PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to drive digital skills development for farmers and MSMEs in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, by equipping them with essential artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge and cybersecurity awareness.

The group supported the recently concluded Global Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship Exposition 2024, organized by the College of Economics and Management of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in partnership with the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA). The event aimed to highlight best practices, emerging trends, and innovations in agribusiness.

“Having foundational knowledge in AI is becoming increasingly essential for farmers, MSMEs, and cooperatives to stay competitive in the digital age. Equally important is knowing how to protect themselves and their businesses from cybersecurity threats. Through initiatives like this, we aim to help individuals and communities embrace technology safely and confidently,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart led a learning session on “Empowering Agripreneurs through AI” introducing participants to AI and demonstrating how AI tools can be used to market agricultural products more effectively. The session aimed to simplify AI concepts for farmers and MSMEs, providing practical ways to enhance their business operations and reach wider markets.

With the growing use of online tools and platforms, PLDT and Smart also guided participants on how to protect themselves and safeguard their businesses from mobile and online scams, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities.

“We are glad to continue our collaboration with PLDT and Smart, particularly in initiatives that promote knowledge sharing aimed at improving the lives and livelihood of Filipino farmers and the agriculture sector in general,” according to Angel Bautista, Country Director of PPSA.

PLDT and Smart’s flagship livelihood programs, eBizNovation and FarmSmart, are designed to provide MSMEs and farmers with access to technology and upskilling training. These initiatives align with the group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.