PLDT Enterprise, Google Philippine team up to boost MSMEs’ digital presence

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Enterprise has teamed up with the local unit of technology giant Google to beef up the digital presence of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Through the partnership, PLDT Enterprise and Google Philippines will jointly bring MSMEs online through a verified Google My Business listing which will enable their businesses to be discoverable on the web, via Google Search or Maps.

This, in turn, will help them attract new customers and grow their business.

“PLDT Enterprise and Google Philippines have a shared vision of enabling the MSME sector to make them more globally competitive, and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic growth. Through Google My Business and PLDT’s unique position as its trusted verifier, our subscribers will be able to create an easily accessible business profile that will enable them to stand out online and better engage customers,” PLDT and Smart enterprise business groups senior vice president and head Jovy Hernandez said.

Google Philippines country marketing head Gabby Roxas said it is important that MSMEs are provided with the necessary opportunities and tools to succeed, given that they account for the majority of the country’s listed businesses and employ a sizeable portion of the workforce.

“We are committed to driving inclusive growth for the Philippines’ digital economy. One way to achieve this is through upskilling MSMEs with effective digital tools such as Google My Business,” Roxas said.

Through PLDT, subscribers of the Fibrbiz plan can be easily verified on Google My Business as they will be provided with a verification code that will allow them to make their businesses become more visible online.

MSMEs could publish relevant and timely information about their businesses, enabling them to interact with customers and drive traffic to their stores.

FibrBiz plans are crafted by PLDT Enterprise specifically for the MSMEs as it includes fiber-fast internet connectivity, a business landline, and access to a dedicated enterprise customer hotline.

“Our partnership with Google Philippines is a testament to how PLDT is constantly looking for ways to broaden our services and provide our customers with relevant and timely technologies. As customers further embrace digital, the fundamental challenge for micro and small businesses would be how they could participate in this online economy to compete and grow their business,” PLDT first vice president and head of enterprise core business solutions Jojo Gendrano said.

PLDT Enterprise serves as the business to business arm of the PLDT Group, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the country.