PLDT Enterprise brought its SME Day initiative to Iloilo City, gathering more than 100 delegates from small and medium enterprises for a day of knowledge-sharing around business resilience, digital transformation, and technology adoption.
Sessions from PLDT Enterprise, ePLDT, VITRO, Inc., and Cisco Meraki covered technologies increasingly relevant to SMEs, including 5G, resilient connectivity, data centers, and cybersecurity. Discussions also focused on digital applications that can help businesses improve operations and reach more customers as market conditions continue to evolve.
Technology as a tool for local growth
“Our local businesses are an important part of Iloilo City’s progress,” said Atty. Fydah Marie Sabandoh Del Rosario, head of the Data Assessment and System Management Office of the Iloilo City Government.
“As Iloilo continues to grow as a center for business and innovation, we want our entrepreneurs to be ready to take advantage of new opportunities, leveraging technology as an essential part of doing business.”
The discussions reflected the growing need for SMEs to strengthen both day-to-day operations and long-term resilience. Reliable connectivity, cybersecurity, and access to digital platforms can play a role in helping smaller businesses respond faster to customers, protect critical operations, and adapt to new opportunities.
Supporting SMEs with digital tools
PLDT Enterprise vice president and head of growth marketing, digital, and trade John Eric S. Alviz emphasized the role of technology and connectivity in helping SMEs scale.
“At PLDT Group, our priority is to see to it that we are able to help each and every SME grow, and that we can provide for whatever they need, whether it’s connectivity, technology, platforms, or solutions,” he said.
“This aligns with our chairman MVP’s belief that there may be small businesses, but there are no small businessmen. The contribution of SMEs in helping build the nation is no small feat.”
Lessons from a local business
Atty. Fritzie Gayle Diez-Treñas, director for finance, administration, and corporate affairs of JD Bakery Café, also shared how digital transformation has helped streamline the company’s operations and prepare the business for future growth.
“I encourage every entrepreneur to see digital transformation not as a disruption, but as an opportunity, an opportunity to become more efficient, make better decisions, and build businesses that are stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future,” she said.
She added that adaptability has remained central to JD Bakery Café’s growth even as its products and footprint have expanded. “That willingness has allowed us to embrace new technologies while staying true to our purpose of serving good food every day for everyday people.”
Building digital readiness beyond Metro Manila
SME Day forms part of PLDT Enterprise’s broader effort to connect businesses around the country with technology, expertise, and digital solutions that can support growth.
By bringing the program to Iloilo, the initiative also highlights the role of regional business hubs in the country’s digital economy, where smaller enterprises increasingly need the same levels of connectivity, security, and operational agility as larger organizations.
More information about PLDT is available through the PLDT website.