Victorias City, Negros Occidental – June 27, 2024 — The Victorias Coliseum was abuzz as business owners and a huge number of MSMEs gathered for the “DigiCities Masterclass,” a significant event under USAID’s SPEED (Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy) initiative, which also coincided with the celebration of World MSME Day.

Atty. Gino Jacinto, COO of UNAWA, captivates the audience during his presentation.

This global observance, designated by the United Nations, celebrates the vital role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in sustainable development and innovation.

Starting at 8:30 AM with registration, the event concluded in the afternoon with a closing message and a photo opportunity.

Atty. Gino Jacinto, COO of UNAWA, captivated the audience with his presentation, “From Ink to Click: The Digital Signature Advantage for Small Businesses.” His session highlighted the innovative features of UNAWA’s SignSecure platform, which uniquely integrates facial recognition into its e-signature process, ensuring enhanced security and compliance.

In his speech, Atty. Jacinto emphasized the efficiency, faster processes, improved compliance, and cost savings that digital transitions offer, aligning with UNAWA’s mission to support MSMEs in their digital transformation journey.

Most of the audiences that came to the event were business owners and MSMEs.

Powered by GCash for Business and delivered by StartUp Village, the event included various insightful sessions. The program began with a welcome message and an introduction to the USAID SPEED Activity, followed by sessions on adopting a growth mindset through digitization, leveraging eCommerce for business growth, the advantages of digital signatures, and improving logistics to bridge borders.

Representatives from Prosperna, MyKartero, and DigiCities also shared valuable insights during the discussions. The event concluded with an acknowledgement of all the partners.

Benefits of SignSecure for MSMEs

SignSecure helps MSMEs streamline their processes by reducing administrative time and speeding up document access and approvals. Digital documentation maintains accurate records, simplifies compliance, and uses automated systems for audit trails and deadline alerts.

It reduces the need for storage, paper, printing, mailing, and labor, allowing cost savings to be reinvested in other business areas. Additionally, the facial recognition feature of SignSecure adds a layer of security, ensuring that only authorized individuals can sign documents.

In a move that’s touted to revolutionize Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, UNAWA has also recently introduced UCheck, a powerful name-screening tool designed to streamline and enhance AML checks for businesses.

What is a DigiCity?
A DigiCity leverages digital technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its services, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. DigiCities initiatives often involve integrating digital solutions across various sectors, including governance, business, and infrastructure, to create a more connected and intelligent urban environment.

Victorias City, one of 27 DigiCities in the Philippines, shares UNAWA’s vision for digital advancement. This masterclass marks a significant step towards empowering businesses through technology and fostering a more robust and inclusive digital economy.

For more information on UNAWA and their suite of digital solutions, visit their website: https://unawa.asia.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES