Former OFWs, corporate employee turned 'mompreneurs' share success stories

MANILA, Philippines — Just as we had inspiring heroes fighting for the Philippines’ right to self-government and freedom from colonial rule in 1898, we also have modern-day heroes who continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and to individual self-sufficiency.

These are not just overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) but also Filipinos who overcome hardships to achieve personal and financial empowerment through entrepreneurship right in our own country.

According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) “generate 62.4% of the country's total employment, contribute 36% of gross value added, and account for 25% of total exports.”

One would be surprised at how many of them are women, many of whom are moms. They are lovingly called mompreneurs.

Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community that supports starting and established mompreneurs, exemplifies the enduring spirit of Filipinos whose businesses create opportunities for people.

Creating products using materials and designs that are Filipino-centric impacts everyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It creates direct and indirect employment for suppliers and communities.

If there is any modern-day example of heroes, it is Filipino mothers who are smart to realize that it does not take a huge capital to start a business. When they changed their mindset and decided that it could be done, they do it successfully. 

These mompreneurs tell their stories. 

For Lois Gabriel, mother of three girls and an OFW in Dubai for six years back in the early 2000s, the secret to becoming an entrepreneur was using her biggest skill: coordinating things.

“Not everyone can coordinate with too many suppliers all at the same time. I am very good at reminding clients, following up suppliers, and doing quality control during execution,” she said. 

In Dubai, she used her degree in communication and her skill at organizing events to put together events for her friends and church mates. When she came home to the Philippines to give birth, she decided to put up Lois Gabriel Events, where she wears many hats, such as event coordinator, host and professional makeup artist.

“My first attempt