From Struggles to Success: How Coca-Cola Philippines' iSTAR Program is Changing the Lives of 2,000 Women Entrepreneurs

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world where dreams often clash with reality, 2,000 women entrepreneurs from grassroots communities in the Philippines have shattered barriers and risen above challenges—thanks to the iSTAR Program, a groundbreaking initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines. Their journey of perseverance, determination, and success culminated in an emotional and inspiring Hybrid Mass Graduation Ceremony on February 1, 2025, in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

A Beacon of Hope for Women Entrepreneurs

For decades, many aspiring women entrepreneurs in the Philippines have faced an uphill battle—limited resources, lack of training, and little to no access to financial support. But Coca-Cola Philippines, together with the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) and the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has been changing that narrative through the iSTAR Program.

Launched in 2020, iSTAR is more than just a training initiative. It’s a lifeline, empowering women with the essential skills, confidence, and support they need to launch and sustain successful businesses. This year's graduation marked a historic milestone—2,000 women from across the country celebrating their hard-earned success, whether physically present at the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Gymnasium or attending virtually.

Stories of Transformation: More Than Just Business

Among the graduates is Catherine Gallano, a sari-sari store and bakery owner, who once struggled to keep her business afloat. Today, she proudly showcases her baked goods, a testament to how iSTAR’s digital learning modules equipped her with financial management expertise and customer engagement strategies.

"The iSTAR program has been incredibly beneficial, empowering women like me to run a sustainable business, earn a living, and enhance our quality of life," Catherine shared, her voice brimming with gratitude and confidence.

Her story is just one among thousands—women who have turned struggles into triumphs, finding not just financial stability but also newfound independence and self-worth.

Partnerships That Empower and Elevate

What makes iSTAR a game-changer is the powerful synergy behind it. TESDA plays a crucial role in broadening the program’s reach by offering training and certification, ensuring that iSTAR’s modules remain free and accessible nationwide. NWTF, on the other hand, brings the program to the heart of grassroots communities, providing continuous support beyond financial aid.

"Loans are just part of it; the real goal is to equip our members with the right skills and knowledge to make their businesses thrive. iSTAR is one of the programs that make this possible," said Gilbert Stephan Maramba, Director for Operations at NWTF.

TESDA Director General Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez reinforced this vision: "We are here to ensure that no Filipino potential goes to waste. Our mission is to provide the skills necessary for whatever aspirations you and your family may have. From training to employment, we’ve got you covered."

Sustaining Success: The Centers for Entrepreneurship

Recognizing that entrepreneurship is an ongoing journey, Coca-Cola Philippines took the program a step further by launching Centers for Entrepreneurship (CFEs) in seven key areas in July 2024. These hubs serve as dynamic spaces for continuous training, mentorship, and financial support, ensuring that graduates have the resources they need to sustain and expand their businesses.

"To our graduates, your journey does not end here. The CFEs are your go-to spaces for lifelong learning, business mentoring, and innovation. We are here to support you as you grow and sustain your businesses," said Ivanna Dela Torre, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Philippines.

A Ripple Effect of Change

The success of the iSTAR Program is not just measured in numbers but in the profound impact it has had on the lives of women entrepreneurs and their communities. Each graduate represents a story of hope, resilience, and empowerment, proving that when given the right tools and opportunities, women can transform their dreams into reality.

As the program continues to expand, its ripple effect will be felt across the country—creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs. With Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, and NWTF at the helm, the future is indeed bright for aspiring businesswomen in the Philippines.

For more information about the iSTAR Program, visit the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub: https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

AI Revolutionizes Dentistry: Groundbreaking Model Detects Hidden Oral Diseases with Near-Perfect Accuracy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a remarkable leap forward for dental diagnostics, researchers from the Ateneo Laboratory for Intelligent Visual Environments (ALIVE), in collaboration with international experts, have developed an AI-powered deep learning model capable of identifying critical tooth and sinus structures with a staggering 98.2% accuracy. This groundbreaking technology promises to transform the field of dentistry, streamlining diagnoses and ensuring early detection of conditions that often go unnoticed until severe complications arise.

