More than 5,000 participants, composed of representatives of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, and non-government organizations learned more about artificial intelligence (AI) and how to harness its potential to enhance businesses.
Hosted by PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc (Smart), the webinar was conducted in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA).
"More than half of our countrymen are employed by MSMEs. And this staggering proportion is due to the fact that more than 99% of the business enterprises operating in the country are MSMEs," said Jay C. Lagdameo, Vice President and Enterprise Revenue Group Head at PLDT Enterprise, who welcomed participants to the webinar titled "AI 101 for Pinoy MSMEs".
More than 5,000 participants from MSMEs, cooperatives, government agencies, and non-government organizations learned more about artificial intelligence (AI) at PLDT and Smart's "AI 101 for Pinoy MSMEs" webinar.
Despite these numbers, Lagdameo stressed that MSMEs in the country have their own share of difficulties. "Filipino MSMEs face unique challenges that can hinder their growth and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. This is where AI steps in as a game-changer. Truly, the age of AI are exciting times for Filipino MSMEs. In this webinar, PLDT and Smart will highlight the benefits and also address the practical considerations and steps for MSMEs like the ones in our audience today, to effectively integrate AI into their operations," he said.
The webinar featured a talk led by Bonnie Factor, author of "Team Human + AI: Curiosity as the Ultimate Collaboration Tool" and founder, Leading with Success & CuriosityGenAI, LLC.
Highlighting the transformative power of AI, the webinar delved into sample AI tools and its practical application for MSMEs as well as different strategies to incorporate AI into their business processes. The participants also learned how to effectively harness AI's capabilities through practical demonstrations, including strategies for prompt engineering and maximizing AI's potential for innovation.
Under the direction of the current administration, AI and digital technologies will be embedded in the Philippine MSME Development Plan to fortify their capabilities, helping them to comply with and excel within the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Jay C. Lagdameo, Vice President and Enterprise Revenue Group Head at PLDT Enterprise, welcomed participants to the webinar, which was hosted by PLDT and Smart in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA).
"We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize and streamline business processes and ensure ease of doing business, bolster sectors that drive over 65% of jobs, drive economic growth and enhance customer experiences," said Mina Lyn Peralta, DICT OIC-Director III, ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau.
The activity is part of PLDT and Smart's eBizNovation, which provides access to technology and upskilling trainings, and helps MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives onboard to e-commerce platforms. PLDT and Smart have previously partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, local chambers of commerce, and various e-commerce platforms for this program.
PLDT and Smart's support for this event is in line with the PLDT Group's drive to empower communities through meaningful use of technology and innovation, a fundamental part of its overall support for the government's digitalization push.
It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on SDG 1 - No Poverty, and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
