The government yesterday marked the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week by launching two initiatives that will take this sector online.
The MSME Development Council chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rolled out the Philippine E-Commerce Platform (PEP) and the Digitalization of the One Town, One Product or OTOP Philippines.
PEP is the first government omnichannel platform created to promote Filipino businesses and help them expand online. PEP prioritizes Filipino products and onboards businesses officially registered with DTI and other agencies, adding another layer of consumer protection.
It grants buyers access to a wider range of locally-made products by leveraging public sector initiatives such as Go Lokal. It is integrated with the eGov Super App, a platform for all Philippine government services.
DTI partnered with SOMAGO to provide OTOP-assisted MSMEs with a new-fangled online store that is locally based in the Philippines and was founded in 2021.
SOMAGO provides a safe, fun, easy, and unique one-stop e-commerce platform with a shopping marketplace and a variety of services including tour packages.
The two initiatives align with the summit theme “Upgrade, Upskill, and Upsize.”
“We must commit to helping our MSMEs upgrade their technologies, upskill their workforce, and upsize their operations,” said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual in his speech.
He added, integrating technology into business operations is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
“We must leverage digital tools and platforms to increase our MSMEs’ competitiveness,” said Pascual, adding the DTI is also investing in programs to improve our MSMEs’ products, packaging, and production processes through technology
