Facebook reinforces commitment to help embrace the “digital bayanihan” spirit
Facebook Philippines is growing its investments in the country, aimed at helping small and large businesses grow, as well as programs to foster a safe, positive and informed community for the more than 66 million Filipinos on Facebook each month.
“In today's mobile world, people and businesses in the Philippines are embracing a digital take on the 'bayanihan' spirit, a traditional value that's core to the Filipino culture of coming together to create progress and build community. Facebook is committed to helping the Philippines build for the fututre by helping businesses grow and in turn, contribute to the country's economy and working with local partners to help create a safe and informed community on Facebook,” said John Rubio, Country Director, Facebook Philippines.
Facebook spoke about its efforts to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) thrive through education programs that will give them the tools they need to succeed, as well as efforts to unlock growth for large businesses as they embrace mobile strategies. With nearly 87% of Filipino internet users using social networks, the Facebook Philippines team is focused on helping businesses better serve consumers, and drive growth, through social commerce and Messenger innovation.
“In the Philippines alone, more than 50 million Filipinos are connected to an SME business Page on Facebook. Looking internationally, we're also focused on helping businesses connect with the 130 million people living outside of the Philippines who are already connected to an SME on Facebook based in the Philippines. For large businesses, we want to help them realize untapped potential - from strategic partnership and insights, to conversational commerce on Messenger, to hands-on workshops and education.”
In the Philippines, Messenger is helping evolve the ways businesses interact, respond and get real-time feedback from their customers. For large Philippine businesses, Facebook is doubling down its efforts to help them address challenges in implementing digital strategies to embrace a mobile future and evolve their organizations. According to industry research, 86% of Filipino business leaders believe future growth is dependent on transforming their organizations into digital businesses; however, only 32% have a full digital strategy in place. New data also revealed that in the Philippines, there is a $4 billion USD (approximately 208.9 billion PHP) growth opportunity, if businesses evolve their digital strategies to move faster, and build a more efficient experience for customers.
Facebook is also helping Filipino companies evolve the way they collaborate through Workplace by Facebook. Employees at Meralco, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) and 7-Eleven are connecting on one platform, creating more efficient workflows and collaborating better.
Joining the event were Suzanna Pavadee Vicheinrut Yuzon, founder of the Miss Possibilities community on Facebook, which raises awareness about children with special needs, and empowers them by highlighting their talents and skills; Gina Romero, CEO and Founder of Connected Women, a community thatpromotes tech-powered entrepreneurship with training and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs; Yoly Crisanto, Globe Telecom's Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications, which launched Digital Thumbprint, a program that equips the youth with skills to think critically and act with empathy online; and May Layugan, Operations Center Manager of the Philippine Red Cross, which mobilizes a nationwide volunteer community for disaster response.