Makati, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the Sari-sari Store Advancement Program, aimed at empowering over one million sari-sari store owners across the Philippines.

From L to R: Smart Communications Channel Management Head Jacqueline  Bocalan, Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) National President Elilyn Gadia, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, Unilever Chairman and CEO Fredy Ong, Hapinoy President Mark Joaquin Ruiz, GCash B2C Sales Head Mark Mamaril.

This transformative initiative, under the banner “Tindahan Mo e-Level Up Mo!”, is set to equip micro-retailers also known as sari-sari stores, with digital tools, knowledge, and sustainable practices, marking a significant stride towards inclusive economic growth.

DTI Secretary Fred Pascual said sari-sari stores are a backbone of the Philippine economy,   serving as economic hubs that power Filipino households. “This program aims to empower over one million sari-sari store owners across the Philippines by equipping them with digital tools, knowledge, and sustainable practices,” he said.

The program focuses on several key areas:

  • Digital Transformation: Providing access to advanced technologies and digital tools to enhance store operations.
  • Financial Literacy and Access to Financing: Enhancing financial literacy and facilitating easier access to financing options.
  • Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly and sustainable business operations.
  • Consumer Protection and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring store owners are well-versed in consumer rights and fair-trading practices.

Secretary Pascual highlighted the importance of integrating digital technologies to reduce costs, increase productivity, and expand market reach for these micro-enterprises, ensuring they remain competitive in the digital economy.

From top left to right: Packworks Chief Marketing Officer Ibrahim Rasul Bernardo, Universal Robina Corporation VP for Sales Cherry Lyn Moran, DTI Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan, DTI Undersecretary Ed Sunico, Coca-Cola Director for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Atty. Juan Lorenzo, Nestle National Field Ops Manager Ramon Topacio, Smart Communications Channel Management Head Jacqueline  Bocalan, Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) National President Elilyn Gadia, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, Unilever Chairman and CEO Fredy Ong, Hapinoy President Mark Joaquin Ruiz, and GCash B2C Sales Head Mark Mamaril

“Our goal is to see sari-sari stores not just survive but thrive. By registering and formalizing these businesses, we provide them with the necessary support and benefits to elevate their operations. This initiative is a collaborative effort, and through public-private partnerships, we can create a supportive ecosystem for these small but vital enterprises,” he said.

DTI Undersecretary Ed Sunico, who leads the initiative, shared that the DTI has extended their network of experts in making sure that micro retailers have access to world class knowledge. “Bawat isang tindahan ay may isang kabuhayang Pilipino. In that spirit, sama-sama na nating i-level up ang bawat tindahang Pilipino (In every sari sari store, there is a Filipino livelihood. In that spirit let us all elevate every Filipino sari sari store),” Undersecretary Sunico said.

Signatories from the private sector, such as Unilever, Coca-cola, Universal Robina Corporation, Smart Communications, Nestle, Hapinoy, Packworks, PASCO, and GCash all expressed their support for the program, echoing the message that the success of sari-sari stores are also their triumph.

Secretary Pascual concluded with a call to action, “Together, we can elevate every Filipino store. Sama-sama nating e-Level Up ang bawat tindahang Pilipino. ANGAT Negosyo para sa Bagong Pilipinas!” ♦

Date of Release: 20 July 2024

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