Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT)'s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) is calling for tighter collaboration between the government, the private sector and community-based organizations across the country to accelerate the digital transformation of micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.
At the recent Digital Nation Summit Manila organized by the GSMA, the organization representing mobile operators globally, Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, underscored the importance of building a nationwide “Coalition of the Willing” to boost digitalization initiatives that support MSMEs, which account for more than 99% of registered businesses in the country.
"No single organization can do it alone. We all need to work together. At Smart, we work with what we call the Coalition of the Willing, which are public, private, and community-based organizations who share the same goals and values," Orlino said at a panel titled 'Empowering MSMEs: Advancing Digital Skills for Inclusive Growth in the Philippines.'
Orlino added that Smart is working with 45 organizations to help scale their digital entrepreneurship programs and reach more MSMEs from underserved communities and marginalized sectors, noting that international organizations such as the GSMA also play a big role in this endeavor. "Working with international organizations allows us to leverage global best practices and customize them to our local realities," she said. "With our partners, we have been able to reach over 55,000 MSMEs already, 64% of which are in marginalized sectors," she added.
The panel moderated by GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) Director-APAC Rahul Shah also featured Lorna Salud Bondoc, Lead Digital Expert for Digital-PINAS program of International Trade Centre and Ericsson Philippines General Manager Arda Cetiner as panelists.
Orlino also emphasized that access to technology alone does not solve the digital divide. “We have learned that one cannot leave technology at the door, because access does not automatically lead to adoption. That’s why we design our programs to meet MSMEs where they are — whether they are learning basic smartphone photography and online marketing for the first time, or ready to explore e-commerce, AI, and cybersecurity,” Orlino said.
She also stressed the importance of follow-through support. “Training is only the beginning. Many MSMEs, especially first-time digital users, are unlikely to continue on their own, so it is important that we stay with them. We help them set up online storefronts and guide them through their first steps of digital selling so the learning translates into real income,” she shared.
The GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila gathered participants from government, the telco industry, and development partners to discuss how to best accelerate the Philippines’ transformation into a future-ready digital economy.
PLDT and Smart’s support for MSMEs through its programs eBizNovation and #BeCyberSmart is part of the Group's broader advocacy for digital inclusion, aligned with the Group’s commitment to help build a digitally empowered Philippines and attaining UN SDG 1: No Poverty and UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
