BACOLOD CITY -- Owners and representatives of at least 100 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Occidental attended the #Ready Economic Growth, Education and Awareness forum in this city on Thursday.
The activity was initiated by telecommunications giant PLDT, Inc., in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry.
Lea Gonzales, provincial director of DTI-Negros Occidental, who spoke at the event held at O’Hotel, said they have been pushing for the development of digitally competitive entrepreneurs in both the local and global markets.
“Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the current trend, (it is) easier, and less expensive,” she said.
Gonzales added that “using online platform is more competitive as it provides worldwide access to local MSMEs.”
Voyager Innovations, the digital innovations platform arm of PLDT and Smart Communications, said the campaign aims to give channels to Filipino entrepreneurs to go into e-commerce, and provide them the platform where they can widen or grow their businesses.
The activity covered lectures and workshops on e-commerce 101, online store creation through TackThis! application, lending solutions, and other service packages offered by PLDT.
Gonzales said the DTI also has a program on online marketing to encourage more entrepreneurs to use the digital platform in promoting and selling their products.
Last year, DTI-Negros Occidental conducted training courses on expanding market through e-commerce geared towards improving MSMEs’ digital literacy, such as navigating websites, or even using Facebook and other social media sites.
“We also have interventions on equipping entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge on product development and presentation online,” Gonzales added. (PNA)
