Quezon City’s disabled population has gained new skills and knowledge in new technologies to enhance their businesses and become entrepreneurs. The Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) was conducted by PLDT and Smart, along with ATRIEV, NORFIL Foundation, and PDAO. The eight-day program provided participants with the knowledge and skills to manage finances effectively, start and run a successful business, and learn basic social media marketing, fund sourcing, pricing, and costing. Participants also learned branding and target market identification using various applications.
“A big part of PLDT’s mission is to ensure equitable access to technology and connectivity, enabling all Filipinos to leverage digital innovations to improve their lives. We hope that the initiative helped build their skills, boost their productivity, and foster their participation in the digital economy,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
The DBBT module also included a presentation of Maya Business, helping participants explore digital business payment solutions.
Quezon City PDAO Head Deborah Dacanay shared, “the Quezon City government fully supports Inclusion programs not only for persons with disabilities but for all QCitizens as well. We think that the DBBT will be very helpful for persons with disabilities, from preparing to start their business and, eventually, managing a sustainable enterprise. Linked by our shared passion to help improve the lives of persons with disabilities and their families, we are grateful to have supportive partners in PLDT and Smart.”
“Even as we get older, it is still important to learn new technologies, for our own growth and as big help to improve our small business,” said 57-year old Rico Lanuza, one of the participants.
Another participant, 39-year old Joel Angelo Gavino, is an entrepreneur who used to be an OFW, who experienced a lot of hardships with his disability. After the training, Joel said, “I’m very happy to be part of this eight-day training. I learned various digital tools that I used to think were hard to learn. With everyone now engaging through social media platforms, I am happy to have learned how to create my own Facebook page, and just using my cellphone. Now I know I will be able to attract more customers to my store.”
This engagement with ATRIEV is part of PLDT and Smart’s much broader Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program, which seeks to enable the successful participation of marginalized sectors in the digital economy. IDEATe also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include Goal No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and UNSDG No. 10 Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities.
