Digitize or perish.
The Department of Trade & Industry here is targeting 2,400 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental to adopt digital commerce for their businesses to thrive.
Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio told a Kapihan forum the local initiative, named Go Digital 62XX Negros Oriental, is in support of the Philippine e-Commerce Roadmap to expand market access for MSMEs in the digital space.
“This is DTI NegOr’s strategy to support the country’s e-commerce roadmap which aims that digital business will be ‘plug and play’ by 2030, meaning it is safe, reliable, easy, and efficient everywhere,” said Virtucio.
Virtucio urged the MSMEs to go along with the times and technology, as the disparity between the young and the older customers is getting wider using digital platforms and transitioning to cashless transactions.
Millennials or the young population are growing up as tech-savvy group of shoppers, and want a streamlined and convenient way of buying.
Moreover, Anton Gabila, senior trade & industry development specialist, said businesses in the Province should adapt to new ways of doing business, or employ new measures for their businesses to thrive.
The Go Digital 62XX aims to enable MSMEs in every local government unit to establish their presence, engage with customers, and accept and make payments in the digital space.
Gabila said the strategy would need the support of the LGUs through the posting of QR (quick response) banners in conspicuous areas in each town.
QR codes (data barcodes) and URL (uniform resource locators) links or webpage addresses are expected to lead to the Go Digital portal where MSMEs can enroll to request for assistance in digitalizing their businesses and access resources including virtual trainings, said Gabila.
He also encouraged the MSMEs to find ways to capture the millennials for their market in the digital space.
Meanwhile, Virtucio urged online sellers to register their businesses at the proper agency such as their respective LGU, the DTI, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The DTI also noted the need for reliable telecommunications company services and logistics systems. (JCT/PIA7 NegOr)
