DTI, Digital PINAS empower MSMEs in underserved communities through ICT equipment handover

March 19, 2026

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union (EU), pose for a group photo during the ICT equipment handover ceremony, with partner Negosyo Centers from across the country joining virtually. The initiative supports 14 Negosyo Centers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to enhance digital service delivery for MSMEs.

Metro Manila —The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Digital PINAS Joint Programme, supported by the European Union, formally marked the handover of ICT equipment to 14 Negosyo Centers on 12 March 2026. Thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in remote and underserved communities are set to benefit from expanded digital business support, strengthening digital inclusion and helping local businesses participate in the growing digital economy.

The equipment packages—including laptops, tablets, and printers—have been delivered to Negosyo Centers situated in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), with three centers in Luzon, five in the Visayas, and six in Mindanao. Selected centers also received satellite connectivity equipment and subscription support, helping ensure more reliable internet access in locations where connectivity is limited. These upgrades enable the Negosyo Centers to serve more clients and support MSMEs in accessing online government services, markets, and learning resources.

The ceremony brought together United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines Resident Representative Christophe Bahuet, DTI Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, DTI Assistant Secretary Grace F. Baluyan, and First Secretary of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines Frederic Grillet, alongside representatives from the Joint Programme’s implementing agencies, DTI offices, and Negosyo Centers.

Strengthening Negosyo Centers for a Digital Economy

Negosyo Centers are often the first stop for entrepreneurs seeking help with business name registration, mentoring, and access to government support. However, many centers in remote areas still lack computers or struggle with slow internet, which affects their capacity to assist entrepreneurs efficiently.

With upgraded ICT tools and connectivity, these 14 centers supported under Digital PINAS are now better equipped to assist more clients, facilitate digital transactions, deliver training activities, and expand MSMEs’ access to digital tools and resources.

Strengthening the digital capacity of Negosyo Centers is part of broader efforts make government support more accessible to entrepreneurs. By improving digital readiness, especially in remote areas and underserved communities, this initiative enables MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy and ensures no entrepreneur is left behind in the country’s digital transformation.

(from left) EU First Secretary Frederic Grillet, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, and UNDP Resident Representative Christophe Bahuet attend the ICT equipment handover ceremony in Makati City.

A Partnership Supporting MSMEs that Drive the Philippine Economy

Despite increasing digital adoption nationwide, MSMEs in rural and last‑mile communities still face persistent barriers such as weak connectivity, high equipment costs, and limited digital skills. Through this partnership, DTI, Digital PINAS, supported by the European Union, are working to address these gaps by strengthening the capacity of Negosyo Centers to deliver more responsive digital business support services.

Beyond equipment upgrades, the partnership will train Negosyo Center staff on data governance, artificial intelligence applications for MSMEs, and business digitalization support. The collaboration also aims to enhance how entrepreneurs engage with government services through improved feedback mechanisms and chat-based support tools—particularly benefiting women-led enterprises, informal businesses, and entrepreneurs in rural and last-mile communities.

“Digital transformation must reach entrepreneurs in the most remote communities, not only those in major cities. MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy—accounting for ~99.6% of all enterprises and around 65% of private sector employment—so expanding their access to practical digital tools is one of the most direct ways to support jobs and local growth. Through the upgraded Negosyo Centers, we are focusing on ‑hands-on services that matter to small businesses: digital diagnostics and coaching, e-Gov onboarding, basic ecommerce setup, and connectivity support for last-mile communities,” said UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Christophe Bahuet.

First Secretary of the EU Delegation to the Philippines Frederic Grillet said, “Through our support to the Joint Programme, the European Union remains committed to work with the Philippines to promote secure digital connectivity, a digital economy to create tangible opportunities for the private sector and a human centric approach towards AI” emphasizing the importance of partnership as part of the EU International Digital Strategy in advancing inclusive and sustainable growth.

Digital PINAS is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), under the auspices of the UN Resident Coordinator, to advance MSME digitalization. The programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund, with contributions from the European Union and other member states.

This initiative with DTI covers 14 Negosyo Centers located in Caluya (Antique), Buenavista (Guimaras), Ragay (Camarines Sur), Ipil (Zamboanga Sibugay), Kapatagan (Lanao del Norte), Kitaotao and Don Carlos (Bukidnon), Lake Sebu (South Cotabato), Mambusao (Capiz), Marabut (Samar), Abuyog (Leyte), Talacogon (Agusan del Sur), Polillo (Quezon), and Balbalan (Kalinga).[E]

About DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) serves as the primary coordinative, promotive, facilitative, and regulatory arm of government for the country’s trade, industry, and investment activities. It acts as catalyst for intensified private sector activity to accelerate and sustain economic growth through a comprehensive industrial growth strategy, a progressive and socially responsible liberalization and deregulation program, and policies designed for the expansion and diversification of both domestic and foreign trade.

About Digital PINAS

Digital PINAS is a joint programme that supports MSME digitalization by addressing policy, regulatory, and systemic barriers to digital inclusion. It is implemented by ILO, ITC, and UNDP in partnership with the DICT and other government agencies. All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.