AS MORE MSMEs across the Calabarzon Region strengthen their digital presence, cybersecurity awareness and online visibility are becoming increasingly important. To support this shift, PLDT and Smart and the group’s B2B arm, PLDT Enterprise, partnered with business and tourism groups in the region to host an ‘MSME Biz Up!’ workshop series on digital marketing and online safety.
In Bacoor, Cavite, PLDT Enterprise partnered with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Cavite to gather local entrepreneurs for a day of practical digital entrepreneurship learning sessions. The Group brought the same advocacy to hundreds of travel agency owners, hotel operators, tour guides, and tourism stakeholders from across the region through a partnership with the CALABARZON Alliance of Independent Tour Operators, Inc. (CAITO).
Both events were anchored under PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedForLivelihoods initiative that equips small business with the connectivity, platforms, and skills they need to grow and compete in today’s digital economy.
“Cavite is home to many resilient and innovative MSMEs,” said John Eric Alviz, PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of SME Growth Marketing, Digital and Trade. “We want local entrepreneurs to have the digital skills and connectivity they need to grow their businesses, tell their stories, and reach wider markets. When MSMEs succeed, communities benefit as well.”
Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the importance of these on-the-ground partnerships. “Through collaborations with the public and private sector and public institutions, PLDT and Smart continue to support MSMEs with the connectivity, digital tools, and learning opportunities they need to strengthen and grow their businesses,” Orlino said.
“Partnerships with organizations like PLDT Enterprise are valuable because they help MSMEs access not just connectivity, but also practical learning opportunities that support business growth,” said Melanie Ilisan, President of PCCI Cavite. “As more businesses move online, digital platforms have made it faster and easier for MSMEs to reach customers, making visibility and adaptability increasingly important for businesses that want to grow.”
A key focus of the workshop was short-form video and digital storytelling using tools like Reels to help MSMEs build their brands, reach new customers, and stand out in a crowded online marketplace. Participants learned practical strategies for creating compelling content that extends their reach beyond their immediate communities.
“Having our story featured on Featr’s YouTube channel changed everything,” Samuel Fortuno Potante, Chairman of the General Trias Dairy Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said. “Our growth from 44 to over 330 members showed us the value of strong partnerships and digital storytelling in reaching more people.”
Tour operators, agencies, and hospitality advocates from the CALABARZON region learned practical tips on scam detection, online fraud prevention, and digital credibility under PLDT and Smart’s #BeCyberSmart workshop module.
For Irene Tolentino, owner of Maglakbay Safely Travel and Tours, the session was an eye-opener. “Napakalaking bagay na naiintindihan namin ano yung protection na meron kami as legit travel agency selling online. To prevent scams, we can have our own business name to send SMS messages to our customers. Napakalaking tulong yun,” she shared.
The digital marketing discussions also resonated with participants like Cheryl Pare. “Talagang nagulat ako sa dami ng practical tips na natutunan ko,” Pare said. “Very timely siya for businesses like ours that are already exploring digitalization and AI.”
These back-to-back engagements reflect PLDT and Smart’s sustained efforts to bring digital skills and cybersecurity awareness closer to MSME communities through strategic partnerships.
As more businesses adopt digital tools, PLDT and Smart will continue to support MSMEs with practical learning opportunities to help them grow and adapt in an increasingly digital business landscape.
