TELECOM leaders PLDT and Smart have deepened their long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) to equip Moro entrepreneurs across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with essential digital tools and strategies.
Over 100 micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners attended recent digital entrepreneurship training sessions focused on brand building, social media marketing, and content creation.
PLDT Enterprise, the group’s business-to-business arm, also showcased tailored connectivity and enterprise solutions designed to help local businesses expand beyond traditional local markets.
“We are thankful for our unwavering partnership with PLDT and Smart throughout the years,” said Snooky Gani, MTIT-BARMM Division Chief of Enterprise and Trade Development.
“This collaboration has made a meaningful impact on MSMEs and the communities we serve. We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead and creating even greater opportunities for growth, innovation, and service for our Bangsamoro,” added Gani.
The initiative extends to agricultural groups as well. In support of MTIT’s RAPID Growth Project, PLDT and Smart conducted targeted digital workshops for local coconut farmer organizations.
Participants gained hands-on experience in creating social media content, designing promotional graphics, and adopting digital payment systems like Maya to streamline transactions.
Judee Chaves, Mindanao Relations Head at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the importance of inclusive digital access across the region.
“Digital transformation should create opportunities not only for businesses in urban centers but also for MSMEs and farming communities,” Chaves said. “Through our continuing collaboration with MTIT-BARMM, we hope to expand digital opportunities for entrepreneurs across Mindanao, helping them build their competitiveness, broaden their reach, and participate more actively in the digital economy.”
Aligned with the PLDT Group’s #KonektedforLivelihoods advocacy, the initiative supports the Philippine government’s national digitalization agenda and advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
