Dino Mirafuentes runs a small organic farm in Ormoc City, Leyte, where he raises chickens for eggs, rabbits for meat, and grows vegetables using black soldier fly larvae as natural fertilizer. But when the 28-year-old farmer-entrepreneur posts about his farm on Facebook, he doesn't worry about typos anymore. He uses generative AI to polish his social media content and to design professional-looking labels for his products.

"I was conscious about spelling errors and grammar when making posts," shares Mirafuentes, who runs an integrated organic farm. "So why not use the resources that are available that can help my business? With AI tools, I'm more confident in my output."

As more Filipino entrepreneurs shift online, PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications, Inc.’s comprehensive eBizNovation efforts are proving crucial for small businesses across the Visayas.

"These initiatives represent our commitment to ensuring that every Filipino entrepreneur has access to the digital tools and knowledge they need to compete in today's economy. Our partnerships with DTI and other agencies have allowed us to reach over 200 small businesses across the Visayas, but more importantly, we're creating a multiplier effect where trained entrepreneurs become advocates in their own communities,” said Jinky Francisco, PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao Head.

From the Shop and Ship Caravan in Cebu to the Tech Connect: MSME Power Up programs organized by PLDT Enterprise in Eastern Visayas, these strategic partnerships with government agencies and tech companies come at a pivotal moment when small businesses need not just internet connectivity, but the knowledge and confidence to leverage digital tools for growth.

Digital training across Cebu province

Over 90 small businesses participated in the Shop and Ship Caravan held by TikTok Shop Philippines, J&T Express, DTI Cebu Province, PLDT Enterprise and Smart. The program focused on enhancing digital literacy and online selling, providing entrepreneurs with practical skills to navigate online marketplaces.

"It's so important to keep up with digitalization today, and as a business owner, I really appreciate this kind of activity," said Milody Dimansillo-Alcuitas, owner of Mil Dim Handcrafted Creations in Carcar City. "These practical tips and strategies for using AI tools to market our products and grow our presence online are especially helpful for start-ups or for small businesses."

The momentum continued in Toledo City, where over 30 MSMEs learned from the MSME Digitalization Caravan organized by DTI Cebu and powered by PLDT Enterprise, Smart and Maya Philippines Inc., which addressed critical areas including AI tool integration, cybersecurity practices, and digital payment solutions.

Bringing AI training to rural communities

The impact expanded eastward through "Tech Connect: MSME Power Up," a three-leg digital upskilling series organized by PLDT Enterprise and Smart in partnership with DTI Leyte and DTI Southern Leyte. Over 100 MSMEs from Ormoc City, Sogod, and Maasin City discovered how AI could streamline their operations, from social media marketing to content creation.

For Mirafuentes, whose farm is DTI-accredited with complete business registrations, the training validated his instinctive adoption of digital tools. "Before the training, I was too conscious when I made posts using generative AI tools,” he explains. "With this training, I was enlightened that it's okay to use AI as long as it is used correctly."

This comprehensive approach, combining AI literacy, cybersecurity awareness, e-commerce skills, and digital payment systems, addresses the full spectrum of challenges facing small businesses today. As participants gain confidence in using these tools, they become advocates and teachers within their communities, who are able to transfer the knowledge and upskill even more people.

PLDT and Smart’s digital upskilling initiatives directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for small businesses and enabling them to participate in the digital economy.