The non-profit Go Negosyo celebrated Filipina entrepreneurs last March 9, 2024 during its annual Women Summit event, this year held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos joined Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and thousands of women entrepreneurs in celebrating women-led MSMEs in the country.
It was also the venue for the annual Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Awards, where 19 outstanding Filipina entrepreneurs were chosen from hundreds of nominations received. This year’s awardees spanned several sectors of industry, from food and beverage to manufacturing, to services and social enterprise. They included Allyn Joy Cabarles of Kaulayaw Coffee, Annette Patdu of Diaspora Farm, Camille Escudero of Lily of the Valley, Cristina Balao-as Cayat of Inabel Tailoring, Czarina Sevila of Avocadoria PH, Emilyn Kabor of Jireh Food Products, Katrina Blanca De Leon of Genteel Home, Maria Rafaella Louise Sol of Nuevo Ystilo, Marica Peñalosa of Ate Rica’s Bacsilog, Marie Joyce Co Yu of True Blends & Coffee, Frances Uma Espinosa of The Original Paeng’s, Jonnah Garcia of Punique Handicrafts, Marjorie Barcelona of Healthy Lemon, Leah Marie Ayeng of Prestige Paper Products, Anna Melissa Nava of 1Export Trade and Services, Anna Magalona of But First Coffee, and Denise Caranto of Konu. Robina Gokongwei-Pe, meanwhile, was given the Woman of Legacy Award.
In attendance to talk to the hundreds of women entrepreneurs gathered that day were accomplished Filipina executives and entrepreneurs including GMA’s Annette Gozon-Valdez, renowned chef Gaita Fores, mining executive Caroline Tanchay, designer Vania Romoff, and Canva’s Yani Donato.
Go Negosyo organizes Women Summit every year to celebrate women’s achievements and contributions to society and the economy in various fields and industries. In doing so, it hopes to inspire the next generation of Filipinas and advocate for the integration of digitalization that supports women-led enterprises. By putting forward this agenda, the program aims to empower women through forum discussions, inspirational talks, and interactive sessions by successful businesswomen and visionaries, highlighting their resilience to promote productivity and global competitiveness.
The day-long program featured panel discussions centering around the theme “Harnessing the Digital Age to Empower Women”. Among the topics of discussion were translating creative vision into business, envisioning sustainable businesses centered around agriculture, breaking gender barriers in male-dominated professions, succeeding in an industry transformed by AI, effective financial management for MSMEs, effective branding using digital tools, impactful content creation, opportunities in eco-friendly businesses, women in e-sports, and the business of beauty. Celebrity women entrepreneurs Cristalle Belo Henares, Ms. Universe Philippines Angelique Manto and singer/TV host Atasha Muhlach also were featured in inspirational sessions. Drag performer and impersonator Taylor Sweep provided the entertainment for the event.
