PLDT and its wireless unit Smart supported the recent Agrilink 2023, providing connectivity and solutions to over 15,000 participants from the agri-fisheries sector, a vital stakeholder in the drive to build a food-secure Philippines.
The PLDT Group highlighted at the Agrilink its ‘eBiz Buy Local Bazaar’ on TikTok Shop initiative, a digital upskilling-to-e-commerce program designed to equip agri-fishery stakeholders with the right digital tools to boost productivity and profitability.
“We have been expanding our ‘eBiz Buy Local Bazaar’ program nationwide to reach more Filipino MSMEs and eventually lead them towards earning higher income through e-commerce,” said Kristine Magadia, Stakeholder Management Lead for Livelihood and Food Security at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart encouraged Agrilink participants to explore e-commerce platforms like TikTok Shop to help them connect with a wider audience, engage potential customers using entertaining content, and lead them to shop. With ‘shoppertainment’, MSMEs can start generating their own entertaining content to emphasize the relevance, fun, and community of online shopping.
Additionally, PLDT Group will provide connectivity and conduct capacity building sessions under the ‘eBiz Buy Local’ program.
“PLDT Enterprise has an ongoing fiber roll out so we can reach more customers nationwide. Apart from the usual connectivity, we also offer relevant technology-based solutions that can serve Filipino MSMEs,” said Raphael Penalba, Relationship Management Executive of SMBiz Luzon PLDT Enterprise.
Agrilink is the biggest annual agribusiness exhibition and seminar organized by the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development. Agrilink 2023 highlighted best industry practices on farming, fishing, plant health, and strengthening agribusiness linkages. The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) also signified its full support during this event.
“We recognize the crucial role of technology and innovation in strengthening agri-fisheries systems in the Philippines. Agrilink 2023 has been an avenue for the government, the private sector, and our farmers and fisherfolk to collaborate towards achieving a sustainable agri-fisheries industry,” said Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Director of DA-ATI.
This initiative is aligned with UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which also highlights the PLDT Group’s support for the government’s Go Digital Pilipinas Movement as a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which aims to uplift the lives of Filipinos through adoption of digital services.