Google Philippines ushered its fifth anniversary with a stronger commitment to contribute to the country’s digital, economic, and cultural growth.
Ken Lingan, Google Philippines Country Manager, announced that Google will put its efforts towards growing the country’s digital economy, culture, and the internet.
“Every Filipino needs to be fully equipped in their role as drivers of our country’s growth. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we look at the collaborations we can make with different sectors, institutions, and all Filipinos so we can maximize the internet to help us build an even greater Philippines,” according to him.
He adds, “Making the internet optimal for use is a persistent challenge but together, we can harness its power to create opportunities and unlock our country’s full potential.”
Businesses thriving online
Google Philippines is increasing its efforts to help, micro, small, and medium (MSMEs) enterprises boost their visibility and thrive online. This is in recognition of the MSMEs part in the projected growth of e-commerce in the Philippines.
Thus, Google aims to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to share relevant information on existing MSMEs for posting on Google My Business.
Google My Business, a free online tool, is key for customers easily finding the Filipino businesses and services they are looking for. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, can use Google My Business to share relevant information such as location, business hours, and contact details. Considering the importance of government services, Google My Business also has pertinent information on government offices such as phone numbers, addresses, business hours, and details on services.
Celebrating Filipinos’ best
A nationwide campaign that celebrates Philippine tourism and culture will make its debut this year.
Vital to the campaign is the Local Guides, an online tool that allows Filipinos to share knowledge and grow content highlighting the Philippine’ best. The tool encourages Google Maps users to share reviews of dining destinations, tourist attractions, hotels, shops, and other places they’ve been to.
An incentive for everyone to contributing to Local Guides is that a Local Guide Summit which involves local communities and recognizes top contributors will be held later this year.
Google further celebrates Philippine heritage through Google Doodles. It is the occasional changes on the search homepage in lieu of birthday celebrations and/or notable national historic events. A combination of seven Filipino events, festivals, and notable individuals are already lined up to be featured on Google Doodles.
Towards a better, safer internet
Google continues to prioritize helping Filipinos make the most out of the internet. Following the launch of app-saving data Datally and storage manager Files Go in 2017, Google has Youtube Go on beta in the Philippines.
This app lets users manage data when watching videos or enables them to save videos for offline viewing.
To create a better internet environment, Google is working with Youtube creators and other social influencers to encourage responsible and productive interactions online. This effort is called #LovePhilippines.
It takes off from a social media campaign that Google launched in 2016 to highlight unique things about the Philippines, from food, places, culture, and other fun facts. This time, however, Google is making #LovePhilippinnes bigger to spread the love for a safer internet for Filipinos.
“Through the initiatives, we outlined this year, Google is committed to giving Filipinos a better experience on the internet. With new tools and opportunities in store, we are optimistic that we will fuel breakthroughs that will lead to the country’s success,” Ken said.
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