PLDT, Smart, partners extend more business opportunities to MSMEs through technology

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart continue to open opportunities to Filipino micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through technology-based solutions, capacity building, and partnerships.

“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.

Local entrepreneurs and digital service providers joined the event and networked with potential business partners including Maya.

"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.

To strengthen its support for the MSME sector, the PLDT Group also participated in the pioneering "Cashless Expo 2023” which showcased an array of digital financial services, payment solutions, and contactless innovations tailored for to promote cashless transactions among MSMEs and consumers. Organized by Go Digital Pilipinas (GDP), the expo was held in collaboration with key government bodies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Tourism (DoT), and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

PLDT and Smart’s push to create tech-driven opportunities to benefit MSMEs and other local businesses, underscores the Group’s commitment to UNSDG #1: No Poverty and UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This also highlights the PLDT Group’s support for the national government’s Go Digital Pilipinas Movement as a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).