PLDT, Smart Equip Farmers and MSMEs with AI and Cybersecurity Skills

PLDT and its wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), continue to push digital skill development for farmers and MSMEs in today's quickly changing digital world by providing them with essential artificial intelligence (AI) understanding and cybersecurity awareness.

The group supported the Global Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship Exposition 2024, organized by UPLB's College of Economics and Management and the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA). The event sought to highlight best practices, emerging trends, and innovations in agriculture.

“Having foundational knowledge in AI is becoming increasingly essential for farmers, MSMEs, and cooperatives to stay competitive in the digital age. Equally important is knowing how to protect themselves and their businesses from cybersecurity threats. Through initiatives like this, we aim to help individuals and communities embrace technology safely and confidently,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart hosted an "Empowering Agripreneurs through AI" learning event, which introduced participants to AI and demonstrated how AI technologies can be utilized to promote agricultural products more efficiently. The event aims to explain AI principles for farmers and MSMEs by offering practical solutions to improve their company operations and find new markets.

With the increased usage of online tools and platforms, PLDT and Smart taught participants how to protect themselves and their companies against mobile and online frauds, phishing attempts, and other unwanted actions.

“We are glad to continue our collaboration with PLDT and Smart, particularly in initiatives that promote knowledge sharing aimed at improving the lives and livelihood of Filipino farmers and the agriculture sector in general,” according to Angel Bautista, Country Director of PPSA.

PLDT and Smart's major livelihood projects, eBizNovation and FarmSmart, are intended to assist MSMEs and farmers with technology and upskilling opportunities. These activities are consistent with the group's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.