The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) renewed its commitment to digital inclusion along with telecommunications leaders PLDT and Smart Communications during the PLDT-Smart Communities Day on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at the New World Makati Hotel.

Representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DoJ), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) were among the various government agencies in attendance to support the government’s unified push for digitalization.

Representing Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque was Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut who emphasized that this collaboration is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to modernize the local economy.

Partnership vital to local MSME support

“Our partnership with PLDT–Smart is vital to supporting Philippine MSMEs, which, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, account for about 99.5 percent of all registered enterprises and provide over 60 percent of total employment nationwide,” Baluyut said.

She noted that the initiative follows the mandate set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that government support is truly felt on the ground, remarking that “dapat ramdam ng (should be felt by) enterprises.”

“Anchored on the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Plan 2023–2028 and the Philippine Development Plan, this collaboration advances practical programs on connectivity, digital payments, e-commerce onboarding, cybersecurity awareness, and digital skills training,” Baluyut added.

She highlighted that under the leadership of Secretary Cris Roque, the DTI remains committed to ensuring that digital transformation is felt on the ground, empowering MSMEs to grow, adapt, and participate more fully in the digital economy.

Collaboration focused on upskilling programs

The ongoing collaboration focuses on comprehensive upskilling programs designed to help business owners thrive in a digital-first market, covering essential areas such as digital literacy and practical skills for navigating online marketplaces. The training also delves into advanced technical integration, including AI tool adoption, cybersecurity practices, and the implementation of digital payment solutions to boost business productivity.