Women's Business Council Philippines

21/06/2026

08/06/2026

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH) formalized a six-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 8, 2026, at the DTI Headquarters in Makati City to further strengthen support for Filipina entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises across the country.

The partnership was led by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Regional Operations Group Supervising Head Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, together with WomenBizPH Chairperson Rhoda Castro-Caliwara and President Rosemarie Bosch-Ong.

The renewed collaboration reinforces the advancement of women’s economic empowerment as a key pillar of national development by expanding access to programs, opportunities, and strategic networks for women entrepreneurs nationwide.

Under the agreement, DTI and WomenBizPH will jointly implement several flagship initiatives, including the ASEAN Women Economic Summit (AWES), a platform for regional policy dialogue, collaboration, and women’s leadership; the ASEAN Trade Expo, which aims to expand market access and global opportunities for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and the Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards 2026, which recognizes and elevates the country's master weavers on the international stage.

Through this strengthened partnership, DTI and WomenBizPH reaffirm their commitment to creating a more inclusive and enabling business environment for women entrepreneurs by providing greater access to resources, mentorship, market opportunities, and strategic support that will help them further excel, and thrive sustainably.

02/06/2026

WomenbizPH newsletter

Sharing with you our latest newsletters featuring the recent projects, initiatives, and activities of WomenBizPH.

We hope these updates keep you informed and engaged as WomenbizPH continue to empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen our business community.

Thank you 🇵🇭

20/05/2026

ASEAN-BAC Philippines hosted the Chairman's Night—one of the highlights of the ASEAN-BAC Council Meeting and Retreat in Boracay—bringing together business leaders, and delegates from across the region, with partners and guests from the Philippine business community for an evening of meaningful networking, collaboration, and dialogue in support of ASEAN’s shared economic agenda.

In his remarks, ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chair Joey Concepcion reaffirmed the vision for the Philippines’ ASEAN hosting: “to make it inclusive, by the private sector doing its part to unify everyone.” He also underscored the importance of stronger public-private sector collaboration in driving inclusive growth, deeper regional cooperation, and long-term resilience across Southeast Asia.

The evening concluded with stronger partnerships, renewed commitments, and a shared drive among ASEAN business leaders and stakeholders to build a more united, resilient, and prosperous ASEAN.

20/05/2026

17/05/2026

CIPE (Center for International Private Enterprise) Washington DC, USA focuses on shifting from simply supporting women-owned businesses to ensuring women hold decision-making roles and have a voice in the business environment.

Promoting women to lead in business associations, chambers of commerce, and advocacy coalitions to change policies. Women's Business Council Philippines (WomenbizPH) received a grant for "Women's Leadership in Business Frontiers" to conduct research on U.S. trade barriers of women entrepreneurs from the Philippines driving the understanding that women in leadership enhance profitability and corporate social impact .

Mr. Stephen Rosenlund, Esq., CAE, IOM, Director, Association Development conducted a courtesy visit with the WomenbizPH Board to discuss future areas of collaboration on women's economic inclusion.

09/05/2026

07/05/2026

Chairperson Castro-Caliwara represented WomenBizPH and AWEN Philippines as a panelist at the 3rd Family Business Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Conference (FBSEC) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur last April 22–23, 2026, under the session on Market Access for Women Entrepreneurs Across ASEAN.

She highlighted that while women drive a large share of MSMEs in the Philippines, many remain in the informal sector—limiting regional growth. She emphasized that AWEN must evolve into a platform for scale through market access, capacity building, finance, policy support, and visibility.

07/05/2026

WomenbizPH Chairperson Castro-Caliwara represented WomenBizPH and AWEN Philippines as a panelist at the 3rd Family Business Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Conference (FBSEC) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur last April 22–23, 2026, under the session on Market Access for Women Entrepreneurs Across ASEAN.

She highlighted that while women drive a large share of MSMEs in the Philippines, many remain in the informal sector—limiting regional growth. She emphasized that AWEN must evolve into a platform for scale through market access, capacity building, finance, policy support, and visibility.