BY ALEX ALAGON
PLDT Home and Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) mark a milestone this year as they celebrate five years of empowering Filipina mompreneurs – women who lead with heart, hustle, and ingenuity. From humble beginnings during the pandemic, the movement has grown into a thriving community of over 215,000 members, with more than 25,000 mompreneurs trained, equipped, and inspired to build businesses that uplift families and transform communities.
This year, MMPH brings back Gawad Madiskarte, the annual awards ceremony that honors exceptional Filipina mompreneurs who embody leadership, compassion, and innovation. More than just awards, Gawad Madiskarte has become a powerful platform for uplifting women whose creativity and determination transform not only their families, but also their communities—and the nation.
“You work wonders in three different worlds: the world of home, your own personal growth, and the world of business. At PLDT, we believe in the power of community, and our Madiskarte Moms exemplify this through their dedication and innovation,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Technology Head.
You Are Seen. You Are Heard. You Are Valued.
Every mompreneur in MMPH carries within her dreams, sacrifices, and an unshakable hope—not just for herself, but for those she holds dear. Gawad Madiskarte is more than a set of awards. It is a celebration of courage, purpose, and love. It is a way of honoring the mom who quietly keeps going at dawn, who figures out shipping logistics in her lunch break, who turns passion into profit—even when the odds seem against her.
What Gawad Madiskarte Honors
Beyond building businesses, mompreneurs are reshaping the meaning of success—proving it is not only about profit, but also about purpose and positive change. At the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, inspiring women from government, business, and entrepreneurship will once again come together to honor these trailblazers.
Winners will be selected under two divisions:
- Start-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses running at least 6 months
- Scale-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses operating 13 months or more and DTI/BIR-registered
Three major awards reflect MMPH’s core values:
- Diskarteng Angat – for growth and innovation
- Diskarteng May Puso – for social good and community impact
- Diskarteng Eco-Friendly – for sustainability and environment stewardship
Special awards include Diskarteng Digital (for creative digital use), the Mompreneurs’ Choice Award (voted by the MMPH community), and the Madiskarte Icon (for an exemplary leader and inspiration).
Stories of Triumph
Last year’s winner of Diskarteng Angat – Scale-Up Division Award Heidie Ricca del Rosario, founder of HTP Clothing, turned a humble preloved clothing business into a thriving local fashion brand that empowers community seamstresses.
“Gawad Madiskarte allows us mompreneurs to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It fills our hearts to know the awards recognize that behind every successful business is a mom who made it happen,” Del Rosario said. (proposed quote)
How to Apply
Mompreneurs with inspiring stories and impactful businesses are invited to apply. Winners will receive cash prizes, capital support, and national recognition to help propel their businesses forward.
Apply now through the Madiskarte Moms PH Facebook Group and the official MMPH website and learn more about the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, its categories, and past awardees.
Application deadline: November 15, 2025
A new chapter for Davao unfolds as SM Supermalls welcomes a bold new era with evolving finds just for you.
SM City Davao, the first and largest SM mall in Mindanao, opens its Expansion Building bringing fresh urban experiences for every Davaoeño. From Insta-worthy dining scenes to stylish hangouts, every spot is designed to be pure feed goals.
With over 120,000 sqm of added space, this is more than an expansion—it’s an evolving destination made for shopping, style, and leisure to come together in ways you’ve never seen before. All to show that here at SM Supermalls, we truly got it all for you.
Dining Hotspots Ready to Serve You
Hungry? You’re in for a culinary treat as we bring you a lineup of handpicked restaurants serving everything from casual fine dining to comforting Filipino classics and bold Singaporean flavors.
- Brique – Bringing their distinctly Cebuano flavors in Davao, Brique— located at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion—combines modern cuisine and local classics.
- Nanyang – Get the best of what Singapore has to offer. Serving some of Southeast Asia’s finest delicacies, Nanyang at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion, delivers hearty dishes that cater to the Filipino palate. From aromatic Laksa to savory Curry Chicken Rice, the possibilities are endless.
The Joy of Fluffiness
Making its first mark in Davao, Puffy’s is bringing its signature charm to the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion. Known for its cloud-like soufflé pancakes, this sweet spot is the newest must-try in SM Supermall’s irresistibly crave-worthy lineup. Whether you go for Original, Crème Brûlée, or Tiramisu, every bite is delightfully light and perfectly Instagrammable!
Your Unique Finds
Looking to add a little more everyday flair? From customizing your Aquaflask tumbler to finally grabbing that self-help book you’ve been eyeing—or even spotting that one item you didn’t know you needed—discover a specially chosen mix of finds to make your every visit more exciting.
