Entrepreneurs from different industries gathered at the University of the Philippines Diliman for a learning session held during the 8th BUYanihan sa Diliman, organized by the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – E-Commerce Bureau (DTI-ECB), and supported by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).
The session formed part of UP ISSI’s Communities of Practice for Entrepreneurship (COPE) Program, which aims to advance inclusive and sustainable enterprise development by providing MSMEs with practical, market-relevant learning opportunities. This year’s session focused on strengthening digital capabilities through discussions led by PLDT and Smart on content creation, social media marketing, and internet safety.
The initiative is aligned with PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedForLivelihoods program, which seeks to empower Filipino entrepreneurs by improving their access to digital tools, skills, and online safety knowledge.
Building stronger digital MSMEs
Stephanie Orlino, AVP for Stakeholder Engagement Management at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the importance of combining connectivity with capability-building.
“Through #KonektedLivelihood, we recognize that connectivity becomes more meaningful when communities also have the skills to use digital tools effectively,” Orlino said. “Partnerships with organizations such as UP ISSI and DTI-ECB allow us to help more entrepreneurs strengthen their digital skills and adapt to the evolving online marketplace.”
From the government side, DTI-ECB Trade Industry Development Specialist Arianne Villareal emphasized the role of MSMEs in promoting local products online.
“Ang pinaka-goal talaga namin is to reach the MSMEs as they make up almost more than half of the enterprises in the Philippines. Sila yung kailangan nating i-empower kasi nasa kanila yung mga Tatak Pinoy na products,” Villareal said.
UP ISSI Agri-Division Delivery Division Administrative Officer and project coordinator Melanie Sangalang also stressed the importance of helping MSMEs become more active in digital platforms to better showcase their products and reach wider markets.
Real-world impact on entrepreneurs
Participants shared how the session translated into practical insights for their businesses.
Charlie M. Montero Jr., owner of Nueva C Calamansi and Charibelle’s Pastries in Taytay, Rizal, said the discussion helped him better understand e-commerce opportunities.
“The session on e-commerce helped us better understand how we can introduce our products online and engage with customers through digital platforms,” Montero shared.
Jessica R. Domingo, owner of the online gardening supplies business Shapes of Green, said the internet safety segment served as a timely reminder about cyber threats.
“Whatever happens, breathe, think first before you click,” Domingo said, recalling a previous scam experience and underscoring the importance of caution in online transactions.
Strengthening safer, more connected livelihoods
Through initiatives like BUYanihan sa Diliman and the COPE Program, PLDT and Smart continue to support Filipino MSMEs in building stronger digital competencies, safer online practices, and greater access to opportunities in an increasingly connected economy.
