1,000 Cebuana Entrepreneurs Join Coca Cola’s STAR Program

by The Cebuano · Published May 25, 2017 · Updated May 25, 2017

In 2011, Coca Cola Philippines launched the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources or STAR program. As part of the company’s 5by20 global initiative, the STAR Program aims to economically empower by 2020 5 million women within its value chain. To date, this amazing project has already changed the lives of 80,000 women entrepreneurs in various parts of the country.

While the project is attainable, making it a resounding success is no easy feat. So, to bring this powerful program closer to more women entrepreneurs, Coca-Cola Philippines has partnered with various government agencies and local government units. With the help of these organizations, more women are given a chance to change the direction of their businesses and ultimately, change their lives for the better.

Last May 5, 2017, Coca Cola Philippines gathered 1,000 women entrepreneurs in Danao City for a full day of learning, entertainment, and prizes. The event was supported by partners that are one with Coca Cola in promoting women empowerment through the 5by20 initiative.

Under this program, ‘scholars’ are given peer mentoring support, access to the company’s resources, and a 12-week Basic Entrepreneurship and Gender Sensitivity Training course which will teach them business fundamentals like business professionalism, business planning, and management.

STAR Program Partners:

• Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
• Alay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI)
• Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF)
• ASA Philippines
• National Confederation of Cooperatives
• First Comunity Cooperative

The whole program has been considered as one of the most responsive and inclusive advocacies in the Asia Pacific region. And this is one of the many reasons why the company has decided to include women in sectors that were previously untapped.

The STAR Program now includes women entrepreneurs in:

• agriculture
• distressed and repatriated women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the OWWA of DOLE
• beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in coordination with DSWD NCR
• micro-entrepreneurs under the Kapatid Program of DTI and GoNegosyo
• women in disaster-stricken areas

During an intimate gathering with members of the local media, Atty Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Philippines, talks about the importance of the project and why they want it to be a huge success.