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Malolos, Bulacan – To support the digital transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Digital Pilipinas (DP) launched the Malolos Bulacan Regional Roadshow, the first in a national series. The event, a joint effort of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI), Digital Pilipinas with Convenor Amor Maclang, and the Malolos City government under Mayor Christian Natividad, aims to boost digital capabilities across the country.
Although SMEs account for 96% of businesses in the country, DP shared that 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, 50% by the five-year mark, and 80% by the tenth year, underscoring the need to support the sector.
The roadshow included a tour of Malolos’ attractions and local traditions, such as Pabalat Pastillas wrapper making and Puni Leaf art folding. Guests enjoyed Malolos delicacies like Mercy’s Empanada de Kaliskis and Gorio and Mimis Kakanin.
An investment conference at Barasoain Church focused on empowering entrepreneurs with digital solutions to expand their markets. The event attracted officers and members of various cooperatives, business leaders, and Malolos Vice Mayor Migs Tengco Bautista.
DP’s partners at the event included Dragonpay, BPI VYBE, CIS Bayad Center, Smart, Overseas Filipino Bank (OF Bank), Proxtera, CyberQ Group, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Bulacan.
Digital Transformation is the Present, not the Future
The conference highlighted the transformative impact of e-wallets, delivery services, and online shopping platforms. Discussions included microlending opportunities and how these advancements help SMEs compete in the digital landscape. Panel discussions, such as “From Traditional to Digital: Navigating the Transformation for SMEs,” emphasized the importance of cashless payment options, cybersecurity, and upskilling. Atty. Reo S. Andarino, President of Overseas Filipino Bank, stressed the necessity of cashless payment, while Mark Orenza of CyberQ Group highlighted the rise of social engineering threats. Fleethive CEO Jiego Tanchanco underscored the need for proper use of digital tools.
Next Level Tools
The conference also introduced advanced tools to propel SMEs forward. Digital Pilipinas (DP) partners with innovative martech solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes. Key tools include:
- Proxtera: A platform enabling businesses to market and sell products internationally, provided they can produce in sufficient quantities.
- SingleInterface: Delivers hyper-targeted content using global platforms, ideal for businesses wanting to reach specific markets without overloading their audience.
- NetCore: An AI-powered martech platform revolutionizing customer interaction.
- Flowace: Manages companies with remote workforces.
- Intermall: An app-based solution for managing entire malls.
- End Solutions: Converts paper documents into usable digital files for cooperatives.
These tools showcase DP’s commitment to empowering SMEs through digital transformation, highlighting the importance of Malolos and the National Roadshow in driving these efforts.
Timeless Insights
Brad Geiser, co-founder of GMCI, and GMCI Content Consultant Ria De Borja presented “Premiumizing Local Brands,” sharing tips on making products desirable at premium prices. They emphasized that valorization, elevating a brand culturally and socially, begins with local products and remains relevant despite digital transformation.
Malolos is In
Malolos Vice Mayor Migs Tengco Bautista encouraged embracing digital transformation to advance Malolos, especially with the upcoming new airport. Digital Pilipinas Convenor Amor Maclang led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Bulacan’s startup enablers, including Bulacan State University’s BARAS Technology Business Incubator and the Sulong Central Luzon Start-up Consortium. The second-panel discussion highlighted the substantial assistance available to SMEs in Bulacan through digitalization.
Aligning with President Marcos’ Goals
This DP initiative aligns with President Marcos’ program “FUTURE-READY FILIPINOS & BUSINESSES,” focusing on upskilling and digital transformation. By equipping Malolos’ SMEs with the necessary knowledge and tools, DP is fostering future-proof Filipino businesses.
Digital Pilipinas, the largest private sector-led movement promoting digital transformation, will soon visit various venues. For more information, visit: https://digitalpilipinas.ph/about-us/
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