Entrepreneurs from across sectors gathered at University of the Philippines in Diliman for a learning session held during the 8th BUYanihan sa Diliman, organized by UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry e-Commerce Bureau and supported by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Conducted as part of UP ISSI’s Communities of Practice for Entrepreneurship (COPE) Program, which promotes inclusive and sustainable enterprise development through practical and market-relevant learning opportunities for MSMEs, the session featured PLDT and Smart-led discussions on content creation, social media marketing, and internet safety. The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing efforts under its #KonektedForLivelihoods program to empower Filipino entrepreneurs through digital learning and online safety awareness.

Stephanie Orlino, AVP for Stakeholder Engagement Management at PLDT and Smart, said the initiative reflects the company's commitment to bringing practical learning opportunities closer to local entrepreneurs. "Through #KonektedLivelihood, we recognize that connectivity becomes more meaningful when communities also have the skills to use digital tools effectively," Orlino said. "Partnerships with organizations such as UP ISSI and DTI-ECB allow us to help more entrepreneurs strengthen their digital skills and adapt to the evolving online marketplace."

DTI-ECB Trade Industry Development Specialist Arianne Villareal underscored the importance of helping MSMEs strengthen and promote Filipino-made products online. "Ang pinaka-goal talaga namin is to reach the MSMEs as they make up almost more than half of the enterprises in the Philippines. Sila yung kailangan nating i-empower kasi nasa kanila yung mga Tatak Pinoy na products."

UP ISSI Agri-Division Delivery Division Administrative Officer and project coordinator Melanie Sangalang also noted the importance of helping MSMEs become more active online and better promote their products through social media.

Among the participants was Charlie M. Montero Jr., owner of Nueva C Calamansi and Charibelle's Pastries in Taytay, Rizal, who said the discussions helped him better understand how e-commerce platforms can support small businesses. "The session on e-commerce helped us better understand how we can introduce our products online and engage with customers through digital platforms," Montero shared.

Jessica R. Domingo, owner of the online gardening supplies business Shapes of Green, said the #BeCyberSmart discussions served as an important reminder about online scams and phishing attempts. "Kahit anong mangyari, breathe, think first, before you click," Arduino said, recalling a previous scam experience.

Through initiatives like these, PLDT and Smart continue helping Filipino entrepreneurs strengthen their digital skills, build safer online practices, and discover new opportunities in today's increasingly connected marketplace.