Future entrepreneurs play a critical 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, to help equip young entrepreneurs with tools and knowledge for starting and growing small businesses.
Through continued collaboration with public and private stakeholders, PLDT and Smart help foster an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive livelihood development.
During the summit, PLDT and Smart led a session on digital entrepreneurship, highlighting how digital tools and reliable connectivity can help micro, small, and medium enterprises streamline operations, strengthen MSMEs’ online presence, and reach wider markets.
For Miguel Santos, a 19-year-old second-year student at National University Baliwag, the summit helped reshape his views 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.”
Participants also learned the importance of digital safety as part of entrepreneurship readiness. Clara Ramos, a second-year student at the same university, shared how the session strengthened her understanding of building trust online.“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 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, underscored the importance of helping businesses, big and small, to develop both capability and confidence as they begin their business journeys.
“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 supporting MSMEs in expanding their digital footprint, PLDT and Smart also promote cybersecurity awareness to help ensure businesses grow safely and responsibly online.
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando highlighted the summit’s role in preparing young Bulakenyos to participate more actively in the local 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 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 view of the support ecosystem available to aspiring entrepreneurs. Through continued collaboration with government, academic institutions, and industry partners, PLDT and Smart help strengthen pathways for young Filipinos to move from learning to launching their own ventures.
