Support from other women key to the success of women entrepreneurs: WomenBizPH

Women continue to shatter every glass ceiling and achieve unparalleled success in business, despite the lofty expectations imposed upon them by society. Key to their success is the constant support they receive from other women, as discussed during the culmination of International Women’s Month celebration organized by the Women’s Business Council Philippines, or WomenBizPH, last March 31 at Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The event brought together successful entrepreneurs in Laguna, business leaders, and government officials to celebrate their successes, recount their personal struggles, and offer help to women with an interest in establishing their own business.

Overcoming the challenges to success

In the panel discussion moderated by Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, founder and president of TeamAsia, women entrepreneurs in Laguna shared that the road to their own successes was not without challenges.

“Everybody is expecting me to be a superwoman. A woman is expected to undergo longer hours in business, and at the same time raise happy and thriving children without the help of anybody,” shared Remia Adedoja, general manager of ISOLA Handicrafts, which manufactures handwoven handicrafts made of dry water hyacinths.

Others found their upward trajectory halted by the pandemic—Corazon Montejo Cologado of AI-SHE Footwear saw her business almost go back to zero; Donna Lina of UBE Media, Inc. had to diversify their skills and offerings in a competitive communications industry; Michelle Cagandajan Baldemor, designer and owner of Kath’s, battled with cancer.

However, Atty. Rose Coloma, President of the Laguna Chamber of Commerce, lauded how all these women entrepreneurs had one thing in common: a supportive partner. “I feel blessed that these women leaders chose the right partner, and that they’re supporting their husbands in return. When we give our partners the right respect, they will definitely put us first in their lives,” she said.

Analie Rosales Casedo, designer and owner of EA Casedo’s Embroidery, also extended this respect to her workers, “I was lucky enough to have a supportive family, and I want to share the same level of support to the people around me. My goal is to have the people working for my business experience success in their own lives as well.”

Laguna as a case study for successful women entrepreneurs

Recently, the Philippines was named by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor as one of the countries with the highest number of women entrepreneurs in the world. It also reported that women-led businesses in the country recorded P1.6 trillion in revenue in 2022, contributing about 6% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Some of these women-led businesses have set up shop in Laguna. Fatima Villaseñor of the Laguna Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) noted that over 6,500 women entrepreneurs in the province sought the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to kickstart their own businesses, which are mostly in the food and beverage, fashion, retail, and tourism industries.

DTI, on its part, is making it easier to start a business. Leonila Baluyut, assistant secretary for DTI’s Regional Operations Group, enumerated the changes implemented by the department to ease the way entrepreneurs do business, including the launch of the Business Name Registration System and the Negosyo Center Online Portal. The agency is also working with LEDIPO for trade shows and programs such as SheTrades PH, which connects women entrepreneurs to international markets through training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

“Women entrepreneurs are demonstrating their determination, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. They are making a significant impact on their communities, inspiring other women, contributing to women empowerment, and contributing to the local economy,” Villaseñor said.

Cynthia Romero-Mamon and Pam Peters are leading the charge of women who are working to make Laguna one of the top destinations for tourism. Peters serves as the officer-in-charge of the Laguna Tourism Culture Arts and Trade Office, while Romero-Mamon is both the president of the Laguna Tourism Council and the chief operating officer of Enchanted Kingdom.

During the event, Peters introduced the Love Laguna campaign, which aims to highlight the best aspects of the province’s heritage. Romero-Mamon, meanwhile, shared her office’s initiative to wear clothes with Filipiniana elements to work.

“Being the President of the Laguna Tourism Council is both a pleasure and a responsibility. I will do everything to promote Laguna and work with different councils to promote tourism in the province,” Romero-Mamon said.

Rosemarie Rafael, WomenBizPH president, lauded how women entrepreneurs in Laguna strive to bring the province’s rich heritage on the global stage.

“Women indeed support women here in Laguna. I can see their desire and enthusiasm to make Laguna one of the best in the Philippines, and it can be. We are here to help micro, small, and medium enterprises achieve their dreams.”

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Chris Layugan