How MSME digital resilience Philippines grows through PLDT and Smart programs
PLDT and Smart placed MSME digital resilience Philippines at the center of the inaugural COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2025. The event gathered coconut farmers, MSMEs, and government partners who aim to build stronger opportunities for the country’s coconut sector. The Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Coconut Authority, and the CFIDP led the fair to support farmers who face income challenges despite the sector’s major contribution to export earnings.
The telco group focused on lifting digital skills for small businesses. They led a “Maging CyberSmart Against Online Scams” session through the eBizNovation program. Participants learned how online threats work and how small mistakes can disrupt income. The session taught simple steps that business owners can apply in daily operations to protect money, data, and customer trust.
You saw clear value in the training if you manage a small coconut based venture. You learned how phishing works. You understood how fake links spread. You saw why updated passwords matter. You gained awareness that cyberattacks affect small enterprises more because they lack protection. These lessons help you run your business with confidence in a digital marketplace.
PLDT and Smart shared that they want MSMEs to stay secure as they shift to digital tools. The group also aligned the effort with PLDT Enterprise which pushes digital adoption for small firms. Jose Roberto A. Alampay said the company works with government partners to expand digital access for farmers and entrepreneurs. He noted that simple digital habits help protect income and strengthen participation in online commerce.
The trade fair also hosted DTI’s “Asenso Talks sa CTF.” This session allowed coconut farmers and MSMEs to hear about trends, digital tools, and livelihood models that support growth. These talks help small enterprises explore new markets and use digital solutions that match their needs.
The effort supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16. The goal promotes safer digital systems for communities. Strengthened cybersecurity awareness keeps small businesses competitive and secure. This approach helps build a safe digital economy where farmers and MSMEs grow with fewer risks.
