DTI, DICT empower MSMEs in digital space

The partnership aims to provide digital literacy (Pixabay photo)

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have partnered to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digital technology.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and DICTofficer-in-charge Eliseo Rio Jr. on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement that would provide free internet access, ICT equipment, and online learning in Negosyo Centers nationwide.

The partnership aims to provide digital literacy to MSMEs for them to tap opportunities in the digital space and help them grow in their businesses.

DTI’s Negosyo Centers promote entrepreneurial activities in the country by facilitating business registration and giving business advisory services.

Through the partnership, the Negosyo Centers will carry DICT’s Tech4ED Project, a platform offering digital literacy and skills training, and also an e-marketplace, as well as a one-stop-shop for government applications, among others.

In the future, DTI and DICT plan to merge Tech4ED present in local government units with the Negosyo Centers.

“This convergence of the DICT and DTI will arm the entrepreneurs, especially in the regions, with the tools they need to develop and innovate on their products and conduct their business online. Connectivity and digital literacy are the future-proof ways to help those at the bottom of the pyramid,” Lopez said.

“The DICT’s main objective is to facilitate connectivity. We are thus counting on our partner agencies like the DTI to provide tools and content that will benefit the public,” Rio said, on the other hand.

Currently, there are 805 Negosyo Centers nationwide.

Some 44 Negosyo Centers already have free wi-fi through DICT’s PipolKonek Project.