PLDT, Smart, PPSA, and DTI Facilitate Digital Upskilling and Internet Safety for Filipino Coops and MSMEs

Recently, the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) and PLDT's wireless business Smart Communications collaborated to offer a digital upskilling learning session for local entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and cooperatives in the Philippines.​

​PLDT, Smart, and PPSA provide local entrepreneurs—including those in the agriculture and fishery sectors—the digital tools they need to expand their enterprises online through the "eBiznovation" program, which is a digital upskilling-to-ecommerce initiative.

In this rapidly evolving digital world, learning the fundamentals of digital marketing unlocks plenty of livelihood opportunities. Through eBiznovation, we aim to assist small- and medium-scale local enterprises in navigating the digital space efficiently and safely, and eventually help them boost their income,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

Participating coops and MSMEs gained knowledge on practical methods for increasing online visibility, producing interesting content, and utilizing simple social media platforms to attract online prospects and win them over as devoted clients.

“PPSA collaborates with a network of different stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to attain inclusive and sustainable agriculture in the Philippines. Through this particular initiative with PLDT and Smart, we aim to accelerate the adoption of digital innovations and ICT solutions and interventions across the agri-fisheries sector,” said Ma. Angela Primitiva Bautista, Country Director of PPSA.

In addition to digital upskilling, PLDT and Smart provide coops and MSMEs with basic cybersecurity education courses to guarantee a secure online business environment for anyone. During DTI-Laguna's Fiesta Kucha: A Cultural Celebration of Likhang Laguna, the Group recently helped the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and led a learning session for MSMEs in Laguna on how to safeguard themselves and their businesses from fraud both offline and online.

​The PLDT Group is always looking for new and innovative methods to support inclusive technologies that will help increase livelihood prospects for MSMEs, cooperatives, farmers, and fishermen, so that no one is left behind. The PLDT Group's dedication to advancing UNSDGs #1 No Poverty, #2 Zero Hunger, and #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth is also shown by the eBiznovation program.