The QCX: Quezon City Experience at Quezon Memorial Circle buzzed with excitement during the “Capacity Development for SMEs” event, a vital component of USAID’s SPEED (Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy) initiative.

UNAWA COO Atty. Gino Jacinto addressing queries from the audience

Organized by StartUp Village, the event attracted members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), all eager to enhance business viability and bolster the Philippine economy.

Atty. Gino Jacinto, COO of UNAWA, captivated the audience with his insightful presentation, “From Ink to Click: The Electronic Signature Advantage for Small Businesses.”

During his talk, he emphasized the importance of digitization and electronic signatures, highlighting the E-Commerce Act (Republic Act No. 8792) which governs electronic signatures in the Philippines. This Act, enacted in 2000, recognizes the legal validity and admissibility of electronic documents and signatures, ensuring they hold the same weight as their physical counterparts.

Atty. Jacinto explained how the E-Commerce Act provides the legal foundation for electronic transactions, encouraging the integration of technology in business and ensuring that the legal framework keeps pace with the evolving digital environment.

He also demonstrated how electronic documentation can streamline business processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance security through UNAWA’s SignSecure platform. Notably, SignSecure is the only e-signature solution in the country equipped with a proprietary facial recognition biometric system, ensuring security at each step.

UNAWA’s SignSecure platform

The innovative features of SignSecure resonated deeply with PCCI members, who appreciated its ability to authenticate the identity of signatories throughout the signing process, thereby ensuring heightened security and compliance.

Atty. Jacinto highlighted that electronic signatures enable MSMEs to streamline workflows, maintain accurate records, simplify compliance, and cut costs, allowing businesses to reinvest these savings into other areas.

As a trailblazer in legal tech innovation in the Philippines, UNAWA continues to support SMEs on their journey toward digital transformation. The “Capacity Development for SMEs” event marked a pivotal step in empowering businesses through technology, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive digital economy.

Founded in 2019, UNAWA is a pioneering legal tech company dedicated to empowering Filipino businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital era with user-friendly legal tech tools. UNAWA’s mission is to make advanced solutions accessible and affordable, thereby fostering a thriving digital Philippines. The company seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with decades of legal expertise from its founding partner, PJS Law.