First lady graces Go Negosyo Women Summit

Also present were Vicki Belo, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Secretary Cris Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry, and Angkas founder Angeline Tham, among others.

"The Philippines has so many opportunities for women entrepreneurs," said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion III, who cited government statistics that showed that women lead over half of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country.

"Our biggest problem is poverty, and when we help women become entrepreneurs, we contribute so much to the solution," he said.

Roque told the almost 2,000 women entrepreneurs at the event, "As a former businesswoman, I have seen the power of women entrepreneurship."

She encouraged them to "go for it" then said, "You could be the next big success story."

Learning sessions and one-on-one mentoring were held during the summit.

The panel discussions included Women Breaking Boundaries, Women on TikTok Shop, Women Who Create, Redefining Success as Mompreneurs, Bringing Out Your Best Self, Reinventing the Skincare Business, Women Creating the Tech of Tomorrow, Women-Enabler platforms, Forging Online Rockstars, and Filipina Beautiful Beyond Borders.

The summit was also the venue for the awarding of the yearly Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur Award.

Belo and the late chef Margarita Fores were honored with the Woman of Legacy Award.

The summit, formerly the Go Negosyo Filipina Entrepreneurs Summit, is in its 17th year.

"The event has become a venue for women entrepreneurs to discuss issues facing women-led MSMEs, specifically the challenges women face in Philippine society. Attendees also can gain insights and inspiration from women who have overcome these challenges and built successful businesses," Go Negosyo said in a statement.