Avon entrepreneurs across the country have long relied on their iconic print catalog to showcase their products to customers. In Cebu City, more than 30 Avon sales leaders have leveled up to online selling as PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. continued their #eBizNovation program efforts in partnership with Avon Philippines, the country's leading direct seller of beauty brands. The session is part of PLDT and Smart's broad commitment to help entrepreneurs boost their online presence and drive business growth across the Philippines.
"We are committed to helping small businesses grow," emphasized Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. "Through the #eBizNovation program, we provide small businesses with the essential digital skills they need to thrive in today's economy. When we help them go digital, we contribute to the overall growth and development of our nation."
Risherylyn Ocampo of Avon Philippines has expressed her gratitude to PLDT and Smart for upskilling more of their dealers in digital marketing and in protecting themselves from various forms of scams.
The session in Cebu focused on practical digital marketing strategies, where participants learned to create visually appealing content that enhances their digital footprint. Sales leaders learned essential techniques in social media content creation, smartphone photography, and videography. Participants were also trained on protecting themselves from cyber threats, including online scams and phishing attempts.
Beyond marketing strategies, the program emphasized digital safety through PLDT and Smart's #BeCyberSmart initiative. Participants received comprehensive training on protecting themselves and their businesses against online scams, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats that commonly target small-scale entrepreneurs. This cybersecurity component reflects the companies' commitment to ensuring that digital transformation occurs safely and sustainably.
More than 30 Avon dealers from different areas in Cebu attend PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program.
Amy Ponce, 57, from Brgy. Sambag 2 and an Avon representative for 16 years, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to join the training. “I gained helpful insights from this training as I continue learning how to promote Avon products online. Thanks to PLDT, Smart, and Avon for encouraging us, especially the more senior dealers, to go digital,” said Ponce.
Cebu's inclusion in the program underscores its significance as a major economic hub driving entrepreneurship and innovation across the Visayas region. The city's vibrant business ecosystem and strong entrepreneurial culture make it an ideal location for initiatives that aim to digitally empower micro and small enterprises.
The #eBizNovation program forms part of PLDT and Smart's much broader efforts to democratize digital technology access and skills across the Philippines, ensuring that economic opportunities in the digital age are available to entrepreneurs at every level. This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by empowering micro-entrepreneurs with the skills needed to expand their businesses and contribute to inclusive economic development.
