CENTRAL VISAYAS – Over 940 sari-sari store owners from the region participated in the second session of the DTI Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program (SSSAP) on July 24, 2024.

The five-module program, dubbed “Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo!”, aims to equip ‘saripreneurs’ with essential knowledge and accelerate their business operations through digital solutions.

The second module, “e-Level Up ang Online Marketing,” introduced various marketing strategies and platforms available to effectively market sari-sari stores.

It was attended by 944 participants gathered at 37 learning centers, including DTI provincial offices and Negosyo Centers. DTI Region 7 also 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 442 store owners in Cebu, 239 in Bohol, 216 in Negros Oriental, and 47 in Siquijor. Many others tuned in via the DTI Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.

Nationwide partner merchants were also present at learning centers, offering discounted selling opportunities for store owners. This include Smart and Nestle, resulting in total generated sales of Php 255,640.00.

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

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. It was attended by a total of 815 sari-sari store owners from Central Visayas.

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) ♦

Date of release: 25 July 2024