PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart, together with TikTok Philippines, recently joined the Provincial Government of Laguna, Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office of Laguna, and Enchanted Kingdom in the first-ever province-wide summit for MSMEs.

This platform has enabled attendees and partners to collaborate and to access learning opportunities on market reach, e-commerce, and financial technology.

The PLDT Group showcased its "eBiz Buy Local Bazaar" on TikTok Shop initiative, a digital upskilling-to-e-commerce program designed to equip local business owners with the right digital tools to enhance their online business expansion.

Laguna-based MSMEs sign up for the eBiz Bazaar on TikTok Shop

Speaking before an audience of over 500 local entrepreneurs at Laguna MSME Summit, Euan Rex Toralballa, Customer Relationship Management Head for SMBiz at PLDT Enterprise, underscored the commitment of PLDT and Smart to boost livelihood opportunities through technology. "Part of the PLDT Group's thrust is digital inclusion and we want to help as many local businesses as possible thrive through technology. With our joint efforts with TikTok Philippines and our partners from the public and private sector, we will continue to find avenues to uplift local MSMEs through livelihood opportunities," he said.

"We at PLDT and Smart continuously explore inclusive and sustainable tech-enabled tools. We believe that technology can help boost efficiency and productivity that can expand livelihood opportunities for MSMEs," added Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

"Our partnership with the government and private sector including PLDT, Smart, and TiKTok Shop can help Laguna MSMEs grow their business and expand their market reach. With the advent of technology, the possibilities are limitless. Through capacity development, we can assist local enterprises take advantage of the digital tools available so they can quickly get their products out there," said Atty. Rose-Lyn Coloma, LCCI president.