The Laguna Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through Negosyo Center Luisiana, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Luisiana, conducted a blended learning activity featuring the third module of the Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo! A DTI Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program entitled “e-Level Up ang Puhunan”, on August 28, 2024. The activities onsite were held at the 3rd Floor Luisiana Municipal Hall, Luisiana, Laguna, which was participated by Luisiana micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The blended learning activity shared a video presentation which provided a comprehensive overview of the Sari-Sari Store Program. It was followed by the introduction of program moderators, Mr. Isis Valencia and Ms. Danica Caynap, and delivery of opening remarks by Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan of the DTI Regional Operations Group. She expressed her gratitude to regional and provincial directors as well as business counselors, event partners and the participating sari-sari store owners. She highlighted that this program involves upskilling MSMEs with digitalization and sustainable practices.

Ms. Florice Mae Tan, Head of Retail Ecosystems and Channels of Uno Digital Bank, started the discussion with a brief information on different sources of income, proper budgeting and inflation and how these affect the financial management of an individual. Then, she presented how mobile wallet and digital payments work as well as how Uno Digital Bank help MSMEs. She further elaborated how MSMEs can open a savings account and apply for the offered loan programs to support and expand their businesses.

It was followed by Mr. Gian Besa, Gcash Head of Distributive Trade, who discussed the Gcash Pera Outlet that can help sari-sari store owners and retailers to earn additional income by providing online digital payment and cash-in and cash-out transaction services. Moreover, Ms. Racquel Holazo, Business Development Head of Gcash FUSE Lending, shared Gcash FUSE features as well as the GLoan for Business which can be availed by verified users and registered business establishments.

The fourth resource speaker, Mr. Jose Milo Abelo, Training Lead of Smart, shared about Smart Ka-Partner App which provides easier and more convenient loading business to micro-retailers and gives business opportunities to earn more. In addition, Mr. Joms Ramirez II, Regional Business Head of Maya, presented Maya for Business, an all-in one dashboard for hassle-free payment online and in-store transactions.

The last part of the program was presented by Mr. Wally Don Calderon, Head of Innovation and Advocacy Group of Small Business Corporation (SB Corp). He shared various loan programs of SB Corp and how MSMEs can apply and get approved through its website by uploading necessary documents and attachments for the validation process.

All the speakers presented their lecture thru the video while the MSMEs listened and participated actively onsite. This has been a meaningful learning session wherein attendees acquired essential information on various online application features for additional income and loan programs for business expansion and growth opportunities (RMGCeria, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 04 September 2024

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