BACOLOD, Negros Occidental – Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), celebrated the graduation of 2,000 women entrepreneurs from its iSTAR Program in a hybrid mass ceremony held on February.
This milestone event, held in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, underscores Coca-Cola’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment, particularly among women in grassroots communities.
The graduation ceremony brought together participants both in person and virtually, highlighting the program’s nationwide impact in equipping women with the skills and confidence necessary to build and sustain successful businesses. This event marked a significant achievement for the iSTAR Program in Western Visayas, specifically Region VI.
“For over 112 years, Coca-Cola Philippines has been refreshing the lives of Filipinos and making a positive difference in our communities,” said Ivanna Dela Torre, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Philippines.
The ceremony was attended by key officials from the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA), including Director General Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and skill development.
Catherine Gallano, an iSTAR graduate and owner of a Sari-sari Store and Bakery, shared how the program’s digital learning platform equipped her with essential skills in financial management and customer engagement, enabling her to expand her business.
Key partnerships drive program success
The iSTAR Program’s success is attributed to the strong collaboration between Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, and NWTF. TESDA has played a crucial role in expanding the program’s reach by providing training and certification and making iSTAR modules freely accessible through the TESDA Online Program.
“You get addicted to learning; you get addicted to [the] growth of learning for yourself and sharing your learning through training others as well,” Sec. Benitez stated.
NWTF has been instrumental in implementing iSTAR in grassroots communities, providing participants with the necessary training and support to sustain their businesses.
“Loans are just part of it; we need loans to have capital, but the heart of Project Dungganon is to support, maximize, and protect the business,” said Gilbert Stephan Maramba, Director for Operations at NWTF.
Centers for entrepreneurship for ongoing support
Launched in 2020, the iSTAR Program is a free entrepreneurship training initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA, designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills for starting and managing retail businesses through digital platforms.
In July 2024, Coca-Cola Philippines launched Centers for Entrepreneurship (CFEs) in seven key areas under the iSTAR Program. These hubs provide ongoing training, mentorship, and financial support.
“To our graduates, your journey does not end here. The CFEs are your ‘go-to’ spaces for continuous learning, business mentoring, and exploring new opportunities for innovation,” Dela Torre added.
For more information about the iSTAR Program, visit the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub: https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.
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