June 15, 2025
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, held the “iSTAR: HERStories – Celebrating the Transformation of Juana Entrepreneurs” culminating event last May 6, 2025 in Taguig City.
The activity recognized the most inspiring women entrepreneurs trained under the iSTAR Program and honored outstanding partner organizations that helped bring the initiative to life.
The iSTAR Program is a pioneering effort launched in 2021 by Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA to equip women with digital and entrepreneurial skills for managing retail businesses. Implemented through partnerships with five non-profit organizations, iSTAR has empowered thousands of women in the country.
In his speech, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez highlighted the importance of recognizing inspiring journeys and the continued empowerment of Filipino micro-retailers through iSTAR.
“TESDA is here to make sure that your success is not just one-off, that your journey doesn’t end in the training, that you find sustainable entrepreneurship. TESDA is here to help you—from training to trabaho, from learning to success,” Sec. Kiko said.
Ten inspiring HERStories were selected from among numerous entries nationwide. These featured women entrepreneurs come from both micro (with an initial capital of below ₱10,000) and small (initial capital of ₱10,000 to ₱50,000) business categories, representing the diversity and strength of Filipina entrepreneurship.
Among the recognized entries were Juniel and Salome Lucero of Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC); Marlita Tomas and Wina Cainglet of Alalay sa Kaunlaran Inc. Skills and Knowledge Institute (ASKI); Adela Andoy of TESDA Women's Center (TWC); Catherine Gallano of Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF); Hilda Gudin of Tagum City Council of Women Foundation Inc. (TCCWFI); Riziel Jimenez of ASA Philippines; Maritel Gipulan of First Community Cooperative (FICCO); Jenette Raton of Alalay sa Kaunlaran Inc. (ASKI); Gloria Tolosa of NWTF; and, Shirly Cañezares of Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC).
The stories serve as testaments to the success of the iSTAR Program in empowering women to build sustainable livelihoods.
Moreover, the event also recognized the top-performing Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) partners whose steadfast support made the program's success possible. Leading the list was LMPC as the Top 1 CFE Partner, followed by ASKI in second place, and TWC in third.
The HERStories celebration not only commemorates the conclusion of the iSTAR partnership but also creates a platform for recognition and continued inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Through HERStories, TESDA and Coca-Cola Philippines reaffirm their commitment to supporting inclusive, women-led economic empowerment and creating lasting change across Filipino communities.
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