Students and aspiring entrepreneurs gathered in Bulacan for a youth entrepreneurship summit where digital skills and online business tools were highlighted as key to starting and scaling small enterprises.
PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. joined the YEP Summit: Go Asenso Negosyo Caravan Para sa Kabataan at National University Baliwag, organized by the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Bulacan, to support youth entrepreneurship development.
The companies led a session on digital entrepreneurship, focusing on how connectivity and digital platforms can help micro, small, and medium enterprises improve operations, expand their online presence, and access broader markets.
Miguel Santos, a 19-year-old student, said the session reshaped how he views launching a business. “The session made me realize that starting a business today isn’t just about having a product, but about how you use digital tools to manage it and reach people,” he said.
Participants were also introduced to cybersecurity and data protection as part of business readiness. Clara Ramos, another student, said the discussion emphasized the importance of trust in online transactions. “I learned that as we go digital, protecting our customers’ data is just as important as making a sale,” she said.
PLDT and Smart said the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote digital inclusion and expand livelihood opportunities in provincial communities. Stephanie V. Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management, said building digital capability is critical for new entrepreneurs.
“We believe that empowering our local entrepreneurs with the right digital skills is key to building more resilient communities,” Orlino said.
Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando said the program supports the development of small and medium enterprises in the province. “May this serve as a path to further strengthen the sector of small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of our economy,” he said.
The summit also featured speakers from the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and logistics firm J&T Express, outlining support available for startups and small businesses.
Organizers said collaboration between government, schools, and industry is key to helping young Filipinos transition from learning to launching their own ventures.
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