PLDT, the largest integrated telecommunications company in the country today, has just won recognition for its “Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)” program during 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. PLDT’s 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).
Representatives from PLDT’s Sustainability Office and PLDT Home receive the award recognizing “Madiskarte Moms PH” at the 3rd UNGCNP’s Sustainable Development Goals Awards
“Receiving this accolade for PLDT Home and MMPH makes us glad and proud,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, FVP, head of investor relations, and chief sustainability officer at PLDT and Smart.
“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,” she added.
An online network for resourceful moms
The online network called MMPH — or “resourceful moms” in English — was first established by PLDT Home in September 2020 in collaboration with a group of parent entrepreneurs from the Philippines.
According to statistics, during the pandemic’s peak, over 33% of Filipino women have lost their jobs.
MMPH thus helped create a vibrant community that supports women in utilizing digital technologies, looking for other sources of income, and constantly exchanging ideas and experiences on operating online and home-based companies.
With 170,000 community members, MMPH has grown in just three years since its founding. More than 15,000 mothers have received training from it, at least 75 firms 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 events, MMPH has also been honoring exceptional mompreneurs.
According to Cheryl Maxine Loyola, AVP of PLDT Home Marketing, PR, Influencer Management, and Brand Advocacies, “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 assistance of PLDT Home and MMPH, mompreneurs and their staff may overcome poverty and attain success by empowering them digitally.
“We think that women can further empower their families to realize their dreams by becoming financially secure through entrepreneurship,” Loyola further stated.
In particular, the MMPH program supports PLDT and Smart’s ongoing efforts to further the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of No Poverty, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. Additionally, it fits with PLDT’s overarching objective to advance inclusive technology that can improve livelihood prospects for Filipinos, ensuring that no one is left behind.