The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reaffirmed its strong alliance with telecommunications giants PLDT and Smart Communications, marking a significant step in the government's mission to achieve nationwide digital inclusion.
A Unified Push for a Digital Philippines
This renewed commitment was showcased during the PLDT-Smart Communities Day held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the New World Makati Hotel. The event saw a convergence of key government bodies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Their collective presence underscored a whole-of-government approach to accelerating the country's digital transformation.
Speaking on behalf of Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut positioned the collaboration as a fundamental component of the state's strategy to modernize the local economy. She stressed that the initiative directly follows the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure government support is tangible, or as she stated in Filipino, "dapat ramdam ng enterprises."
Empowering the Backbone of the Economy
Baluyut highlighted the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showing they constitute about 99.5% of all registered businesses and provide over 60% of total national employment. "Our partnership with PLDT–Smart is vital to supporting Philippine MSMEs," Baluyut affirmed.
The collaboration is anchored on the MSMED Plan 2023–2028 and the Philippine Development Plan. It advances concrete programs in several key areas:
- Enhanced connectivity and digital infrastructure access.
- Promotion and onboarding for digital payments and e-commerce platforms.
- Widespread cybersecurity awareness campaigns.
- Comprehensive digital skills training for business owners and their teams.
From Digital Literacy to Advanced Tech Integration
The partnership's upskilling programs are designed to be comprehensive, moving beyond basic digital literacy. They equip entrepreneurs with practical skills to successfully navigate online marketplaces and leverage digital tools for growth.
The training curriculum also delves into more advanced technical integration, preparing MSMEs for the future. This includes guidance on adopting AI tools, implementing robust cybersecurity practices, and setting up efficient digital payment solutions to enhance overall business productivity and resilience.
Beyond commercial growth, the alliance also prioritizes community safety in the digital space. It includes consumer-focused sessions on internet safety, aiming to protect Filipinos from digital scams, credit card fraud, and identity theft. These programs teach individuals how to secure their social media accounts from hacking attempts.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that the Philippines' transition into a vibrant digital economy is not only competitive but also secure for all participants. Under Secretary Roque's leadership, the DTI maintains its focus on making the impact of digital transformation felt on the ground, empowering MSMEs to adapt, thrive, and claim their space in the new digital marketplace.
