PLDT boosts MSMEs’ online presence

MANILA, Philippines – Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has launched two programs aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow their businesses by encouraging them to go online.

To support MSMEs, PLDT yesterday opened a three-day sale event called the National Negosyo Sale which features business productivity-enhancing products designed to help MSMEs establish and build their presence online.

Among the products available for sale are SmartBro 499, Kaasenso Plan, PLDT myDSL Biz kits, and enterprise-grade tools such as iGate Leased Line Circuits and VOX Managed IP PBX services.

The products include a do-it-yourself website building kit, as well as various collaboration tools from Microsoft to allow MSMEs to build their digital footprint.

Apart from the launch of the National Negosyo Sale, PLDT also announced the launch of the Techmobile van, a mobile technology platform which will conduct caravans nationwide to provide e-commerce seminars for local SMEs.

The Techmobile program is an initiative being conducted by PLDT in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry.

Under the program, a fleet of Techmobile vans will roam around the country to reach entrepreneurs in remote areas who wish to expand their businesses using PLDT Smart SME Nation’s business tools and solutions.

Mitch Locsin, vice president and head of PLDT Smart SME Nation said in a press conference the programs are being implemented to allow MSMEs to grow and connect with customers who are spending more time on the web.

“Nothing is more important for micro, small and medium businesses to be present where their customers are. With almost half of the Philippine population going online on a regular basis and a foreseeable increase in devices that help people connect to the Internet, more Filipinos are bound to be present in social media and have access to resources online. It is now a must for businesses to be able to keep up with their market and bring their businesses online,” he said.

Of the country’s total MSMEs, he said only one percent are online.

“The National Negosyo Sale, along with the rollout of our Techmobile as it starts its journey nationwide, highlights our efforts to promote the use of digital technologies among local MSMEs to enable them to keep up in a more competitive digital landscape. As we progress into 2016 and towards the ASEAN Economic Integration, PLDT Smart SME Nation is dedicated to ensure the competitiveness of local businesses who will, more than ever, need the support of larger entities such as PLDT who can empower them to make it big in their industries and become truly global businesses,” Locsin said.