PLDT Inc. (PLDT), the Philippines’ largest integrated telecommunications network, garnered acclaim at the 3rd United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards for its Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) program.
These awards acknowledge outstanding contributions to sustainable development, focusing on areas such as the Planet, Prosperity, and People. MMPH was commended for fostering digital inclusion among women, championing decent work and economic growth, and aiding in the recovery and resilience of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Melissa Vergel de Dios, FVP, Head of Investor Relations, and Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart, expressed pride in this recognition. She highlighted how the initiative showcases PLDT Home’s commitment to embedding sustainability in their operations and championing digital inclusion to drive sustainable development.
MMPH, an online community initiated by PLDT Home in September 2020, serves as a hub for Filipino mom entrepreneurs (mompreneurs). During the height of the pandemic, around 33% of Filipino women lost their jobs. MMPH stepped in to create an active community, aiding women in finding alternative sources of income, leveraging digital tools, and sharing insights about managing home-based and online businesses.
Since its launch three years ago, MMPH has grown to 170,000 community members. It has provided training to over 15,000 moms, supported 75 businesses with digital kits, conducted 11 regular webinars and masterclasses, and produced over 160 educational videos covering various aspects of sustainable and responsible business practices. The initiative also recognizes outstanding mompreneurs through its Annual Gawad Madiskarte Awards and actively engages in public forums.
Cheryl Maxine Loyola, Assistant Vice President of PLDT Home Marketing, emphasized their mission to empower Filipino moms in their entrepreneurial journey by imparting skills, providing digital solutions, and fostering access to tools.
PLDT Home and MMPH continue to uplift mompreneurs and their employees, aiming to alleviate poverty and promote prosperity through digital inclusion and empowerment. Loyola underlined the belief that women can achieve financial security by becoming entrepreneurs, thereby enabling their families to realize their aspirations.
MMPH’s efforts align with PLDT and Smart’s commitment to the United Nations SDGs, especially SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Gender Equality, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. These endeavors echo PLDT’s broader objective of advocating inclusive technologies to enhance livelihood opportunities for all Filipinos.
