PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) scale up their digital upskilling-to-e-commerce program ‘eBiznovation’, enhancing the digital skills of 100 Laguna-based Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), in partnership with TikTok Shop, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna, and the Laguna Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LCCI), held at Cafetalista in Calamba.
“We recognize the important role of MSMEs in driving our country’s economy forward, which is why we continuously offer tech-driven solutions and innovative ways of doing business to help MSMEs thrive,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.
“This is a manifestation of the PLDT Group’s initiative to lead MSMEs towards available business solutions and platforms, also a part of our unwavering commitment to enable and empower them through technology,” Rafael Davila, SMBiz Luzon Business Head, PLDT Enterprise.
Ellenita Red, owner of ARTE Fashion, an online apparel store and one of the participating local entrepreneurs, shared her insights on the benefits of using digital technologies to improve their respective business performance.
“As we improve our online business strategies, we hope to eventually reach more customers not just across the Philippines, but even in other Asian countries,” said Red.
“PLDT and Smart have long supported DTI in helping MSMEs and in advocating for the utilization of e-commerce platforms in doing business, because it is cost-efficient and it also enables MSMEs to promote their products across borders,” said Christian Tungohan, Provincial Director at DTI Laguna.
“We recognize the valuable contribution of technology in the MSME sector. With this learning session made possible by this collaboration and the platform on TikTok Shop, our local MSMEs have been given a better fighting chance with more established businesses,” said Relly Fajardo, LCCI member.
PLDT and Smart’s push to create tech-driven opportunities to benefit MSMEs and other local businesses, underscores the Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This also highlights the PLDT Group’s support for the government’s Go Digital Pilipinas Movement as a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which aims to uplift the lives of Filipinos through adoption of digital services.
