IT’S WOMEN POWER at the World Trade Center as Go Negosyo staged the biggest women entrepreneurship event of the year – the “GO NEGOSYO: Babae, Yaman Ka ng Bayan!”, in celebration of the National Women’s Month.
Crowd estimates was placed from 10,000 to 15,000 as participants come in and out of the World Trade Center, mostly composed of women, from different sectors, groups and communities.
“This is the biggest crowd that Go Negosyo has ever had in all forums and caravans we have organized. This is proof that the Filipino women are truly a force to reckon with when it comes to entrepreneurship,” Joey Concepcion, founding trustee of Go Negosyo, said.
Organized in partnership with the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), the one-day women summit centered on the objective to empower the Filipino women through positive change in mindset and capability development.
“We have achieved success today by bringing all these people together under one roof and re-affirming our commitment to promote positivism in spirit. But this is just a first step to journey of a thousand mile. The government, our private sector partners and the citizens need to work together and create that synergy with the aim of promoting a negosyo climate for the country so we can move forward,” Joey added.
Negosyo mapped out different entrepreneurial and women topics in the form of plenary and breakout sessions. Forums and programs were held, with topics ranging from negosyo basics to tips and advices on the general concerns that ‘womenpreneurs’ face about health and wellness, fitness, family and workplace. Over 170 participating booths and exhibitors showcased their different business models - products and services - relating to the needs and wants of women consumers.
In one of the forums, the national and local governments were well represented by Senator Loren Legarda, Cong. Cynthia Villar, Sec. Espie Cabral of DSWD, Usec. Merle Cruz of DTI, Asec. Ma. Lourdes Orijola of DOST, Gov. Grace Padaca, Mayor Marides Fernando, and Chairperson Myrna Yao of NCRFW. Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo-Bernas also joined the government officials in discussing subject of entrepreneurship development in relation to the government and the society.
Go Negosyo’s pool of mentors also shared their entrepreneurial advice and expertise: Maricel and Anthony Pangilinan, Les and Dina Reyes, Valerie and Ping Sotto, Abbygale Arenas-De Leon, Cory Quirino, Dean Pax Lapid, Dir. Tess Fortuna of DOST, Chit Juan, among others.
Hosts and moderators were highly respected broadcast journalists and television icons. Among them were Rico Hizon, Connie Sison, Boy Abunda, Susan Enriquez and Tintin Bersola-Babao.
Most of the inspiring women entrepreneurs who Topbilled Go Negosyo’s third book title were also present during the summit to sign books and share their experiences.
One of the highlights of the event was the public launching of the GO NEGOSYO: Joey Concepcion’s 55 Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs. This is the third of Go Negosyo’s book series on inspirational stories of successful entrepreneurs. The women featured in this book also presented a fresh perspective and shared their entrepreneurship journey and learning in the different forums.
Another highlight of the summit was an awarding ceremony for unique and remarkable women icons of today. Go Negosyo recognized women icons who continue to be the source of inspiration to the many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially to many women. Socorro Ramos, 85; Dr. Helena Benitez, 94; and Madam Eulalia Razon Baylon, 101; was recognized as the “Mother of All Mother Entrepreneurs”.
This recognition is in honor of women founders in the field of entrepreneurship education. Full of optimism and zest for life, they are the highly respected women who have built a business on education and who have chosen to live a more meaningful life.
