PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have expanded to the Bicol region its homegrown digital upskilling to e-commerce program ‘eBiznovation’, particularly in Camarines Sur (CamSur).
This was made possible by the PLDT Group’s partnership with TikTok Shop, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (CSCCI).
“Apart from our network and technology, PLDT and Smart also prioritize partnerships with like-minded organizations to further boost our advocacy of improving lives and livelihood using digital innovations. Our collaboration with these organizations has enabled us to make a positive, collective impact to support local micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises and cooperatives nationwide,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.
Over 60 MSMEs based in CamSur and neighboring towns attended the eBiznovation run and learned about the fundamentals of digital marketing, specifically on creating entertaining and compelling content, targeting customers strategically through TikTok’s algorithm, and other online selling techniques.
“Partnering with PLDT and Smart has enabled us to offer the best services to our members. Through this digital upskilling session, we have introduced more livelihood opportunities that abound in the digital marketplace, that can allow local MSMEs to sell their products not just locally but also internationally,” Carlos Jerome Yurin, CSCCI Chief of Staff.
Training participants shared their insights on the benefits of using digital technologies to improve their respective business performance.
Camarines Sur-based MSMEs learn about the fundamentals of digital marketing from PLDT, Smart, and TikTok Shop.
“Digital marketing is a continuous learning process. Today’s session provided us with a step-by-step guide on how to create compelling visual content online – we learned about storyboarding, timing, and posting, which used to be a challenge. We also discovered how much potential there is in using e-commerce platforms like TikTok Shop,” said Lourdes Delos Santos, owner of Café RoSa, a farm-to-table restaurant in Naga City.
“We, MSMEs, should continue to learn about the potential benefits of using digital technology in our business. Grabbing opportunities like this digital upskilling session by PLDT, Smart, TikTok Shop, DTI, and CSCCI can significantly help improve our businesses,” said Salve San Juan, owner of FSJ Pasalubong Sentral and Golden Mama.
PLDT and Smart’s push to provide communication and connectivity for all to benefit local businesses, underscores the Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This also highlights the PLDT Group’s support for the government’s Go Digital Pilipinas Movement as a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which aims to uplift the lives of Filipinos through adoption of digital services.
