As the country marks National MSME Month this July, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc.—together with PLDT Enterprise and Maya—are ramping up efforts to empower Filipino entrepreneurs through their flagship digital upskilling program, eBizNovation. By promoting digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and financial inclusion, the program helps equip MSMEs with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s connected economy.
“We believe that empowering Filipino MSMEs with the right digital tools and knowledge is key to building resilient communities,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart.
Supporting MSMEs across the nation
The eBizNovation program reflects PLDT and Smart’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. It supports the national government’s vision of accelerating digital transformation by empowering MSMEs, which are recognized as the backbone of the Philippine economy.
To date, PLDT and Smart have trained over 33,000 MSMEs nationwide through eBizNovation. This milestone was achieved through strong collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), local government units (LGUs), e-commerce platforms, business chambers, and other stakeholders.
On the ground, PLDT and Smart continue to empower MSMEs through community-based learning sessions.
Through a learning session organized b PLDT Enterprise, MSMEs in Tanay, Rizal learned about tools and platforms that can boost their businesses, while also taking vital steps to stay safe online. The session showcased solutions that can enable better customer communication and expand internet access, empowering them to operate more efficiently and reach wider markets.
In San Pedro, Laguna, the group supported the first Let’s Go & Grow Sari-Sari Store MSME Convention, organized by the city government and DTI-Laguna. Store owners received digital tools and insights to enhance operations, alongside an interactive session on internet safety, focusing on phishing scams and prevention.
In Angeles City, Pampanga, 50 MSMEs joined PLDT Enterprise SMBiz’s Committed to Success event, where they explored AI, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship—showcasing how emerging technologies can fuel business growth.
In Central Luzon, eBizNovation took part in the 2025 Franchising and Financing Forum hosted by DTI Region 3. The program featured #BeCyberSmart sessions to help MSMEs navigate digital risks and secure their operations.
PLDT and Smart also supported Tech Connect: Powering Up MSMEs in Ormoc City, Maasin City, and Sogod, Leyte, benefiting over 100 MSMEs across the Visayas. The group is also set to support upcoming MSME Day and Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Summit celebrations in Mindanao.
Digital skills for direct sellers
The program also reached Avon Philippines, the country’s leading direct-selling company. Avon sales representatives across the country received training on social media content creation, smartphone photography, and videography to boost their online presence and sales. The session also highlighted digital safety as an essential aspect of modern entrepreneurship.
“Minsan, madaling malinlang ang mga tao sa mga text, lalo na kapag pera ang pinag-uusapan. Kaya maganda na pinalalaganap ng PLDT at Smart ang awareness tungkol sa scams,” said Elizabeth Alave, an Avon Sales Leader for 15 years.
Advancing inclusive growth
eBizNovation is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader mission to create real, measurable impact at the grassroots level by helping Filipino entrepreneurs become more competitive, digitally empowered, and economically resilient. The program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It also aligns with the national government’s agenda of accelerating digitalization and strengthening the country’s MSMEs as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
