PLDT Inc. (PLDT), the country’s largest integrated network and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have partnered with Shopee Philippines to roll out the two-day caravan entitled “Pilipinas: Aahon at Babangon” aiming to upskill local micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City to further their livelihood online.

Backed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, PLDT and Smart trained over 100 virtual and in-person attendees on mobile photography, while Shopee presented opportunities to onboard local sellers to their e-commerce platforms to help boost their businesses online.

“Our MSMEs make up the largest portion of the country’s businesses today and the DTI is at the forefront of equipping our MSMEs in their digital transformation, thus helping them become more resilient and sustainable,” said DTI Cebu Provincial Director Rose Mae Quiñanola.

According to PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas Head Ma. Edna Francisco, “We are pleased to reinforce DTI’s goal to empower MSMEs in their digital transformation by presenting our push to enhance our services and innovative offers to enable growth among local businesses.”

When the pandemic upended local enterprises because of the strict lockdowns, a lot of MSMEs slowly shifted towards digitalizing their business operations.

Mabel Pagal, a Shopee seller and owner of Stitches and Yarns shared, “I hope I was able to motivate my fellow MSME owners through my story. From having a side hustle to running a full-blown business now, I am thankful for Shopee for enabling entrepreneurs like me with a platform to reach customers nationwide,” she said.

This digital upskilling event is under PLDT and Smart’s “eBizNovation” pillar that aims to boost income and market reach of MSMEs, cooperatives, and other industries through technology. This is part of the group’s wider commitment to attain the UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.