PLDT Enterprise brings SME Day to Iloilo businesses

• Contributed photo

More than 100 representatives from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Iloilo City gathered for SME Day Iloilo, an event aimed at helping local businesses strengthen their operations through digital technologies.

Organized by PLDT Enterprise, the business-to-business arm of PLDT, the event brought together industry experts to discuss technologies that businesses can use to improve connectivity, cybersecurity, operations, and business continuity.

Experts from PLDT Enterprise, ePLDT, VITRO, Inc., and Cisco Meraki discussed 5G, resilient connectivity, data centers, cybersecurity, and digital applications that could help SMEs streamline operations and reach more customers.

Atty. Fydah Marie Del Rosario, head of the Data Assessment and System Management Office of the Iloilo City Government, highlighted the role of SMEs in creating jobs and supporting the city’s economic growth.

“Our local businesses are an important part of Iloilo City’s progress,” Del Rosario said.

“As Iloilo continues to grow as a center for business and innovation, we want our entrepreneurs to be ready to take advantage of new opportunities, leveraging technology as an essential part of doing business,” she added.

PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of Growth Marketing, Digital, and Trade John Eric S. Alviz said businesses need access to technology and digital tools as they expand and respond to changing market conditions.

“At PLDT Group, our priority is to see to it that we are able to help each and every SME grow, and that we can provide for whatever they need, whether it’s connectivity, technology, platforms, or solutions,” Alviz said.

“This aligns with our chairman MVP’s belief that there may be small businesses, but there are no small businessmen — the contribution of SMEs in helping build the nation is no small feat,” he added.

During the event, Atty. Fritzie Gayle Diez-Treñas, director for finance, administration and corporate affairs of JD Bakery Café, shared how the company has used digital transformation to improve its operations and prepare for future growth.

“I encourage every entrepreneur to see digital transformation not as a disruption, but as an opportunity—an opportunity to become more efficient, make better decisions, and build businesses that are stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future. Because in today’s world, technology is no longer just supporting business; it is very much about helping shape the future,” Diez-Treñas said.

She said the company’s willingness to adapt has played an important role in its expansion.

“While our products have evolved and our footprint has expanded, one thing has remained constant—our willingness to adapt. That willingness has allowed us to embrace new technologies while staying true to our purpose of serving good food every day for everyday people,” she added.

SME Day is part of PLDT Enterprise’s efforts to connect businesses across the country with information and digital solutions that can support their operations and growth.

Through the initiative, the company said it aims to help SMEs adopt technology, respond to evolving business requirements, and explore new opportunities in an increasingly digital economy.