by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
In a vibrant archipelago where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in bustling markets and neighborhood sari-sari stores, a digital transformation is underway. PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., its wireless arm, are championing this evolution, arming Filipino micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with the digital weaponry needed to not just survive, but flourish in an increasingly online world.
Forget dusty ledgers and word-of-mouth alone; in today’s landscape, a strategic TikTok presence, seamless e-commerce capabilities, and robust online security are the new cornerstones of business success.
PLDT Group’s eBizNovation: Empowering over 32,000 MSMEs
Recognizing this paradigm shift, the PLDT Group has launched its flagship eBizNovation program, a nationwide initiative that has already empowered over 32,000 MSMEs.
This isn’t just about handing out gadgets; it’s a holistic approach encompassing vital digital skills training, the integration of cutting-edge e-commerce technologies, and crucial education on navigating the often-treacherous waters of online safety.
PLDT’s ultimate goal? To ensure that local businesses, the very backbone of the Philippine economy, are not left behind in the rapid march of technological advancement.
The impact of eBizNovation has been palpable across the nation.
Recently, more than 250 eager entrepreneurs flocked to eBizNovation events held during the energetic Power Up MSME Summer Fair, which swept through key locations like Subic, Cebu, Bacolod, Moalboal, and Davao. Simultaneously, the Shop and Ship Caravan in Pasay became a hub of digital learning.
These weren’t your typical dry seminars. Instead, attendees were immersed in practical workshops designed to unlock the potential of platforms like TikTok Shop Philippines, streamline logistics with the efficiency of J&T Express, and amplify their online visibility through the creative power of Canva.
The crucial role of PLDT’s digital safety training
For Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, the mission is deeply rooted in the understanding of the MSME sector’s critical role. “MSMEs are the lifeblood of our economy,” she asserts.
“Through eBizNovation, we’re empowering these entrepreneurs with the tools they need to tell their unique stories online, reach a wider customer base that transcends geographical boundaries, and, crucially, safeguard their hard-earned businesses in the digital realm,” the PLDT executive added.
The workshops offered a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture confident growth in the digital space. From the intricacies of optimizing e-commerce storefronts for maximum impact to demystifying the power of AI-driven marketing techniques, no stone was left unturned.
Recognizing the inherent risks that come with increased online activity, the program also incorporated essential crash courses in digital safety, equipping business owners with the knowledge to protect their operations and their customers in the virtual world.
eBizNovation is not a standalone project; it’s a significant component of PLDT and Smart’s broader commitment to creating tangible and measurable impact at the grassroots level. This initiative strategically aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Bridging the digital divide for Filipino MSMEs
By forging strong collaborations with government agencies, influential chambers of commerce, and leading digital platforms, PLDT and Smart are fostering a supportive ecosystem where MSMEs can truly thrive.
The stories emerging from the eBizNovation program are testaments to its transformative power. Sari-sari store owners in Laguna and Baguio, once confined to their local neighborhoods, are now reaching customers across the islands through their newfound online presence.
Visayas-based small businesses are leveraging the dynamic reach of TikTok to showcase their products and connect with a new generation of consumers. The digital divide, once a daunting chasm, is being bridged, one empowered MSME at a time.
As the digital economy continues its relentless expansion, the efforts of PLDT and Smart are not just about keeping pace; they are about creating a future where every Filipino entrepreneur, from the owner of a humble sari-sari store to the innovator behind a burgeoning online enterprise, has the opportunity to not only participate but to prosper.
The journey from local gem to digital powerhouse is being paved, one click, one share, and one online sale at a time.