMPH backs PLDT and Smart's ongoing efforts to further the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Gender Equality, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Additionally, it fits with PLDT's overarching objective to advance inclusive technologies that can improve livelihood prospects for Filipinos, ensuring that no one is left behind.