Cracking the Code of a Misdiagnosed Condition

One of the most challenging dental conditions to diagnose is odontogenic sinusitis—a condition frequently mistaken for general sinusitis due to its nearly identical symptoms. Patients suffering from this ailment experience nasal congestion, foul-smelling discharge, and occasional tooth pain. Alarmingly, only one-third of affected individuals report any noticeable dental discomfort, leading to misdiagnosis by general practitioners and delays in treatment. If left untreated, odontogenic sinusitis can escalate into severe infections affecting the eyes, face, and even the brain.

Traditional diagnostic methods require collaborative efforts between dentists and otolaryngologists, often involving multiple imaging procedures such as CT scans. These methods are time-consuming and expensive, leaving patients vulnerable to worsening symptoms before an accurate diagnosis is reached. This is where AI-driven solutions are poised to make a life-saving difference.

AI's Cutting-Edge Vision: The Power of YOLO 11n

Harnessing the power of deep learning, the research team trained their AI model using dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) to recognize intricate anatomical relationships between teeth and sinus cavities. The AI operates on the cutting-edge You Only Look Once (YOLO) 11n algorithm, a state-of-the-art object detection system renowned for its speed and accuracy.

Unlike conventional diagnostic techniques requiring multiple steps and expert intervention, YOLO 11n identifies affected regions in real time. This game-changing innovation provides dentists with a precise and instantaneous analysis of tooth roots, sinus positioning, and potential infections—offering a level of accuracy unmatched by traditional methods.

Redefining Dentistry Through AI

The advantages of AI-powered dental diagnostics extend beyond accuracy. The technology reduces patient exposure to radiation by minimizing the need for CT scans, the current gold standard for diagnosing odontogenic sinusitis. Furthermore, its cost-effective nature makes it an invaluable tool in resource-limited regions where access to advanced medical imaging is scarce. By flagging potential cases early, AI-assisted detection enables prompt medical intervention, preventing complications and alleviating strain on healthcare providers.

With ongoing validation and refinement, this AI-driven approach could soon become a staple in dental and ENT clinics worldwide. As artificial intelligence continues to bridge the gap between human expertise and technological precision, this breakthrough reinforces the growing role of AI in revolutionizing medical diagnostics.

The Future of AI in Dental Medicine

The findings of this pioneering research, led by Dr. Patricia Angela R. Abu of ALIVE, in collaboration with experts from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Chung Yuan Christian University, and Ming Chi University of Technology, have been published in the journal Bioengineering. Their work underscores AI’s potential to redefine the landscape of dental medicine, bringing us closer to a future where no diagnosis is left to chance.

As technology advances, AI is not merely a supporting tool—it is becoming a trusted partner in healthcare, empowering medical professionals with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. The fusion of AI and dentistry marks the dawn of a new era, where innovation meets necessity, and patients receive the best possible care with minimal delay.

The future of dentistry is here, and it is powered by artificial intelligence.

Meet one of our speakers at the UMALOHOKAN: Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan Workshop

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The Man Who’s Redefining Business: How Eman Balani is Saving the Planet One Product at a Time

Eman Balani is a purpose-driven advocate for truth, sustainability, and ethical entrepreneurship, leading Nature’s Gift Wellness with integrity and environmental responsibility. As a business consultant and cooperative builder, he champions transparency, people-centered enterprises, and sustainable initiatives that uplift communities.

Our next panelist stands as a beacon of purpose—an unwavering advocate for truth, sustainability, and empowerment. As a business consultant, organization builder, and cooperative advocate, he has dedicated his life to fostering ethical and sustainable enterprises that uplift communities while staying true to their core values.

At the helm of Nature’s Gift Wellness and Health Care Products Trading, also known as Gift of Nature, he has redefined what it means to be a responsible entrepreneur. Rejecting the wasteful traditions of elaborate packaging, he chooses substance over style, proving that true quality lies within. His commitment to the environment goes beyond words—he lives it through every product, every decision, and every initiative he champions.

But he is more than just a businessman. He is a defender of truth in an age where deception runs rampant. Whether advocating for transparency in business or standing firm against misinformation, his voice echoes with integrity. His leadership is not about mere profitability—it is about building organizations with a soul, cooperatives that prioritize people over power, and businesses that serve both humanity and the planet.

In everything he does, he is a force to be reckoned with—a game-changer, a trailblazer, and an unwavering guardian of both nature and truth.

Let us all welcome, Mr. Eman Balani.