PLDT, Smart enhance livelihood opportunities for MSMEs in Pangasinan, Baguio, Bicol

Over a hundred owners and managers of micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) gained new learnings from a training series organized by PLDT Enterprise, aimed at helping MSMEs enhance their financial and market access, develop their skills, and adapt to tech innovations. The latest runs of the PLDT Enterprise series were held in Manaoag City, Pangasinan; Baguio City; and Legazpi and Naga in the Bicol Region.

Among the programs featured was PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation, which provides access to technology and upskilling trainings, and helps onboard MSMEs and farmers to e-commerce platforms. PLDT and Smart have partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture, local chambers of commerce, and various e-commerce platforms for this program.

During the event, the participants learned about the benefits of using the Smart Messaging Suite, a text messaging platform that businesses can use as an effective go-to-market strategy; and Maya’s financial solutions for businesses.

Meanwhile, representatives from TikTok shared with the attendees how MSMEs could use the TikTok Shop e-commerce platform to market their products and services and widen their reach online. With video selling being a prominent feature on TikTok Shop, small and emerging business owners can effectively showcase their products and engage with customers.

As TikTok Shop continues to grow in importance for e-commerce, PLDT Enterprise provides essential solutions like MSME FIBERBIZ plans, alongside the Smart Messaging Suite, ensuring seamless online operations. These solutions empower MSMEs to confidently produce and stream high-quality video content, promptly respond to customer inquiries, and efficiently manage transactions. This support enables MSMEs to fully leverage TikTok Shop, enhancing their business potential.

“Through eBizNovation, we aim to help farmers and MSMEs generate more income and expand their market reach by equipping them with the tools and the know-how to become effective online merchants,” said PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie V Orlino.

PLDT Enterprise Retail Industry Business Consultant Jerry Dy emphasized that digitalization could bring more opportunities to MSMEs. According to the DTI, as of 2022, 99.59% of business enterprises operating in the Philippines, or over 1.1 million, are MSMEs. Based on a DTI survey in 2020, less than 10% of the MSMEs that joined the study used advanced digital tools, such as ERP, CRM, data analytics, for their businesses.

“That’s why PLDT Enterprise is going across the Philippines, to start talking about digitalization and bring its benefits to more local MSMEs, further driving the growth and success of these businesses,” said Dy.

To date, PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program has trained over 21,000 MSME owners, agropreneurs, cooperative members and officers, and owners of tourism-related businesses.

Leo Ramos, IT manager at The Manaoag Hotel and one of the participants, said the PLDT Enterprise event was “very informative” for those who operate and manage small businesses. “We learned about the Smart Messaging Suite, which could be helpful when we need to send reminders to our clients. We can also use TikTok to promote our hotel and restaurant business,” said Ramos.

PLDT and Smart have been supporting MSMEs through upskilling programs, technology, and innovative solutions that can help grow their businesses. These initiatives reinforce the group’s commitment to help in nation-building and support UN Sustainable Development Goals 1: No Poverty; and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.