Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) along with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have collaborated in the launching of a nationwide digitalization program that is meant to empower the MSMEs with technology-based options to succeed in a post-pandemic economy.
As the key aspect of the initiative, the 24-hour hackathon, named Byte Forward, will accompany PCCI with its regional business conferences throughout the country - beginning with the event in Bataan on June 19. The aim of the program is to match the MSMEs with college students to generate solutions supported by technology on the basis of current reality, which is a business problem.
According to 2023 data of the Philippine Statistics Authority, 99.63 percent of a total of 1.25 million establishments of business firms in the country are MSMEs. The new initiative will seek to increase the levels of digital competitiveness of these enterprises and would be supported by the local chambers and academia.
The competitions between ten student teams in each region will put them in complexities of creating business solutions with winners earning PHP 50,000 each. This will culminate with a grand final competition between regional champions of the 51 st Philippine Business Conference and Expo being hosted by PCCI in Manila in October and prizes of up to PHP 500,000 are up for grabs.
The scheme is related to the overall digitalization drive by the government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gender difference in his newly minted vision called Bagong Pilipinas, and the DTI has been stressing the use of e-commerce, on-line payments, and online promotions as the driving force behind inclusive development.
“Digitalization is a promise to our people. By embracing e-commerce, digital payments, and online marketing, we are opening doors for Filipino entrepreneurs to dream bigger, reach farther, and build a better life for their families. This is how we move forward—together, and with no one left behind,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
Also Read: ACSB and Indonesian Ministry Collaborate to Boost MSME Exports
Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy, also chairman of the upcoming business conference, said the hackathon fosters innovation while connecting MSMEs with tech-savvy youth.
“In the hackathon, we will not just concentrate on solving real-life problems of business owners but crucially, we will tap students that have the technological know-how to solve these problems and put them in the same room,” said Uy said.
PCCI President Enunina Mangio added the initiative is expected to yield viable tools to help businesses move up the value chain.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read more...
.jpg "Technology in Cancer Care: A story of evolving paradigms")
.jpg "Bringing Shop Floor to Manufacturer's palm: Smart Factory Solutions for tomorrow")
