MSMEs hailed as modern-day heroes

Local

MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were hailed as the country's modern-day heroes as business and government leaders expressed strong support for the launch of the DITO BizBayani Awards, a nationwide initiative aimed at recognizing outstanding Filipino entrepreneurs driving economic growth, innovation and community development.

During the Visayas media launch of the DITO BizBayani Awards on June 15 in Cebu, representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) underscored the vital role of MSMEs in sustaining livelihoods, creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Melanie Ng, PCCI Area Vice President for Visayas and Director for MSMEs, described the awards as a timely platform that shines a spotlight on the country's "modern-day heroes."

"MSMEs have to go through a lot of challenges to make sure that their businesses grow," Ng said.

"We recognize that heroism also exists in the determination of entrepreneurs who create jobs, invest in communities, embrace innovation, and build opportunities for others," she added.

Ng said PCCI welcomed its partnership with DITO Telecommunity, noting that the collaboration was initiated in Cebu and received the full support of PCCI leadership.

She emphasized that MSMEs account for the vast majority of businesses in the country and provide livelihoods for millions of Filipinos, yet their contributions often go unnoticed.

"Awards such as the DITO BizBayani Awards help bring these inspiring stories to the forefront and encourage others to pursue excellence," she said.

DTI-7 Regional Director Esperanza "Hope" Melgar likewise expressed the agency's support for the initiative, describing MSMEs as the backbone of the Philippine economy.

"By recognizing enterprises that demonstrate innovation, resilience, business excellence and digital transformation, DITO is helping amplify the inspiring stories of the unsung heroes of our economy — our MSMEs," Melgar said.

She noted that MSMEs comprise about 99.5 percent of all registered businesses in the country and generate significant employment opportunities for millions of Filipinos.

"Their success is our success, and their growth remains at the heart of DTI's development agenda," she added.

Melgar said the awards complement DTI's programs promoting innovation, digital transformation, skills development and entrepreneurship.

She also encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace technology, artificial intelligence and digital tools to remain competitive in an evolving business landscape.

The DITO BizBayani Awards was formally launched by DITO Telecommunity as a program designed to honor the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs, whom the company calls "BizBayanis" — business leaders whose enterprises create opportunities, uplift communities and inspire others.

In his keynote message, DITO Telecommunity representative Gabby Cui said the concept of "Bayani" goes beyond bravery and embodies a commitment to building something larger than oneself.

"A Bayani builds not just for themselves but for something larger — for family, for community, and for the nation," Cui said.

He stressed that the country's most consequential builders are often found not in corporate boardrooms but in public markets, small workshops, home-based businesses and digital storefronts operated by ordinary Filipinos.

"These are our MSMEs," Cui said.

"What we rarely do is stand in front of them and say, 'We see what you built. We see what it cost you. And we think the whole nation should see it too'," he added.

According to Cui, the awards aim to recognize entrepreneurs who demonstrate growth, resilience, innovation, digital adoption, industry leadership and excellence as employers.

The awards program is open to Filipino-owned MSMEs that have been operating for at least two years and are led by entrepreneurs aged 45 years old or younger.

Five award categories will be conferred: the BizBayani in Growth Excellence Award, BizBayani in Digital Impact Award, BizBayani in Employer Excellence Award, BizBayani in Industry Impact Award, and BizBayani in Innovation Award.

The initiative is supported by key partners including DTI, GCash, JobStreet, PCCI, and the Philippine Association of Information Builders and Advocates (PAIBA), along with supporting organizations such as the Philippine Council of Small and Medium Business (PCSMB), Digital Commerce and Marketing Experts (DCME), Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).

DITO BizBayan, the enterprise arm of DITO Telecommunity, said the awards reinforce its commitment to empowering Filipino MSMEs through reliable connectivity, digital solutions and business enablement programs.

Cui said the country's next chapter of economic growth will be written by entrepreneurs who continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation and determination despite challenges.

"Bold, resilient, innovative, and deeply Filipino. The next chapter of this country's growth story will be written by its entrepreneurs," he said.(MyTVCebu)