Telecom sees growth in serving SMEs

WITH 99 percent of registered firms belonging to the SME (small and medium enterprise) category, PLDT claims its program for this specific group has seen “significant” growth last year and will continue this year.

Jerameel Azurin, head of the SME marketing of the PLDT SME Nation program, said they are expecting a double-digit growth for 2010, although he declined to give the
specific figure.

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He said they found an opportunity in SMEs and hope to educate them that technology should not be seen as a cost but an investment that will bring efficiency, lower cost and profitability.

He noted that most SMEs are not information technology-enabled.

They created the PLDT SME Nation in 2008 with the aim of helping businesses expand using technology.

To recognize entrepreneurs who have done well in expanding their businesses, PLDT SME Nation will be awarding them the MVP Bossing Awards next month.

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PLDT and Go Negosyo are now searching for nominees who are engaged in SMEs with an asset size of P3.1 million to P100 million.

Gabby Cui, head of the SME community consul-tancy team of PLDT, explained they will pay tribute to “Pinoy Bossings” who have creativity, determination and perseverance in making their businesses grow.

PLDT SME Nation provides solutions using their calls, Internet and security services.

Azurin said all three services are doing well under the program.

Cui said all the services are meant to address cost savings, business efficiency and to increase profitability.

One of the “Pinoy Bossings” they have recognized is Cebuano Jay Aldeguer of Islands Souvenirs, who has availed of their security solutions.

Cui said they hope to see more Cebuanos for the MVP Bossing Awards for 2011.

Cui said winning the Bossing Awards will help the business more, as they will be helping the winners in promoting their businesses in their ad campaigns and by awarding the grand winner P500,000 cash.

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Other winners will get free subscription to PLDT myDSL for two years.

Aside from the grand winner, others can win in different categories such as agriculture, fishery and forestry; manufacturing, mining, construction and utilities; wholesale/retail trade and finance; travel and leisure and in personal, health, education, social work and other services.

Azurin hopes Cebuanos will nominate their picks for the award, saying nomination forms can be downloaded at their website.