SMEs Gain Tools for Growth in Digital Economy

In an increasingly digital economy, success for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) depends not only on resilience and entrepreneurship but also on access to technology, connectivity, and practical business knowledge.

Recognizing this, PLDT Enterprise gathered hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, and industry leaders during SME Day Manila, an initiative designed to help Filipino enterprises strengthen their competitiveness and accelerate growth through digital transformation.

The event highlighted how technology is reshaping the business landscape and underscored the importance of equipping SMEs with the tools and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

“At PLDT, we believe that helping businesses grow is one of the most important ways we can contribute to nation-building,” said John Eric S. Alviz, Vice President and Head of Digital and Trade Marketing at PLDT Enterprise.

Alviz noted that SMEs account for approximately 98 percent of businesses in the Philippines, making them a critical driver of employment, innovation, and economic activity.

Echoing the long-held view of PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Alviz emphasized that entrepreneurs deserve recognition regardless of the size of their operations.

“Our Chairman has always believed that while there are small businesses, there are no small businessmen. Whether you create one job or a thousand, you are contributing to the growth of our nation,” he said.

A key focus of SME Day Manila was business education, with experts sharing practical insights on digital transformation, connectivity, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Sessions explored how businesses can leverage 5G solutions, strengthen operational resilience through reliable broadband connectivity, safeguard digital assets through cybersecurity measures, and maximize growth opportunities through digital platforms such as TikTok.

Specialists from PLDT Enterprise, ePLDT, VITRO, and TikTok provided participants with strategies for building future-ready enterprises amid changing market conditions and increasing digital adoption.

Among the event’s most anticipated sessions was the entrepreneurial journey of Anna Isabelle Magalona-Go, founder of But First, Coffee. She recounted how the company started as a home-based online café during the pandemic and eventually evolved into a fast-growing coffee franchise.

“At the beginning, there were many challenges. We didn’t have a store. We were a home-based online café. We were just connecting through digital platforms, and I was a one-person team,” she shared.

Magalona-Go credited reliable connectivity and strong partnerships as critical factors behind the company’s expansion.

“Connectivity played a big role in enabling us to launch and operate our business online. Every business deserves connectivity that can support daily operations without disruption,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship.

“No business grows alone. Behind every growing company are partners who help make growth possible. Growth is a journey built through relationships,” she added.

The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing entrepreneurs to engage directly with industry experts and speakers.

According to Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Enterprise, supporting SMEs remains central to the company’s mission as businesses navigate rising costs, technological disruption, and global economic uncertainties.

“Filipino entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy. Our role is to ensure they have access to the connectivity, technology, and solutions they need to overcome challenges and emerge stronger,” Pineda said.

Following successful runs in Pampanga and Manila, PLDT Enterprise plans to bring SME Day to Davao and Iloilo as part of its nationwide effort to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge, technology, and business insights needed to succeed in a digital-first economy.