PLDT cements partnership with Philippine Franchise Association

IN their efforts to facilitate growth in the Philippine franchising sector, PLDT Enterprise—the B2B arm of the country’s leading ICT and digital services provider—through its small and medium business group PLDT SME Nation, has partnered with the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) as Co-Presenter of Franchise Asia Philippines 2018.

During the said event held recently at the SMX Convention Center, the two emphasized the importance of franchising as a viable business model— helping entrepreneurs and start-ups address constraints in capital, streamline their operational efficiency, and innovate using technologies to help them compete with large enterprises not just on a local level, but on a global one as well.

The week-long expo attracted over 53,000 visitors and 700 brands, including 200 international brands, available for franchising.

“PLDT has always recognized the role SMEs play in shaping the country’s economic landscape. Technology is the great equalizer and by equipping SMEs with the latest innovations, we are empowering them to be competitive not just locally but on the international stage as well,” said FVP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin.

“I’d like to personally congratulate the PFA for another successful expo. This event is such a great platform to the local franchising industry. It’s nothing less than an institution and we look forward to all the opportunities this partnership will create for the PFA and its members,” added Locsin.

According to the PFA, the Philippines’s franchising industry is set to grow by 10 to 15 percent this year, and 20 percent by 2020.

“Economic inclusivity is at the heart of what we do at the PFA, and PLDT’s mission of supporting business owners to be more digitally adept is aligned with our vision of globalizing homegrown enterprises—regardless of size. By partnering with a digital services provider, we can further advance and address the needs of our local entrepreneurs, who are raring to take their businesses to the next level,” said PFA Chairman Emeritus Samie Lim.

PLDT SME Nation continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions to enterprises of all sizes, further advancing digital transformation across the country and region, in line with its mandate of nation-building. (PR)