President Rodrigo Duterte led the recognition of the latest batch of our Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs in our 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit last March 6. Together with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, we awarded 20 Filipina entrepreneurs who have greatly contributed and excelled in their respective fields. The awarding ceremony was the last part of the summit, which is the biggest women negosyo summit of the year and was attended by more than 15,000 participants composed of entrepreneurs, advocates, and students.

Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chair of SM Investments, shares how she is mentored by her father, Henry Sy: “The best mentor is pressure. It’s true you can learn from everyone but the mentor I really look up to is my father.”

Sen. Grace Poe: “Mabuhay ang kababaihang nagpapasigla sa ating ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng kanilang sariling kabuhayan.”

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the awarding ceremony.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, a partner in the advocacy of empowering Filipinos through entrepreneurship.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion says: “Don’t stop dreaming.” Filipinos were never destined for poverty.

Lourdes Montinola, 90, chairman emeritus of Far Eastern University was recognized for being a well-published and multi-awarded author and educator of generations.

Helen Yuchengco Dee, chair of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., is honored for her strong sense of leadership as she steered the success of the RCBC for more than a decade.

Maria Francesca Tan, MFT Group of Companies is recognized for her high-spirited drive, which led to the development of MFT Group of Companies, a pioneer in providing capital funds to start-ups.

Florencia G. Tarriela of Philippine National Bank was honored for her dedication and service to the banking and finance industry for more than 40 years, while actively advocating environmental protection.

Natividad Cheng, CEO of Uratex, started their business with a capital of only P4,000.

Mary Grace Arboleda-Young of Cordillera Coffee was honored for her compassion for the farmer communities brought about their own appreciation for their own crops.

Amanda Battad was honored for her perseverance and efforts in founding Amanda’s Marine Products with the help of the government.

Kathleen Yu of Rumarocket was awarded for pioneering an innovative way of people management by combining human wisdom with the accuracy of artificial intelligence.

Marcelina Ace T. Itchon of Aspen Philippines Inc. was recognized for her determination and focus, which led to her rise in the pharmaceutical industry.

Zarah Juan of Green Life Eco Bags Inc. was awarded for environmental conservation and creating an avenue to help the Marikina shoemakers and preserve the dying culture of the T’bolis.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo of Happy Skin was recognized for pioneering a homegrown brand of makeup that caters and cares for the Filipina.

Angie Calungcaguin, of Make Peace Bakery, Bakers of Change empowers the Filipino out-of-school youth from depressed communities through baking.

Edilee Omoyon of Milea Bee Farm was awarded for her efforts in fostering sustainable agritourism and organic farming.

Olivia Puentespina, Malagos Farmhouse was honored for founding the Malagos Food Inc., a pioneer in the dairy industry in the country.

Edelyn Canero of Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts was honored for her tenacity to complete the transition from being a retailer of peanut to manufacturer.

Merle Paete of Merle’s Pili and Native Products was recognized for her optimism and perseverance to transform local agricultural material into world class products.

Alice Eduardo, MVP Bossing Awardee and Go Negosyo Awardee, was guest of honor

Lizzie Eder Zobel, chairman of Teach for the Philippines: “I think when we talk about scaling up, we need government support and networking. It delivering you product and supporting your product, and allowing the word spread by itself,”

Clarissa Delgado, co-founder and CEO of Teach for the Philippines: “Mentorship makes a big part of the program. I learned that you didn’t need to wait for the end of your career to help the country. We can matter now upfront,”

Karen Davila led the discussion between women innovators and disruptors.

RJ Ledesma moderated the discussion on access to money.

Issa Litton moderated the keynote forum.

Gretchen Ho moderated the panel of young entrepreneurs.

Bettina Quimson led the discussion on market access and digital platforms.

Dr. Vicki Belo, CEO of Belo Medical Group, related her experience in her younger years when she was bullied for her looks, which pushed her to pursue her dream in dermatology.

Entrepreneur Anne Curtis of BLK Cosmetics: “It’s very important that you find someone who will discipline you, kailangan merong nagguide sayo, it’s very important you find someone in your company that knows what their doing.”

Georgina Wilson was also an awardee of Go Negosyo back in 2016 for their Sunnies Studios. “The fact that we value an open line of communication is what keeps people connected to the brand.”