Philippine broadband firm Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have jointly launched a nationwide digitalization initiative aimed at equipping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with technological solutions to thrive in a post-pandemic economy.
The centerpiece of the initiative is a 24-hour hackathon dubbed “Byte Forward,” which will run alongside PCCI’s regional business conferences across the country—starting in Bataan on June 19.
The program seeks to pair MSMEs with college students to co-create technology-driven solutions based on real-world business challenges.
MSMEs comprise 99.63% of the country’s 1.25 million business establishments, according to 2023 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The new initiative aims to enhance the digital competitiveness of these enterprises, with support from local chambers and academia.
Ten student teams per region will compete to develop business solutions, with winners receiving PHP 50,000 each.
Regional winners will face off in a final round at the PCCI’s 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Manila in October, where prizes of up to PHP 500,000 are at stake.
The program is aligned with the government’s digitalization push under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision, with the DTI emphasizing e-commerce, digital payments, and online marketing as key enablers for inclusive growth.
“Digitalization is a promise to our people. By embracing e-commerce, digital payments, and online marketing, we are opening doors for Filipino entrepreneurs to dream bigger, reach farther, and build a better life for their families. This is how we move forward—together, and with no one left behind,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy, also chairman of the upcoming business conference, said the hackathon fosters innovation while connecting MSMEs with tech-savvy youth.
“In the hackathon, we will not just concentrate on solving real-life problems of business owners but crucially, we will tap students that have the technological know-how to solve these problems and put them in the same room,” said Uy said.
PCCI President Enunina Mangio added the initiative is expected to yield viable tools to help businesses move up the value chain.
Business News Asia
