Building on its mission to enable the country’s economic backbone, PLDT’s corporate arm PLDT Enterprise continues to strengthen Mindanao’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through digital empowerment at the recently-concluded MSME Day in General Santos City.
The event, organized with partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region XII, the local government of GenSan, and RCBC’s Hexagon Club Prestige, gathered MSME owners from the food, restaurant, and handicraft sectors who aim to bridge traditional operations with the fast-evolving digital economy.
“This is now the 5th edition of MSME Day, and we are proud of how far this journey has taken us,” said Chet Alviz, Vice President and Head of SME Growth Marketing, Digital & Trade at PLDT Enterprise, as he opened the event. “General Santos City was a natural choice for our next stop. As the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and one of Mindanao’s fastest-growing commercial hubs, its mix of agribusiness, food processing, retail, and emerging digital commerce makes it a true hotspot for MSME growth.”
Sessions focused on building MSME capacity for digital adoption and business growth, covering financial literacy, export platforms, MSME legalities and intellectual property, e-commerce expansion, digital payment solutions, and accounting and tax applications.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to PLDT Enterprise and DTI for giving importance to our local entrepreneurs,” said Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao. “This initiative helps MSMEs grow their businesses and strengthens our local economy. MSMEs make up a large share of our enterprises and provide livelihood to thousands of families, so it’s only right that we continue to empower them, especially in the digital age.”
PLDT Enterprise gathered business owners from diverse sectors including food, restaurants, and handicrafts in General Santos to celebrate MSME Day.
PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. introduced AI-powered content creation tools, helping MSMEs learn how to use technology to produce consistent and engaging online marketing content. Participants gained practical insights on how to effectively promote their products online.
DTI Region XII Regional Director Flora D. Politud-Gabunales emphasized the importance of synergy. “DTI Region XII remains steadfast in supporting our MSMEs as drivers of inclusive growth and innovation,” she said. “Collaboration among government, the private sector, and MSMEs is vital to progress. We commend PLDT Enterprise and its partners for advancing our shared advocacy of digital empowerment and innovation for MSMEs.”
Euan Toralballa, Head of SME Channels and Communities at PLDT Enterprise, closed the event by reaffirming the company’s support, saying: “Opportunity is the same everywhere—whether you’re in the Philippines or abroad. Never underestimate your potential. While technology continues to evolve, one thing AI can never replace is passion and grit. Combine those with digital tools, and you can achieve great things.”
MSME Day forms part of PLDT and Smart broader commitment to create opportunities for sustainable growth, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By equipping local MSMEs with digital skills, the companies are helping build a stronger, more resilient local economy.
To learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s initiatives, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-msme-day-gensan-pr.
