MANILA: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with Smart Communications, Inc. to equip 1 million sari-sari (general merchandise) store owners across the country with knowledge on digital solutions.
On Tuesday, Smart said it has forged a memorandum of understanding with DTI to support the latter’s Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo Program that will support the growth of sari-sari store owners by providing them knowledge on new digital solutions and products, financial and marketing tips, and sustainable practices for store operations via free webinars through the DTI’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts.
“The Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program, entitled Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo, adopts a multifaceted approach to uplift our micro retailers, focusing on digital transformation, financial literacy, sustainable business practices, and consumer protection. Our goal is clear: to make our sari-sari stores more resilient, innovative, and competitive in the digital economy,’ DTI Undersecretary Jose
Edgardo Sunico said.
According to Smart, together with Maya, it will take part in Module 3 of the program, which will tackle ways to expand store owners’ capital through digital products and services, particularly Smart e-load.
Prior to this engagement, Smart has been supporting the DTI’s regional cascades in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, Cavite, Albay, Negros Oriental, and Leyte.
“The sari-sari stores have been our key partner since day one, particularly in Smart electronic load distribution, and we are proud to support and launch initiatives that can help grow and benefit this channel. Together with industry partners and the DTI, we share the mission of empowering our sari-sari store owners and customers by assisting them in their digital transformation journey,’ Smart vice president and head of channel management Jac Bocalan said.
Smart e-load is one of the world’s pioneering innovation in mobile communication, marking the birth of prepaid services.
Also, Smart e-load has b
een one of the fastest selling products for sari-sari stores since it was introduced in 2003.
“We are excited to share with our Ka-Partners how to level up their businesses and how digital devices like a smartphone can accelerate their income with boundless opportunities. We are also looking forward to working with the DTI and industry partners in pushing forward these progressive programs that uplift the lives of Filipinos,’ Bocalan added.
The DTI launched its sari-sari store advancement program last May.
Source: Philippines News Agency