On 31st January, a new programme supported by the United Nations was launched to empower small businesses in underserved areas of the Philippines. The initiative, known as the United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS), aims to equip at least 15,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with essential digital tools and training to enhance their competitiveness in the modern economy.
The launch event brought together representatives from the government, diplomatic circles, development organisations, and the private sector to celebrate the start of this transformative initiative. Digital PINAS is being jointly implemented by three UN agencies—the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Labour Organization (ILO)—in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and various private sector partners.
At the launch, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by many Filipinos in accessing the digital world. He pointed out that, despite progress in digital connectivity, certain groups—such as women, indigenous communities, small business owners, and those in remote regions—still lack the tools and skills to fully participate in the digital economy. “Despite advances in connectivity and digital adoption, millions remain disconnected from progress. Women, indigenous communities, small entrepreneurs, and those in remote areas still struggle with limited access to digital tools and skills,” he said. “Digital PINAS is a declaration that we refuse to let barriers hold back our people. We are not just closing gaps; we are tearing down walls that have long excluded Filipinos from the opportunities they deserve.”
The programme is being funded through the United Nations’ Joint SDG Fund, a key initiative designed to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This fund is supported by international donors, with the European Union (EU) committing an initial 30 million euros to support digital transformation efforts in developing countries, including the Philippines. Additional contributions have come from a range of countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO, spoke on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo González, stressing the importance of digital transformation for sustainable development. He noted, “The promotion of digital transformation as a catalytic opportunity is critical to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals. This is especially relevant in the context of the Philippines and critical to supporting its ambition to be an upper-middle-income country.”
The Digital PINAS programme promises to create a future where even businesses in the most remote corners of the Philippines can thrive with the right digital tools and skills. By tackling the barriers to connectivity and digital adoption, the initiative hopes to create a more inclusive and competitive environment for businesses across the nation, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future for all Filipinos.