PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. create more opportunities for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers with the help of technological innovation. The group has extended support to Gawad Kalinga's 2024 BayanAnihan Summit, a nationwide event that gathered young agricultural stakeholders to share knowledge, form connections, and empower them in their own efforts in their communities.

BayanAnihan Summit featured a countryside fair for local agri-businesses, and plenary sessions on forestry, farming, and the future of agriculture. PLDT and Smart led a breakout session for a group of young farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and other agri stakeholders. Titled “AI 101 for Pinoy MSMEs,” the module introduced learners to the basics of artificial intelligence, AI tools, and how the technology could help them in their day-to-day activities. The learning session also gave an insight on how they could protect themselves from mobile and online scams and #BeCyberSmart.

“We want to encourage our youth to explore and participate in agriculture by demonstrating how technology, especially AI, can revolutionize the sector. Through our programs like the Digital Farmers Program, we aim to show the youth how they can leverage AI for tasks like marketing and content creation, allowing them to tap into their creativity and digital skills while contributing to the agricultural value chain. This not only opens up new opportunities for them but also strengthens the future of agriculture in the country,” said PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie V. Orlino.

The three-day BayanAnihan Summit was held at National College of Science and Technology, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, in Luzon; West Visayas State University, Iloilo City, in the Visayas; and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City, in Mindanao, from August to September 2024.

Marione Gueta, one of the participants in the BayanAnihan Summit and the AI 101 session at NCST, said creating content with the help of AI would be most helpful for his agri business. “I’m very particular on content creation or social media content creation, because apart from marketing our own products, we also help other MSMEs in our community,” said Gueta, farm manager at Layuan Nature Integrated Farm based in Bulan, Sorsogon. He said visibility was one of the biggest challenges for MSMEs, and skills in online marketing could help them reach a wider audience and expand their customer base.

PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation and FarmSmart programs aim to harness digital technologies to enhance the lives and livelihoods of communities all over the Philippines. These initiatives are aligned with the group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty; and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.