Future entrepreneurs play a vital role in building future-ready communities, and equipping them early with digital skills helps them stay competitive in an increasingly connected marketplace.
In support of this goal, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) joined the YEP Summit: Go Asenso Negosyo Caravan Para sa Kabataan at National University Baliwag. Organized by the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) of Bulacan in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bulacan, the summit aimed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to start and grow small businesses.
Through continued collaboration with public and private stakeholders, PLDT and Smart continue to foster an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive livelihood development.
Strengthening Digital Entrepreneurship
During the summit, PLDT and Smart led a session focused on digital entrepreneurship, highlighting how digital tools and reliable connectivity can help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) streamline operations, strengthen their online presence, and reach wider markets.
For Miguel Santos, a 19-year-old second-year student at National University Baliwag, the summit offered a new perspective on starting a business.
“The session made me realize that starting a business today isn’t just about having a product, but about how you use digital tools to manage it and reach people,” Santos shared. “Learning how stable internet and social media marketing work together gave me more confidence to move forward with the small online venture I’ve been planning.”
The discussion emphasized that entrepreneurship today extends beyond traditional business models, with digital platforms now playing a central role in growth and sustainability.
Building Trust Through Digital Safety
Participants also learned that digital entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with cybersecurity and data protection.
Clara Ramos, also a second-year student at National University Baliwag, shared how the session deepened her understanding of trust-building in online business.
“I learned that as we go digital, protecting our customers’ data is just as important as making a sale,” Ramos said. “The session helped me realize that building trust online is part of growing a business the right way.”
The conversation reinforced that digital safety is not just a technical requirement, but a core part of responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Supporting Inclusive Livelihood Development
The initiative forms part of the PLDT Group’s broader efforts to promote digital inclusion and expand livelihood opportunities in provincial communities.
Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, emphasized the importance of helping businesses—big and small—develop both the capability and confidence needed to succeed.
“We believe that empowering our local entrepreneurs with the right digital skills is key to building more resilient communities,” Orlino said.
She added that alongside helping MSMEs expand their digital footprint, PLDT and Smart also prioritize cybersecurity awareness to ensure businesses grow safely and responsibly online.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando highlighted the summit’s importance in preparing young Bulakenyos to actively participate in the province’s growing enterprise ecosystem.
“May this serve as a path to further strengthen the sector of small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of our economy,” Governor Fernando said.
Addressing the youth participants directly, he added, “To our youth, do not be afraid to dream and to start. Use this opportunity to learn, to connect, and to prove that the excellence of the Bulakenyo can compete in any field.”
The summit also featured presentations from key stakeholders including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and J&T Express, giving participants a broader understanding of the support ecosystem available to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Through sustained collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners, PLDT and Smart continue to strengthen pathways for young Filipinos—helping them move from learning to launching their own ventures.
