An eight-day Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) for persons with disabilities was held by PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., in Mandaue City, Cebu recently.
The training was done in collaboration with nonprofit organization ATRIEV, or the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, Voice Philippines, and the Mandaue City Persons with Disability Affairs Office.
PLDT and Smart partnered with ATRIEV to expand the reach of this digital training across the country, and upskill more entrepreneurs with disabilities, enabling them to participate in and benefit from the digital economy. This is under the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) pioneering program of the PLDT Group, which was also a finalist at the 2024 Global Mobile awards, the connectivity industry’s most prestigious accolade.
“In a world full of judgment, it may be challenging for persons with disabilities to establish their own businesses, but I salute our DBBT graduates’ willingness to learn and improve their livelihood,” Lailane Go, senior manager, Regional Customer Development at Smart, said in a press release March 13, adding that, though IDEATe, persons with disabilities are ensured of support in navigating the world of business, enabled by technology.
Helen Ortega, a tuberculosis survivor, expressed her gratitude for being part of this initiative. “As someone who is unfamiliar with online selling and digital tools, this training undoubtedly equipped me with skills to improve my small business. This is a great opportunity for us, and I thank ATRIEV and its partners for making this happen.”
Twenty-seven participants, including individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments, learned about digital tools and applications that they can use in growing their businesses online.
The training also covered e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, content creation, internet safety, and an introduction to the Maya Business App, helping them fully embrace digitalization in their businesses. ||
