VALENCIA, Negros Oriental (Apr 2026) — For Shirley Sabanal Din, a 44-year-old sari-sari store owner, a typical day of selling load just turned into a life-changing milestone. After two decades of being a retailer, Shirley was named the latest winner of a brand-new motorcycle through the Smart Ka-Partner Rewards program.
The incentive program by Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is a yearly initiative designed to give back to the millions of micro-entrepreneurs who serve as the backbone of the company’s distribution network. Shirley, who operates her small business in Valencia, expressed that the win came as a complete shock.
“We will be using this as our service vehicle for our daily errands and to safely bring our child to school,” Shirley shared. “Thanks to Smart and the Ka-Partner App for the continued support and the valuable benefits you provide to us retailers.”
Digital tools for the neighborhood ‘tindahan’
The win was made possible through the Smart Ka-Partner App, a digital platform that has modernized how neighborhood stores manage their load inventory. Beyond simplifying transactions, the app allows retailers to earn points for every regular load sale. These points can be redeemed for instant rewards like SMS and airtime, load wallet credits, or entries into grand raffle draws like the one Shirley won.
“Congratulations to our winner from Negros Oriental,” said Ed Tinio, Smart’s Center Head/AVP for Regional Customer Development in Visayas. “This initiative is our way of saying thank you to our valued Ka-partners who have helped us reach more customers and serve Smart subscribers nationwide.”
More than just a raffle
For over ten years, the Ka-Partner Rewards program has acted as a livelihood booster for small businesses across the Philippines. By integrating technology into the sari-sari store ecosystem, Smart aims to provide more than just a connection—it provides a pathway to economic growth.
The initiative aligns with the broader PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on No Poverty (SDG 1) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). For retailers like Shirley, a motorcycle is more than just a prize; it is a tool that improves daily logistics and helps a small business grow in a very competitive market.
