FOR FERDILYN Rivas Sta. Maria, running a barbecue business in Pandacan since the pandemic meant doing almost everything herself — cooking, managing orders, and posting on social media. It worked well enough, but she knew there was more she could be doing online and just did not know how.
Sta. Maria was among the small business owners who joined the Digital Entrepreneurship Masterclass for micro-entrepreneurs in Sta. Mesa, Manila, organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and supported by PLDT and Smart. The session featured PLDT and Smart-led modules on social media marketing, product photography using smartphones, and internet safety, helping participants like Sta. Maria better understand how digital tools can support small businesses. Reflecting on the session, Sta. Maria shared that she now plans to post more consistently and involve her daughter in managing content creation for the business.
Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, emphasized the importance of helping livelihood communities build confidence in using digital tools for business. “For many small entrepreneurs, going online can feel overwhelming at first. Through initiatives like these, we hope to help communities build the skills and confidence to use digital platforms more safely and effectively for their livelihood,” Orlino said.
Jesus Bermido Jr., area coordinator for DSWD-NCR SLP Cluster 1, highlighted the importance of partnerships in helping livelihood beneficiaries strengthen their businesses through digital platforms. “We produce and provide capital funds, but when it comes to marketing their products, they struggle. With these online platforms, they are given the chance to market their products through the PLDT and Smart partnership. We can truly bridge that.”
For the entrepreneurs who attended the masterclass, the session provided practical lessons they can immediately apply, from creating online content to protecting themselves and their customers from digital threats.
Pura Alunan Breva, who sells ready-to-wear clothing and imported personal care products, found value in the training, particularly the discussions on product presentation and online safety. “They explained what we should do. The right lighting, even the right size, when introducing our products,” Breva said.
The cybersecurity discussions also resonated with Breva, who shared that she had previously experienced online scams involving fake messages and misleading online purchases. “Now I double-check. I look at whether it is really my relative. With items, I check the star ratings and reviews. Twice is enough. I will not be scammed again.”
PLDT and Smart’s support for this DSWD initiative forms part of the Group’s continuing efforts under its #KonektedforLivelihoods program to support Filipino entrepreneurs and MSMEs through digital skills training, connectivity, and cybersecurity awareness.
