Tovic Salvador

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block" width="633"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787033324356BeFunky-collage (9).jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/><span class="fr-inner">Women-led enterprises showcased their products at the Women Strong Trade Fair held at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last year. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Every successful business begins with someone brave enough to take the first step. For countless women entrepreneurs, that journey starts with a simple idea, nurtured by passion, strengthened by resilience, and driven by the dream of creating a good future for their families and communities. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Yet while many have built remarkable products and businesses, one challenge remains constant—finding opportunities to be discovered.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Recognizing the vital role women play in driving entrepreneurship and local economic growth, SM Supermalls, through SM for MSMEs, continues to strengthen its support for women-led enterprises through its partnership with WomenBizPH. This August, the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fairs will bring together inspiring women entrepreneurs at SM Megamall and SM City Cebu, with succeeding activations at SM City Lucena and SM City Zamboanga.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787033217132BeFunky-collage (8).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">From local delicacies to globally competitive designs, the fair is a continuous celebration of women&#x27;s ingenuity, resilience, and contribution to nation-building through enterprise. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787033161692BeFunky-collage (7).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">From local delicacies to globally competitive designs, the fair is a continuous celebration of women&#x27;s ingenuity, resilience, and contribution to nation-building through enterprise. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787033106832BeFunky-collage (6).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">From local delicacies to globally competitive designs, the fair is a continuous celebration of women&#x27;s ingenuity, resilience, and contribution to nation-building through enterprise. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">More than a marketplace, the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fairs serve as a platform where women entrepreneurs may introduce their brands to new customers, exchange ideas with fellow business owners, build connections, and gain opportunities to help grow their enterprises.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787033049051BeFunky-collage (5).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Behind every booth is a woman with a dream, a purpose, and a story worth sharing. Through WomenBizPH and SM for MSMEs, women entrepreneurs are given opportunities to showcase their brands, reach new customers, and continue building businesses that inspire communities nationwide. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">The initial lineup for the SM Megamall leg alone features entrepreneurs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, showcasing the richness of Filipino craftsmanship and regional creativity.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787033005111BeFunky-collage (4).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Visitors may discover a curated selection of Filipino brands featuring handcrafted fashion, woven textiles, artisanal food, wellness products, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and lifestyle essentials. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Beyond shopping, each three-day trade fair offers a dynamic lineup of activities designed to empower entrepreneurs through learning and collaboration. Business talks, keynote sessions from government and industry leaders, exhibitor sales pitches, networking opportunities, fashion showcases, and recognition programs provide participants with valuable insights while celebrating the achievements of women-led businesses.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Women entrepreneurs continue to drive innovation, create livelihoods, and strengthen communities across the country. Through our partnership with WomenBizPH, we hope to provide more opportunities for women-led businesses to gain greater visibility, connect with more customers, and continue growing,&quot; said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787032964351BeFunky-collage (3).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">President Rhoda Caliwara and Board Secretary Mylene Abiva of WomenbizPH pose for a group photo at the grand opening of the Women Strong Trade Fair in SM Lanang. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Empowered women empower women. And when women come together to support one another in business, innovation and impact follow.&quot; said Mylene Abiva, Board Secretary, WomenBizPH.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787032913470BeFunky-collage (2).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">L-R: WomenBizPH Board Secretary Mylene Abiva, together with SM Supermalls Executives Pats Dy, SAVP and Head of Marketing for SM Communities and Royston Cabunag, AVP and Department Head for SM Communities during the grand opening at SM Megamall. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">The partnership reflects SM Supermalls&#x27; continuing commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by creating accessible platforms where entrepreneurs can showcase their products, strengthen customer relationships, and expand their market reach through the country&#x27;s wide mall network.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787032811132BeFunky-collage.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Empowered and united. DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona supporting local weavers from North Luzon. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">For shoppers, the experience goes beyond discovering unique local products. Every booth represents a personal journey—one built on courage, perseverance, and purpose. Behind every handcrafted item, locally made delicacy, or innovative creation is a woman who chose to pursue her dream despite the challenges of building a business.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787032868732BeFunky-collage (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Together, women entrepreneurs from different communities and industries come together to celebrate collaboration, resilience, and the growing community of women-led Filipino businesses. Photo source: SM Supermalls </span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Every purchase, every conversation, and every discovery becomes an opportunity to help support women entrepreneurs who are creating livelihoods, preserving local craftsmanship, and contributing to strong communities across the country.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Whether you are looking for thoughtful gifts, proudly Filipino products, or your next favorite local brand, the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fairs offer a chance to discover businesses with stories worth sharing—and the remarkable women behind them.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="blob:https://od2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com/f667e5f6-7440-481b-9cb1-ab8605a92aee" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">A beautifully hand-painted Filipiniana reflects the vibrant stories of Filipino women—symbolizing the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit celebrated through WomenBizPH and SM for MSMEs. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Discover inspiring women-led Filipino brands and support the entrepreneurs shaping the future of local enterprise through SM for MSMEs.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>From passion-driven ideas to thriving enterprises, women entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into businesses that create opportunities and strengthen communities.</p>

From passion-driven ideas to thriving enterprises, women entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into businesses that create opportunities and strengthen communities.

Strengthening support for women entrepreneurs

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Strengthening support for women entrepreneurs

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Published August 18, 2026 03:00 PM PHT

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