In celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) organized two entrepreneurial workshops aimed at empowering employees with practical skills that can open doors to creative ventures and potential income opportunities.
On March 21, 2025, PNOC held its first entrepreneurial workshop for 30 employees, focusing on barista skills and the fundamentals of running a coffee shop business. The session was led by Mr. Ronald P. Peña, a seasoned coffee industry professional, who shared his expertise on the history and evolution of coffee in the Philippines, different coffee bean roasts, and various brewing techniques. Participants then had the opportunity to apply their learnings by preparing their own coffee beverages, including cappuccinos and pour-over coffee. To inspire them to continue honing their craft, each participant received a starter kit to practice at home.
Continuing the entrepreneurial theme, PNOC conducted its second workshop on March 24, 2025, attended by another group of 30 employees, this time focusing on perfume and cologne making. The session, facilitated by Ms. Mary Rose S. Rivera, covered fragrance formulation, proper mixing techniques, and best practices in the perfume industry. Participants also explored branding and packaging strategies for those interested in turning their creations into a business. The hands-on activity allowed participants to craft their own personalized scents, and each was given a starter kit to further develop their skills.
Through these activities, PNOC not only celebrated women’s empowerment but also encouraged all employees to explore entrepreneurship as a means of fostering independence, creativity, and economic resilience. By providing hands-on learning experiences and starter tools, PNOC supports its workforce in turning skills into opportunities