For Queen G. Anino, a rice producer from Santa Cruz, Laguna, learning how to market Cabisera Rice online has become an important step toward expanding her business. Through a digital upskilling workshop supported by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Anino gained practical tools to help her reach more customers and establish her enterprise’s social media presence.
“The training came at the right time because we are just starting to promote Cabisera Rice and are only beginning to build our social media presence,” she said. “With these tools and modern methods, we are excited to become farmer-entrepreneurs who can actively market our products.”
Anino’s experience reflects the growing importance of digital skills among Filipino entrepreneurs, particularly as the country marked National MSME Week. Through #KonektedforLivelihoods, PLDT and Smart continue to support entrepreneurs by helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate an increasingly digital marketplace.
During the first half of the year, PLDT and Smart conducted digital learning sessions in 21 communities nationwide, reaching 1,279 MSMEs, agripreneurs, tourism stakeholders, and livelihood beneficiaries.
Held in partnership with organizations including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, International Trade Centre’s Digital-PINAS initiative, and local government units, the workshops covered digital entrepreneurship, content creation, online marketing, and cybersecurity awareness.
Helping Entrepreneurs Market Their Products Online
The sessions also focused on practical skills such as branding and product presentation, giving participants new ways to promote their products using readily available digital tools.
Angelica Martinez of the Rural Improvement Club Kalinga Center shared how the training helped their group move beyond traditional word-of-mouth selling by teaching them to present their products more effectively using a mobile phone.
In Los Baños, Laguna, Rafael J. Jumawid of the Los Baños Municipal Cooperative Development Council said the smartphone photography session changed how members approached product promotion.
Santa Cruz, Laguna was among the communities that hosted a Digital-PINAS community-based MSME workshop, conducted with PLDT and Smart as the initiative’s sole telecommunications partner.
Maria Charisma Bea Agarao, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Santa Cruz, emphasized the value of helping local entrepreneurs adapt to changing consumer habits.
“We want our farmers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs to keep up with changing trends and improve their marketing and sales through digital platforms,” she said.
Tourism MSMEs likewise benefited from the learning sessions conducted with CAITO CALABARZON and Hospitality Alliance Group of Subic Bay Freeport. Participants strengthened their use of Reels as a marketing tool while also learning more about online scams targeting tourism and travel businesses.
Turning Connectivity Into Business Opportunities
For PLDT and Smart, digital inclusion goes beyond providing access to technology. The companies emphasize the importance of giving entrepreneurs the knowledge and practical skills to turn digital tools into opportunities for business growth.
“Through our partnerships with government and industry, PLDT Enterprise continues to provide MSMEs with reliable connectivity, practical digital solutions, and learning opportunities that help them strengthen operations, reach more customers, and grow their businesses,” said John Eric Alviz, Vice President and Head of SME Growth Marketing, Digital and Trade at PLDT Enterprise.
Stephanie V. Orlino, Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, likewise highlighted the role of community partnerships in making digital skills more useful to entrepreneurs.
“Digital skills become more meaningful when communities can immediately apply them to strengthen their livelihoods,” she said. “Through partnerships with government and local organizations, we are helping entrepreneurs build the confidence to market, protect, and grow their businesses online.”
Through #KonektedforLivelihoods, PLDT and Smart continue to work with government, industry, and community partners to help Filipino entrepreneurs strengthen their digital capabilities, expand their reach, and discover new opportunities in an increasingly connected economy.