Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair NCR 2026 Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs with Record-Breaking Sales of Over ₱10 Million
Mandaluyong City, Philippines — August 10–12, 2026
The Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH) successfully concluded the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair NCR 2026, held from August 10 to 12, 2026 at Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, marking another milestone in its continuing mission to empower women entrepreneurs and create greater opportunities for women-led businesses.
Now on its fifth year, the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair NCR is a testament to the enduring partnership between WomenBizPH and SM Megamall through the SM for MSME Program, providing women entrepreneurs with a strategic platform to showcase their products, connect with customers, expand their markets, and strengthen their businesses.
The three-day event brought together women entrepreneurs, government agencies, private-sector partners, business leaders, industry experts, and consumers in a dynamic marketplace designed to turn opportunities into meaningful business growth.
The program opened with Welcome Remarks from WomenBizPH President Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, who highlighted the organization’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive.
The Background of the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair NCR was presented by Pinky Yee, providing an overview of the program’s development and its continuing role in helping women-led enterprises gain visibility and access to markets.
ASEC Nylah Rizza Bautista of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) delivered an Inspirational Message, emphasizing the importance of innovation, competitiveness, and collaboration in enabling MSMEs to grow in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.
A strong message of support was also delivered by Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), underscoring the importance of advancing women’s economic empowerment and strengthening opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
The five-year partnership with SM Supermalls was likewise celebrated, with Mr. Royston Cabunag of SM Supermalls delivering a Message of Support and a special 5th Anniversary Message. Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, also conveyed his Message of Support, recognizing the importance of providing MSMEs with access to physical retail spaces and opportunities to reach a wider market.
The program featured a series of learning and engagement activities designed to help exhibitors and women entrepreneurs enhance their business capabilities.
Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Laurel, a WomenBizPH member, served as Guest Speaker, sharing valuable insights with the participants. The Q&A session was moderated by Sarah Deloraya Mateo, WomenBizPH Auditor, encouraging meaningful interaction between entrepreneurs and the speaker.
The Sales Pitch featuring Women Strong Network members, moderated by Ms. Jen Tongco, gave participating entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their businesses, products, and value propositions—an important exercise in developing confidence, communication skills, and market readiness.
A Recap Video Presentation, prepared and presented by Atty. Dulce Punzalan, WomenBizPH Member, captured the highlights and memorable moments of the Women Strong Network journey.
The event also gave voice to the entrepreneurs themselves through Testimonial Sharing from selected Women Strong Network exhibitors, moderated by Ms. Cynthia Mamon, WomenBizPH Vice President. Their stories reflected the real impact of market access, mentoring, partnerships, and opportunities created through the program.
A key highlight of the program was the Introduction of ASEAN Access, presented by Ms. Mylene Abiva, ASEAN Access Ambassador and WomenBizPH Director.
The presentation introduced ASEAN Access as an important platform for businesses seeking to explore opportunities in the regional market and strengthen their ability to participate in ASEAN trade.
The introduction reinforced WomenBizPH’s continuing commitment to help women entrepreneurs move from local enterprise to regional competitiveness.
Celebrating Creativity, Culture and Innovation
The trade fair also celebrated the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino women through a Fashion Show by House of MUSA by Joy Soo, demonstrating how fashion, design, culture, and entrepreneurship can come together to create new market opportunities.
A Knowledge Session by Ms. Abbie Menor of Globe Business provided entrepreneurs with practical insights on technology and business solutions that can support MSME growth in the digital economy.
The program continued with a Fireside Chat with Women Strong Network Trade Fair NCR exhibitors, moderated by Ms. Charm Tacorda, WomenBizPH Member. The intimate conversation provided a platform for entrepreneurs to share their experiences, challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned from participating in the Women Strong Network.
The trade fair culminated in the recognition of outstanding exhibitors who demonstrated excellence in sales performance and creativity.
A computer laptop was awarded as a special prize for Best in Sales to Flaviano’s Foods Enterprises of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, recognizing its outstanding sales achievement during the trade fair.
The Best in Booth Design Award was presented to Great Gifts of Davao City, recognizing the enterprise’s creativity, visual presentation, and ability to create an attractive and engaging retail experience.
These awards celebrated not only business performance but also the innovation, determination, and entrepreneurial excellence of Women Strong Network members.
The Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair NCR 2026 was more than a three-day selling event. It was a celebration of women’s entrepreneurship, partnership, resilience despite inclement weather, #innovation, and economic empowerment.
The impressive milestone of more than ₱10 million in cumulative sales over five years demonstrates what can happen when women entrepreneurs are given access to markets, platforms, partnerships, knowledge, and supportive business ecosystems.
Through the continuing partnership of WomenBizPH and SM Supermalls under the SM for MSME Program, women-led MSMEs are given opportunities to move their businesses forward—from visibility to market access, from market access to customer relationships, and from customer relationships to sustainable growth.
As the event drew to a close, Ms. Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, WomenBizPH Chairperson, delivered the Closing Remarks, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to continue building opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
The success of the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair NCR 2026 sends a powerful message: when women entrepreneurs support one another, collaborate with government and the private sector, and are provided with meaningful platforms to grow, businesses flourish and communities prosper.
The five-year journey of the Women Strong Network is proof that when women come together with a shared purpose, great things truly happen.
Women Helping Women… Great Things Happen
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