- Aquaflask Designs – Find their newest designs at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion and drink in style! Now fully customizable, these vacuum-insulated bottles let you enjoy your cold or hot drinks anywhere without breaking the bank.
- Gashapon Bandai – Collect high-quality gacha toys, keychains, and accessories while having a bit of thrill—or dismay—with the first Gashapon Bandai in Davao at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion. From Dragon Ball and Gundam to Demon Slayer and Pokémon, just pop a coin into these vending machines and score a surprise collectible.
- Fully Booked – Find your next great read as you experience a warm, cozy ambiance here at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion. Featuring a wide selection of books across various genres—including hard-to-find titles—Fully Booked is a true bibliophile haven.
- Flying Tiger – In search of unique knick-knacks and quirky finds? For the first time in Davao, Flying Tiger at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion is the novelty store for you. Liven up your living space and personalize your room with their playful crafts, trinkets, and ornaments.
Level Up Your Style
Who says activewear has to be drab? Anta at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion lets you turn the gym into your personal runway. Featuring a premium sports line of ready-to-wear apparel, trainers, and bags, it’s everything you need to break a sweat—in style!
From crave-worthy food hubs and fashion finds to accessories and quirky trinkets, every corner is made to make your feed more aesthetic. No matter how you spend your time, enjoy curated experiences not just to enjoy, but to share, only here in this #NewEraOfSMSupermalls.
Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!
THE JOB market is becoming more competitive than ever for job seekers, with Jobstreet by SEEK recording a 179% year-on-year increase in job applications per job post on their platform. Which is why standing out from the get-go is a crucial step, with a strong resume and well-prepared interview playing a significant role in hireability.
According to the leading online job market, 75% of resumes are rejected before they reach the hiring manager, and should an applicant be considered for the next step, hirers make use of the first 90 seconds during interviews to decide whether a candidate will be hired or not.
Turning these challenges into opportunities, Jobstreet by SEEK, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), hosted the “Ready, Set, Hired!” Education and Career Guidance Workshop at the recent WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025.
Attended by over a hundred candidates, the workshop provided a platform for Jobstreet by SEEK to engage directly with aspiring candidates, aimed at promoting skills excellence in the region and boosting youth employability.
During the workshop, participants gained knowledge on how to make their resumes stand out as Jobstreet by SEEK gave essential tips on how to write it effectively, what details to highlight, and how to use strong action words to better communicate their strengths and potential. They also learned how to improve their interview skills, from doing company research to delivering confident responses and applying effective non-verbal communication
The workshop also provided how to dress for success, and hands-on activities where participants engaged in mock interviews and received advice from resume clinic experts and a style guide consultant, all led by SEEK volunteers.
“At Jobstreet by SEEK, we have seen how technical and vocational skills are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s digital economy. Through initiatives like ‘Ready, Set, Hired,’ we hope to empower more young professionals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed, helping them secure work opportunities,” said Dannah Majarocon, Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines managing director.
Through initiatives like this, Jobstreet by SEEK continues to help close regional talent gaps, support TESDA’s mission to strengthen workforce readiness, and connect emerging professionals with career opportunities.
MANILA, Philippines – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, took home Gold in Cross-Generational Workforce Management and Leadership Development, and Silver in Excellence in Best HR Team (Multinational Companies) – a testament to its commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
The HR Excellence Awards is widely recognized for innovative and impactful HR practices across industries. Competing against 71 leading organizations, FedEx was also named a finalist in seven categories, reinforcing its strong people-service-profit philosophy that fuels sustainable business growth.
The Gold Award for Cross-Generational Workforce Management recognizes the company’s success in fostering collaboration across age groups through mentorship, internal mobility, and leadership training. These initiatives create an inclusive organization.
Additionally, the commitment to inclusion was reflected in FedEx surpassing the government’s 0.5% target for People with disabilities representation, achieving 53% female representation in management, and driving a 17% rise in Inclusion over the last year. Through initiatives like the Disability Inclusion Playbook and Sensitivity Training, the company strengthened engagement and ensured all employees feel valued, empowered, and included.
FedEx commitment to empowering people is further demonstrated by the Gold Award for Leadership Development, which celebrates the company’s efforts to cultivate leadership capabilities at all levels. Through programs like Advance into Management, immersive cross-functional learning, and a strong mentoring culture, employees gain the skills, agility, and confidence to drive operational excellence and deliver exceptional customer experiences. As a result, FedEx achieved a 95% employee engagement score and a 91% inclusion score.
