PLDT, Smart, and Partners Use Technology to Give MSMEs Greater Business Prospects

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines are given opportunities by PLDT and its wireless division Smart through collaborations, capacity building, and technology-based solutions.

“We recognize MSMEs as the backbone of the country’s economy, and supporting the growth and development of this sector is a key component of our livelihood advocacy," said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of the Stakeholder Management Team of PLDT and Smart.

“To further support MSMEs thrive in the digital economy, PLDT Enterprise held the MSME “Speed Dating”: Business Edition to offer practical digital solutions that can help MSMEs improve their way of doing business,“ said Rafael Davila, SMBiz Regional Luzon Business Head, PLDT Enterprise.

At the event, digital service providers and local entrepreneurs networked with Maya and other possible business partners.

"MSMEs often find it challenging to compete with established brands in traditional retail spaces. Through TikTok Shop, we aim to empower Filipino MSMEs to grow further and contribute to the local economy by providing them with a digital storefront that merges content and commerce for an immersive and seamless shopping experience to help them reach a nationwide audience," said Toff Rada, Public Policy Head at TikTok.

“Zoom has created one collaboration platform, incorporating all communication tools that MSMEs can effectively use to help boost their productivity. PLDT’s network infrastructure can help advance our goal of providing a seamless and reliable online collaboration platform for Filipino MSMEs,” said Stephen Liu, APAC Carrier Channel Lead at Zoom.

The PLDT Group furthered its support for the MSME sector by taking part in the groundbreaking "Cashless Expo 2023," which was organized by Go Digital Pilipinas (GDP) and held in cooperation with important government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Tourism (DoT), and the Department of Agriculture (DA). The expo featured a variety of digital financial services, payment solutions, and contactless innovations tailored to promote cashless transactions among MSMEs and consumers.

The group's dedication to UNSDG #1: No Poverty and UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is highlighted by PLDT and Smart's efforts to develop tech-driven possibilities that will help MSMEs and other local enterprises. This further demonstrates the PLDT Group's backing of the Go Digital Pilipinas Movement of the national government as a founding member of the Private Sector Advisory Council's (PSAC) Digital Infrastructure pillar.​​