• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Close to 90 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bacolod benefited from training sessions and discussions in the first-ever Grab Asenso Digital Diskarte learning caravan June 16 at Seda Capitol Central in the city.
Grab Philippines said that “digital diskarte is its flagship program that equips MSMEs and local entrepreneurs with the skills and digital tools needed to thrive in today’s online economy.”
The program includes on-ground training sessions and access to technologies, such as Merchant AI Assistant, Grab Growth Playbook, and Spotlight Ads, all designed to help small businesses reach new customers, manage operations more efficiently, and grow sustainably in the digital marketplace, it added.
Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (D-LEDIP) head, Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas, said that Grab’s intent to bring accessible technology to Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and the Negros Island Region “aligns seamlessly with our development agenda.”
“By equipping our MSMEs with mobile-first marketing skills, AI-powered business tools, and seamless digital payment solutions, Grab is actively helping us stimulate the local economy,” Llamas said in her message at the event. “This partnership goes far beyond upgrading apps; it is about upgrading lives. It creates digital-native jobs, professionalizes our platform workers, and dramatically increases the market reach of our homegrown Bacolod brands.”
She said the city fully supports the Grab Asenso program, with the LGU’s push to accelerate the digital transformation of local enterprises. “We want every neighborhood business, every homegrown retail shop, and every local artisan to have the digital tools necessary to compete on a larger stage.”
“When Grab’s platform economy joins forces with Bacolod’s homegrown talent and entrepreneurial spirit, we create an economic shield that protects our livelihoods and opens new horizons for everyone,” Llamas stressed.
She urged participating MSMEs to take full advantage of the learning caravan. “Embrace and master this ‘digital diskarte’. The digital tools, payment systems, and market insights being shared today are the instruments of your future success.”
Discussions included “Maximizing potential in a growing GrabMart platform”, by Enzo Pisig and Harvey Lor, both of GrabMart Strategy and Planning; “Maximizing the Grab Merchant App” and smart financing and targeted ads by J.K. Alcantara, assistant manager for Merchant Partner Training; and “Cashless Payments In-store using Grab Payment Solutions” by Rob Hernando, assistant manager for Off-Platform Solutions.
The success story of ACM sari-sari store owners Arnold and Shiela Murcia was also presented during the half-day event. Both thanked Grab Philippines for the big help in increasing the number of their customers and the growth of their store based in Barangay Taculing. They also urged other entrepreneurs to join the growing Grab community. | CGC