“This recognition reaffirms that our people are our greatest asset and the driving force behind our long-term success. It inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in people, development, and organizational culture. These awards are a powerful motivator to continue building a workplace where our people can thrive and grow,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “By continuing to invest in leadership, inclusion, and workforce agility, we’re not only building a stronger FedEx today, we’re also ensuring our talented team has future-ready skills needed to create what’s next in our business and our customers.”
Complementing these achievements, the Silver Award for Best HR Team (Multinational Company) highlights the Human Resources team’s ability to weave leadership behaviors, promote inclusion into daily operations, and ensure opportunities for all, while fostering both individual growth and long-term organizational performance.
As the ACC marks its 21st year, it continues to go beyond connectivity—bringing hope, opportunity, and transformation to communities. In partnership with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), and Samsung Philippines, ACC 2025 reaffirms its commitment to uplift lives in its host province Cebu through meaningful initiatives.
Guided by the theme “Shaping the Future. Beyond Connectivity”, ACC 2025’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program focuses on two pillars of community empowerment: education and livelihood.
In Lapu-Lapu City, Lo-ok National High School received a smart TV and tablets from Samsung Philippines, tools that will open doors to digital learning and enrich the educational journey of Oponganon students. These resources are more than just devices; they are bridges to knowledge, creativity, and a brighter future.
Meanwhile, cacao farmers from the Cebu Diversified Advocacy Cooperative (CEDACO) took part in a specialized training program supported by PSF. They also received a PLDT and Smart FarmTech training kit, equipping them with digital tools and practical knowledge to help elevate their livelihood and strengthen their role in the cacao industry.
“These two efforts—learning assistance for our students and livelihood training for our farmers—are like twin pillars of progress. One secures the future; the other sustains the present. Together, they embody our Foundation’s principle to Equip, Train, and Connect—equipping our youth with knowledge, training our farmers with the right skills, and connecting both with opportunities for growth,” said PSF President and CEO Esther O. Santos.
Through these initiatives, ACC 2025 continues to demonstrate that connectivity is not just about technology; it’s about people. It’s about creating pathways for learning, growth, and resilience. Held annually, ACC is a premier telco and ICT event that brings together global telco operators and tech providers drive innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and shape the future of connectivity.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE charge for apprehended illegal water connections is increased from P5,000 to P30,000, Davao City Water District announced.
The increase is effective Oct. 1, 2025, per Board Resolution No. 25-272 dated September 3, 2025.
The DCWD, in a press release, explained that the stricter penalty is needed to deter prevalent illegal connections.
Illegal connections, it added, cause low water pressure to no water in affected areas and pose risks to water safety.
“Illegal connections include unauthorized tapping into DCWD pipelines, tampering with water meters, and reconnecting service lines without approval,” it said.
Unauthorized tapping endangers public health as it increases the risk of contamination in the water pipelines.
Illegal water connections are punishable under Republic Act 8041 or the National Water Crisis Act of 1995.
If found guilty, individuals may be imprisoned for six months to two years and will be fined P30,000.00 administrative charge.
MANILA – Rain in Chiang Mai isn’t a mood killer, but an invitation to travellers. When the “green season” rolls in, the city transforms into a lush wonderland of misty mountains, emerald rice fields, and landscapes bursting with fresh greenery. It’s the perfect time to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience Chiang Mai in its most authentic and refreshing form.
Recently, MOVE collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to invite several travel content creators from across ASEAN to experience Chiang Mai. From the Philippines, When in Manila and Ran Got Away joined the adventure.
Here are four eco-friendly spots in Chiang Mai that highlight cultural encounters with local communities, hidden nature trails, and sustainable experiences designed to make every journey more meaningful:
Thep Sadet community – Arabica coffee in the highlands
Located in the Doi Saket highlands, this community preserves the natural process of cultivating and processing Arabica coffee. Visitors can learn directly from local farmers about agricultural practices while tasting freshly brewed coffee grown sustainably without harming the environment.
On Tai Village – natural colours, preserved traditions
Situated in Chiang Mai’s Sankampang district, On Tai Village is known for its natural dyeing techniques using local plants such as indigo and turmeric. Travellers can join tie-dye workshops with artisans, watch weaving demonstrations, and tour organic farms. It’s an immersive experience that revives circular economy values while preserving cultural heritage.
One Nimman – A hub of creative lifestyles
Nestled in the Nimmanhaemin, One Nimman has European-inspired architecture. The space is filled with trendy cafés, boutique shops, art galleries, and photogenic courtyards. As night falls, the atmosphere comes alive with street food, music, and bustling markets, offering a modern lifestyle experience deeply rooted in the local community.
