BACOLOD, PHILIPPINES – Coca-Cola Philippines, together with the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), marked a groundbreaking milestone with the first ever Hybrid Mass Graduation Ceremony for the iSTAR Program. Held on February 1, 2025, at the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Gymnasium, the event was a resounding success, uniting 2,000 empowered women entrepreneurs, both in person and online.
The iSTAR Program, a key initiative of Coca-Cola Philippines, aims to uplift women entrepreneurs in grassroots communities by equipping them with essential business skills, fostering financial literacy, and boosting their confidence to thrive as independent business owners. This event marked a significant milestone, especially in Western Visayas, highlighting the program’s success in 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 event was attended by key TESDA (Technical Education & Skills Development Authority) officials, including Director General Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo R. Colombo, Executive Director of the Partnerships and Linkages Office Floramel Joy C. Songsong, Chief of the National Training Center for Women Mylene H. Somera, and TESDA regional and provincial representatives.
iSTAR graduate and Sari-sari Store and Bakery owner Catherine Gallano, shared how the program equipped her with the essential skills and knowledge for her entrepreneurial success. Through the initiative’s digital learning platform, she also gained confidence in financial management and customer engagement, allowing her to expand her business.
“The iSTAR program has been incredibly beneficial as it empowers women like me to run a sustainable business, allowing us to earn a living and enhance our quality of life”, she shared.
TESDA’s role in the program’s growth has been instrumental, providing training, certification, and nationwide accessibility through the TESDA Online Program. NWTF has also played a key role in grassroots implementation, offering support and mentorship to women entrepreneurs.
Launched in 2020, the iSTAR Program is a free entrepreneurship training initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA. It is 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 serve as sustainable spaces for ongoing training, mentorship, and financial support, ensuring that small business owners have access to resources that help them thrive.
