‘Rock stars’ of entrepreneurship

They say the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. I say, the hand that rocks the cradle and holds the purse strings, rocks. You empower her and you empower the nation.

Eighty percent of business enterprises in the Philippines were started by women. Women are also good borrowers, and they pay up their loans diligently.

Go Negosyo, founded by presidential adviser Joey Concepcion, in the presence of President Duterte and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, honored these “rock stars” recently. They included nonagenarian Socorro “Nanay Coring” Ramos of National Book Store, Mercedes Gotianun of Filinvest and Rosalind Wee of W Group.

“They are very resourceful, they find ways to augment the income of the husband. They are good borrowers, and good payers, with 98 to 99 percent payment record.   Women entrepreneurs are a different breed, they are agents of change and progress,” Lopez said when Go Negosyo honored “Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs” in late March at Malacañang.

Ester Shiela M. Vitto of  Bahag Footwear & Repair Shop creates slippers and sandals out of recycled tires.

For medium-large enterprises, lauded was Felicia H. Atienza of the Chinese International School Manila for transitioning effortlessly from a successful career in the finance world to becoming the founder of the Chinese International School Manila — known as the first international school where East meets West.

Also cited was Ana L. de Ocampo of Wildflour Café & Bakery, which now has five branches. Her dedication to food also flourishes as she leads the classic ice cream shop Farmacy and the only Asian franchise of the famous Los Angeles hotdog stand Pink’s.

Other awardees in the medium-large level included Anne A. Gonzalez of Terry S.A. Inc., for bringing in brands such as Havaianas and Dupe, among others, with more than 150 stores; Sheree R.C. Gotuaco of Omnimoda International, who has partnered with National Artists and visual designers and incorporated their art pieces in her brands’ (like Freeway) collections; Gina L. Lorenzana of Unilever Philippines for spearheading Unilever Philippines’ Personal Care product line as a global brand that’s locally relevant.

The youth awardee was Arizza Ann S. Nocum of KRIS Library & Good Karma Shirts, for championing the advocacy of erasing animosity between the Catholics and Muslims through education, especially in the conflicted areas of the ARMM. Her young and strong voice in the combat against stigma has effectively bridged religious gaps by creating a space for both Christians and Muslims to interact and learn.

Go Negosyo also honored “Enablers” like Doris Magsaysay Ho of Magsaysay Maritime Corp. for her tireless efforts to innovate and empower women and all entrepreneurs alike; Pacita U. Juan of ECHOstore, an advocate for micro, small, and medium enterprises and a champion of the local coffee industry; and Sen. Cynthia A. Villar of the Villar Sipag Foundation for prioritizing legislation that benefits women and for her pioneering programs to provide training, employment and livelihood projects for women.

A standing ovation to these rock stars!

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