PLDT corporate business group head Eric Alberto said both companies hope this will ultimately contribute to the country’s economic development when many more SMEs succeed and benefit from technology.
"We’re very delighted to be teaming up our telecommunications expertise with Plantersbank’s financial knowhow. This marks the beginning of our partnership with the country’s recognized leader in small and medium enterprise (SME) banking," he pointed out.
Alberto added: "With the advent of globalization, it is imperative for our SMEs to fit into that market. As Filipinos, we have to make the owners of SMEs known to the world. In order to do this, they have to be e-enabled."
The package includes Plantersbank’s SME Proposition Package and PLDT’s BizDSL (business digital subscriber line) broadband Internet access. The SME Proposition Package is a suite of cash management, financial services and technology solutions designed to assist SME clients in managing their daily business operations.
With this partnership, Plantersbank’s SME depositors can now enjoy free broadband DSL Internet, which will allow entrepreneurs to further expand their businesses and reach a much broader spectrum of clientele.
"I take pride in this joint venture, which further reflects Plantersbank’s deeper understanding of the country’s SMEs. Our partnership with PLDT will prove to be a great benefit to this sector. We will now be able to equip them with technology that will take them right to the future," Plantersbank executive vice president and branch banking group head Roberto Buhain said.
For his part, PDB SME Solutions general manager Adonis Yap noted: "It’s about time that businessmen in our country start competing actively in the global arena. Why should they limit themselves to local transactions when the rest of the world is waiting on the Internet? Together with PLDT, we are giving them the opportunity to make their mark."