ILOILO CITY, Philippines (Sep 2026) – Running a business in the region is getting more digital by the day, and local entrepreneurs are searching for practical ways to keep up with evolving customer expectations. Over 100 local business owners across Iloilo gathered for PLDT Enterprise SME Day Iloilo to learn how modern tech can shield their operations and spur growth.
Tech built for local growth
The event featured insights from tech experts at ePLDT, VITRO, Inc., and Cisco Meraki. Participants explored a wide range of tools, from fast 5G connectivity to data center storage and cybersecurity protections built to keep daily operations safe from cyber threats.
Local government leaders highlighted how crucial digital tools are for the region’s economy. Atty. Fydah Marie Sabandoh Del Rosario, head of the Data Assessment and System Management Office of the Iloilo City Government, noted that local entrepreneurs need to be ready for new digital opportunities as Iloilo continues to expand as a hub for innovation.
John Eric S. Alviz, PLDT Enterprise vice president and head of Growth Marketing, Digital, and Trade, emphasized that supporting small and medium businesses remains a top priority for the company. He shared that every business, no matter the size, plays a major role in nation-building, echoing PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan’s view that while businesses may be small, their impact is significant.
Real stories from local shops
For local brands, adapting to digital tools has already yielded real benefits. Atty. Fritzie Gayle Diez-Treñas, director for finance, administration, and corporate affairs at JD Bakery Cafe, shared how embracing digital shifts helped streamline their day-to-day operations. She encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to view digital adoption as an opportunity to build stronger, more efficient operations rather than a disruption.
Through ongoing SME Day sessions across the country, PLDT Enterprise aims to bring practical digital tools and knowledge directly to local Pinoy businesses looking to scale.
