Milagros Ong-How

Dr. Milagros Ong-How is an entrepreneur with over 40 years of responsible leadership and innovation and is setting the industry standards in trading, shipping, and chemical manufacturing. In 2003, Milagros founded the Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI), a company engaged in manufacturing, local distribution, and exportation of fertilizers. After discovering how exploited and disadvantaged ordinary Filipino farmers are, she committed to be a partner and major stakeholder in the success of their agricultural enterprises and she helped over 8.1 million farmers since. UHI’s innovative entrepreneurial approach is to combine a strict adherence to international state-of-the-art manufacturing and operational standards with a unique social marketing strategy. 

Milagros holds a degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines and received a Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa in Humanities from the Angeles University Foundation for her contributions in uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers. 

Milagros received numerous recognitions, such as the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award for Outstanding Social Empowerment (2015), the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award as an Outstanding Entrepreneur (2014), the Woman Starpreneur 2014 from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, and the EY Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2013. 

In June 2015, she founded Universal Harvester Dairy Farms the biggest privately owned and advanced dairy production facility in the island of Mindanao with the intention to collaborate with various farmer organizations in the country. UHI is currently preparing to go public.

“Success is the product of a clear business and social mission, supported by a welldefined strategy, and enriched by one’s commitment to excellence. I believe women entrepreneurs play crucial roles in keeping the economy strong and vibrant. Believe in your dreams, set your goals, and tap into your strengths.” Milagros Ong-How, Executive Vice President of Universal Harvesters, Inc.