To aid displaced individuals who are seeking employment or wish to adopt alternative careers in the e-commerce sector, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launches Pivot Embrace Technology (PET Project) Component 2. The project is also in response to Republic Act No. 11469 or Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

The number of unemployed individuals significantly rose during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During April 2020, the first full month of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the country’s unemployment rate increased to 17.6% or 12.4% higher than April 2019. This is equivalent to roughly five million displaced individuals.

The Pivot…Embrace Technology (P.E.T.) Project is designed as a pilot project prior to upscaling, with the primary goal to provide employment. It aims to directly benefit our citizens particularly students, and those who are unemployed due to COVID-19 as well as business owners and their respective employees who need upskilling.

Through the certification program, the DTI promotes e-commerce and offer technical and financial assistance through Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) to entrepreneurs, employees, freelancers, especially those who are involved in internet retail, digital financial services, digital media, and ride-hailing.

Moreover, the PET2 Project anchors itself to one of the action agendas of the E-Commerce Philippines 2022 Roadmap specifically agenda 18, “Develop a cadre of digital skill workers to support the growing e-commerce sector.”

DTI helped participants who are also called P.E.T. scholars acquire new learning and training opportunities. This would allow them to use and leverage technology for their businesses and employment.  

On 27 August 2021, 163 scholars are set to be recognized as they complete their programs and acquire certification. ♦

Date of Release: 26 August 2021