More than 500 Mindanaoan entrepreneurs, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperative members have started their journey into digital entrepreneurship, through the eBizNovation workshops organized by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Northern Mindanao, with support from local government units and other agencies.
“Through collaboration, we are able to boost our efforts to digitally upskill and assist local enterprises, helping them to increase productivity and income through digital technology,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart.
The eBizNovation program aims to equip MSMEs with digital skills and tools to lead them towards innovative livelihood opportunities. In partnership with e-commerce platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop, PLDT and Smart have provided trainings to help businesses widen their market reach and leverage on online content creation as another way of selling.
Entrepreneur Junrey Panamogan, attended the eBizNovation learning session with TikTok Shop co-organized by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Davao Oriental. Panamogan shared, “I have learned new ways to use my phone and maximize sales for my small business. Thank you for this initiative.”
In Cagayan de Oro, cooperatives and MSMEs from Northern Mindanao attended two workshops – the Aahon at Babangon series with Shopee, in partnership with DTI Region 10, and the BuyLocal Bazaar with the Cooperative Development Authority Region 10.
Supported by Kagay-anon youth volunteers, entrepreneurs conceptualized and created short videos to promote their products online. Jorenn Decierdo, a student from CDO City College, said, “This is the first time I realized the power of our digital skills. Some entrepreneurs were still stuck in traditional marketing, and we are happy to help teach and inspire them to level up their businesses with online platforms.”
The PLDT Group also advocates for safe spaces online. Since the start of the year, PLDT and Smart have incorporated their cybersecurity module in livelihood trainings for cooperatives, to help more than 400 entrepreneurs keep themselves and their businesses safe against dangers online. Through its partnership with Sta. Ana Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Davao City, more than 4,000 members have joined the co-op’s virtual activities featuring the online safety module.
PLDT and Smart are committed to promote inclusive technologies to bolster livelihood opportunities for Filipinos and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly UNSDG No. 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