Wat Sri Suphan – spirituality and silver craftsmanship
Popularly known as the Silver Temple, Wat Sri Suphan is a historic temple adorned with intricate silver carvings on its walls. Beyond its spiritual ambiance, visitors can also take part in unique hands-on experiences, such as metal-carving workshops guided by local artisans.
Even with multi-city flights to Chiang Mai, travelling is now more convenient with the MOVE app. Through MOVE, travellers can plan their entire journey, from hundreds of global airline options and unlock discounts of PHP650 OFF, minimum spend of PHP4,000 on hotel bookings with the promo code THAIHOTELS for greater savings.
Start planning and add Chiang Mai to your bucket list for your next green-season escape! Stay inspired by following @airasiamove on Instagram and discover exciting deals on the MOVE app.
TAGUM CITY – The Davao Consumer Movement is urging the national government to look into the country’s power system after residential rates in Davao Region hit more than P10/kWh for September.
Davao Light announced that it will increase the residential rate by P1.5625/kWh. Its residential rate is now at P10.6407/kWh from P9.0782/kWh in August.
Davao Light said the increase “is attributed to higher power supply prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) following power plant outages, which is among the factors that led to the yellow alerts issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) last month.”
The Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) announced an increase of P1.0794/kWh, bringing their residential rate to P11.3187/kWh from P10.2392/kWh.
DASURECO also said that aside from the WESM, the power rates this month are also due to “the approval of the NGCP’s Maximum Allowable Revenue (MAR) and the collection of Under-Recovery 2016-2022 by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is a pass-through charge that will also be reflected on consumer bills.”
The Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) announced that their residential rates will increase by P0.9858/kWh, the lowest in terms of increase for this month. Residential rate in their franchise area is now at P12.7382/kWh from P11.7524/kWh.
Meanwhile, based on the information gathered on the ground, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) will increase its rates by almost P2. Residential rate in its franchise area is now at P14.2651/kWh from P12.3583/kWh, an increase of P1.9068/kWh. NORDECO remains the most expensive residential rate in the Davao Region.
Following the increase, the Davao Consumer Movement is calling on the national government to review the current rates, especially the rates being passed on to the consumers – those coming from the WESM and NGCP.
Likewise, our power distributors must review and make smarter decisions in where they source their power from to ensure balance in their supply mix and prices are properly managed.
As prices hit more than P10 across the region, this becomes another burden for consumers here. Not only does this increase the electric bills that they are paying, but this could also increase the prices of goods and services in the long run.
The Davao Consumer Movement reiterates that transparency, accountability, and proactive regulation must be at the heart of our energy system. We call on the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and our legislators to urgently address the compounding factors behind these rate hikes and ensure that consumers are not left to bear the brunt of systemic inefficiencies.
Electricity is a basic need – its pricing must reflect fairness, stability, and public interest.
Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083
ABOITIZ Construction was recognized by the municipal government of Claver, Surigao del Norte, as the Top 1 Industry Taxpayer for Contractors and Other Independent Contractors for 2024 during the 2025 Garbo Nan Claver Awards & Panaghiusa Night, held as part of the town’s 70th Founding Anniversary celebration.
The company also received the Top 6 Taxpayer Contributor Award in recognition of its significant contribution to the municipality’s revenue. The awards were presented by Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee.
“Receiving these awards is a testament to our shared responsibility as partners in progress. Through our operations, we remain committed to supporting the host community of the Municipality of Claver where we operate by creating jobs, contributing to local development, and upholding execution excellence in everything we do,” said Beverly Tolentino, Aboitiz Construction’s first vice president-controller.
“The progress of Claver is fueled by the strength of our local economy, and this would not be possible without the continued trust and confidence of businesses and industries. Under the leadership of Mayor Gokiangkee and the support of our people, you have helped build a more robust economy. Tonight’s recognition is but a small token of our gratitude for the immense contributions you have made to Claver,” said Municipal Administrator Atty. Carlo Reynaldo F. Lozada Jr.
Aboitiz Construction has received this recognition for four consecutive years, aligning with its core value of Responsibility and its contributions to community taxation and municipal development.
Since 2012, the company has been engaged in maintenance operations at a mineral processing plant in Claver, creating nearly 1,000 jobs for local residents and recording over 10 million safe man-hours. Its services include preventive maintenance and condition monitoring of plant equipment to help ensure operational efficiency.
Beyond its business contributions, Aboitiz Construction has also been actively involved in community initiatives in Claver. These include annual support for Brigada Eskwela, blood donation drives, disaster preparedness training sessions for fishermen in 2022, and yearly tree planting activities, among others. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to fostering not only economic growth but also social development and community well-being—living up to its promise of being “Engineered for Excellence”.
