PLDT and Smart Communications brought digital learning sessions to 21 communities across the Philippines during the first half of 2026, reaching 1,279 MSMEs, agripreneurs, tourism stakeholders, and livelihood beneficiaries.
The workshops were conducted with partners including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, International Trade Centre Digital-PINAS initiative, and local government units. Sessions covered digital entrepreneurship, content creation, online marketing, product presentation, smartphone photography, and cybersecurity awareness.
Helping local enterprises reach more customers
For Queen G. Anino, a rice producer from Santa Cruz, Laguna, the training came as she was beginning to build an online presence for Cabisera Rice.
“The training came at the right time because we are just starting to promote Cabisera Rice and are only beginning to build our social media presence,” Anino said. “With these tools and modern methods, we are excited to become farmer-entrepreneurs who can actively market our products.”
Her experience reflects the broader goal of PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedforLivelihoods initiative, which focuses on helping entrepreneurs develop practical skills they can use to expand their reach and strengthen their businesses in a more digital marketplace.
From product presentation to smartphone photography
Participants also worked on branding and product presentation. Angelica Martinez of the Rural Improvement Club Kalinga Center said the training helped their group move beyond word-of-mouth selling by learning how to present products more effectively using a mobile phone.
In Los Baños, Laguna, Rafael J. Jumawid of the Los Baños Municipal Cooperative Development Council said the smartphone photography session changed how members approached product promotion. Meanwhile, tourism MSMEs participating in sessions with CAITO CALABARZON and the Hospitality Alliance Group of Subic Bay Freeport learned more about using Reels for marketing and identifying online scams targeting travel businesses.
“We want our farmers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs to keep up with changing trends and improve their marketing and sales through digital platforms,” said Maria Charisma Bea Agarao, executive assistant to the mayor of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz was one of the partner venues for a community-based Digital-PINAS MSME workshop supported by PLDT and Smart as sole telco partner.
Digital skills as part of business growth
John Eric Alviz, vice president and head of SME Growth Marketing, Digital and Trade at PLDT Enterprise, said supporting MSMEs requires more than providing access to technology. Entrepreneurs also need the skills to use connectivity and digital tools in ways that can strengthen operations and reach more customers.
“Through our partnerships with government and industry, PLDT Enterprise continues to provide MSMEs with reliable connectivity, practical digital solutions, and learning opportunities that help them strengthen operations, reach more customers, and grow their businesses,” Alviz said.
Stephanie V. Orlino, assistant vice president and head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, added that digital skills become more useful when communities can immediately apply them to their livelihoods.
“Through partnerships with government and local organizations, we are helping entrepreneurs build the confidence to market, protect, and grow their businesses online,” Orlino said.
Through #KonektedforLivelihoods, PLDT and Smart continue to work with government, industry, and community partners to help entrepreneurs improve digital skills, expand market reach, and create new livelihood opportunities.
In Summary
PLDT and Smart reached 1,279 MSMEs, agripreneurs, tourism stakeholders, and livelihood beneficiaries across 21 communities in the first half of 2026. Their digital learning sessions covered entrepreneurship, online marketing, content creation, product presentation, smartphone photography, and cybersecurity awareness, with support from government agencies, local governments, and industry partners.