CENTRAL VISAYAS – About 800 sari-sari store owners from the region participated in the nationwide launch of the DTI Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program (SSSAP) on June 26, 2024.

Dubbed “Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo!”, the SSSAP aims to equip ‘saripreneurs’ with essential knowledge and accelerate their business operations through digital solutions.

The first module, “e-Level Up ang Negosyo,” introduced business opportunities for sari-sari stores, such as accepting cashless payments, offering digital services (like load, cash-in, and bill payments), and purchasing goods online. Additionally, the ‘SuperStore’ app was introduced, featuring promo and loyalty rewards, direct delivery, and additional capital for store owners.

The DTI also showcased its i-ANGAT ang Negosyo programs and services, which encompass financial services, business counseling and mentoring, and market access support.

A total of 815 sari-sari store owners from Central Visayas gathered at 34 learning centers, including DTI provincial offices and Negosyo Centers. DTI Region 7 partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), local government units, and partner cooperatives to utilize their facilities as venues.

The live viewing session attracted active participation from 309 store owners in Bohol, 241 in Negros Oriental, 231 in Cebu, and 34 in Siquijor. Many others tuned in via the DTI Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.

Nationwide partner merchants were present at learning centers, offering discounted selling opportunities for store owners. In Negros Oriental, Smart provided its retailer package and SIM for reloading at a 10% discount, which 14 participants availed.

The free online training will be held on the last Wednesday of each month until October 2024. Upcoming modules include e-Level Up ang Online Marketing (July 24), e-Level Up ang Puhunan (August 28), e-Level Up ang Paninda (September 25), and e-Level Up ang Operations (October 23).

According to the DTI, the SSSAP is a pivotal initiative designed to empower over one million sari-sari store owners across the Philippines.

“By embracing digital transformation, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting sustainable business practices, this program aims to elevate Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into more resilient, innovative, and competitive entities within the national economy,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual.

DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, along with Undersecretary Ed Sunico, announced the Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program (SSSAP) in Cebu on May 24, 2024, during the agency’s Town Hall Meeting for the Visayas held at UP Cebu, Cebu City.(DTI 7/PR)

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