BUKIDNON—PLDT Enterprise continues its nationwide advocacy to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through MSME Day. The latest leg in Bukidnon equipped over 130 entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and digital solutions to scale their businesses.
MSME Day in Bukidnon builds on the success of its previous runs in Iloilo, Dipolog, and Pampanga. Organized by PLDT Enterprise, in partnership with DTI Province of Bukidnon, RCBC Hexagon Club Prestige, RCBC’s exclusive program designed for retail SMEs, and Bukidnon Business Community, a local network of partners and investors working to drive growth and innovation in the province, the event brought together a dynamic lineup of resource persons and industry experts to tackle real-life challenges and opportunities faced by local MSMEs—whether just starting out, newly opened, or actively expanding.
“MSMEs are the heartbeat of the Philippine economy. Through MSME Day, we remain committed to understanding their needs and recommending solutions to help them thrive in an increasingly digital business environment,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise.
A platform for learning and growth
The Bukidnon run focused on four critical pillars for MSME development: access to finance, access to upskilling, access to technology, and access to new markets. Each topic was addressed by industry professionals who offered actionable insights, tools, and tips to help MSMEs take the next step in their growth journey.
The full-day program included:
• Embracing digital adoption–led by Jinky Francisco, SMBiz Head in VisMin, PLDT Enterprise
• MSME legalities in online selling and consumer law–with Joni Jocson, COO, Lexmeet
• Expanding market reach through digital channels–by Alden James Aboy, Junior Sales Associate, 1Export
• Upscaling through intellectual property–with Engr. John Paul Yu, IPOPHIL CDO
• AI 101 and content creation in e-commerce–by Kim Namocatcat, Stakeholder Mgt. Specialist, PLDT and Smart
• Financial literacy and operations–led by Karen Jean Perez, Region Head, Sun Life Grepa Financial
• QR and digital payments–by Elvin Dayanghirang, Mindanao Regional Business Head, Maya
• Cybersecurity essentials for SMEs–with Mil Severino, Technology Solutions Consultant-Cybersecurity, ePLDT
Over 130 local entrepreneurs and stakeholders gather in Valencia City, Bukidnon, for PLDT Enterprise’s MSME Day, a one-day event that empowered MSMEs through expert-led sessions on digital adoption, finance, technology, and upskilling, underscoring the company’s commitment to inclusive business growth across the Philippines.
Local MSMEs also had the chance to showcase their products and services, offering guests a glimpse into the province’s entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
A continuing commitment to the MSME sector
"The world is changing fast—customers are online, supply chains are digital, and competition is global. If MSMEs are to thrive, not just survive, they must embrace digital tools not as a luxury but a necessity. Digital transformation is about empowering our MSMEs to do what they do best, but better, faster, and smarter. When we come together—government, private sector, and communities—we can build an ecosystem where no entrepreneur is left behind in the digital age, because when MSMEs rise, our nation rises," said Valencia City Administrator Atty. Heinz Villanueva.
The Bukidnon edition of MSME Day continues PLDT Enterprise’s strategic focus on enabling business growth across the country, especially in underserved or remote regions where access to digital infrastructure and knowledge remains a challenge.
DTI Bukidnon Provincial Director Famelah Racquel Villanueva emphasized how partnerships benefit local enterprises in Bukidnon, “Initiatives like MSME Day in Bukidnon, through our collaboration with PLDT Enterprise, equip our homegrown entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and market insights they need to grow. By supporting our MSMEs, we are not only uplifting livelihoods but also driving the province’s economic development and building a stronger, more resilient business community.”
MSME Day is a key initiative under PLDT Enterprise’s broader commitment to nation-building, innovation, and inclusive digital transformation, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
PLDT Enterprise aims to continue the MSME Day series across the country to ensure no business is left behind in the digital revolution. To learn more about what PLDT Enterprise can do for your business, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-msme-day-bukidnon-pr.
