DICT expands digital training for entrepreneurs in SOCCSKSARGEN, BARMM

• Photo courtesy of DICT

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is expanding access to digital skills and tools among entrepreneurs in SOCCSKSARGEN and the LaMa provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Through its ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau and Regional Office XII, the agency is conducting capacity-building programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to modernize their operations and reach larger markets.

The programs cover e-commerce, social media marketing, digital payments, graphic design, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and office productivity.

DICT is implementing the training activities in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, local government units, and MSME Development Councils.

The initiative supports the government’s broader push to improve digital access, productivity, and competitiveness among Filipino enterprises.

“The real value of digital training is seen when entrepreneurs are able to apply what they have learned to their businesses,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said.

“We want them to leave the training with practical skills they can use to market their products, reach more customers, improve their operations, and create new opportunities for growth. When digital skills translate into actual business results, that is the impact of digitalization,” he added.

Training creates new opportunities

Several entrepreneurs in the region have reported business gains after completing DICT training programs.

In General Santos City, Michelle Q. Cañada, owner of information and communications technology service company Crackerjacks VA, OPC, joined DigitalJobsPH training in June 2021.

Cañada studied chatbot development, e-commerce, and marketing automation to address difficulties in scaling her business and adopting newer technologies.

Within 30 days, she completed three specialized courses, developed 30 professional connections, secured three major projects, and established three strategic business partnerships.

Meanwhile, Bailyn’s Food Products in South Cotabato used digital platforms to expand beyond its local customer base.

Business owner Anas A. Sirag completed the Social Media Marketing for MSMEs module under DICT’s Rural Impact Sourcing Program—now known as Stimulating the Growth of Emerging Digital Technologies and Innovations in the Philippines, or SPARK—in 2019.

The training helped Sirag promote the company’s products online and communicate directly with consumers. The business subsequently began supplying stores across South Cotabato and General Santos City while also reaching customers overseas.

Wider markets, higher sales

True Sight Optical also strengthened its online presence after owner Pauline Abegail Subaldo joined the SPARK Social Media Marketing 2.0 program in July 2026.

Before the training, the South Cotabato-based optical business had four branches and 20 employees but remained largely dependent on its local market.

It has since attracted customers from nearby areas, including Digos and Isulan. The company also reported that its daily sales increased from about ₱15,000 to between ₱25,000 and ₱40,000.

In Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Ryle’s Enterprise used skills acquired through the DigitalJobsPH and SPARK programs to expand its products and services.

Owner Ranee Lee Boone Ampuyas Lara received training in Canva and general virtual assistance, along with technical assistance, client leads, and marketing support from DICT.

The enterprise grew from five core products and services to more than 12 and eventually entered international markets.

Digital shift supports business growth

Digital training also helped M’lang PWD Canteen in North Cotabato improve a business previously hampered by manual bookkeeping and the absence of an established marketing strategy.

Owner Hermilo Faren completed DigitalJobsPH training in digital marketing and e-commerce in 2019. The program introduced him to social media management, graphic design, data management, and other digital business practices.

The canteen later improved its online presence and customer engagement, increased sales, and expanded its workforce to between eight and nine employees.

It also diversified its offerings to include ready-to-eat meals, catering services, bakery products, calamansi juice, and water-refilling services.

According to DICT, these outcomes show how practical digital training can help small businesses find customers, improve internal operations, increase revenue, expand their offerings, and generate employment.

The agency said it would continue working with local stakeholders to extend digital training to more MSMEs and help entrepreneurs build competitive and sustainable businesses.