The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – MIMAROPA Region together with ShopeePay Philippines conducted a virtual information session on E-Commerce for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

The half-day event was organized from 8:30 am onwards on 22 February 2022. This is the first of the many lined-up activities of DTI MIMAROPA for 2022 under its Cashless For All Series: The Rise of Inclusive Digital Payment Solutions. 

Karl Angelo Sarmiento, Business Development Manager of ShopeePay, presented a walkthrough of the digital wallet platform. Participating MSMEs were also granted a three-month free trial to use the merchant feature of the platform. 

According to their website, ShopeePay is Shopee’s digital wallet where users can make safe and cashless payments. The following are the main features of the platform:

• Online transactions within Shopee – such as buying mobile load and bills payment
• Offline (QR) transactions with merchants who accept payment via ShopeePay
• Receiving or sending money to your contacts, and making bank transfers for your funds to your bank account.

In line with the e-Commerce Philippine 2022 Roadmap of making e-Commerce “madali” for Filipinos, DTI supports MSMEs in the growth and evolution of technology, its platforms, and economy. As more consumers purchase goods and services online, local businesses are encouraged to pivot to e-Commerce. 

“With our geographical set-up, we are on the move to a predominant cash-free society in the region. Our main goal this 2022 is to level up the MSMEs’ game in E-Commerce,” said DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel B. Valera. 

A total of 121 individuals, coming from both the public and private sector, participated in the virtual information session. The majority of the participating MSMEs have expressed their interest to onboard in the platform. 

In 2021 alone, DTI MIMAROPA has assisted over 5,000 MSMEs to transition online. Some of the activities conducted by DTI MIMAROPA on E-Commerce include capacity development initiatives, onboarding in E-Commerce Platforms, and one-on-one consultations. 

“Patuloy nating i-promote ang cashless society. Let us support this kind of endeavor because it creates value and this value helps the economy,” said DTI MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo J. Mariposque in his closing remarks. ♦

Date of Release: 23 February 2022