The Rotary Club of Iloilo South, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Iloilo Local Government, St. Clements Academy Class of 1977 in partnership with UnionBank, recently held the "Enterprise Growth through Digital Transformation." - a summit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the Iloilo Convention Center. The well-attended summit brought together over 1000 SMEs, government agencies, student entrepreneurs and communicators, and various stakeholders from the business community.
This summit provided participants with an opportunity to learn about the benefits of digital transformation for SMEs. The conversations centered on how digital tools can enhance productivity, increase revenue, and streamline business operations. The event that showcased solutions designed to aid entrepreneurs of all sizes, also provided an opportunity for participants to network with other SMEs, government agencies, and stakeholders.
The Summit was opened by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who led a delegation of provincial municipal city mayors from other towns in Iloilo province. DTI Region VI Director Ermelinda Pollantes shared initiatives that were in place to support MSMEs as she acknowledged how the Asian Institute of Digital Transformation (AIDT) was instrumental in providing the necessary operational framework. Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr also acknowledged the event’s impact in a recorded closing message.
In the keynote speech of the event, delivered by UnionBank's Chief Executive Officer, Edwin R. Bautista, he said, "We are committed to supporting SMEs by providing them with access to innovative digital solutions that can help them grow and thrive in today's competitive business environment. Our partnership with the Rotary Club of Iloilo South, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Local Government, and St. Clements Academy Class of 1977 demonstrates our commitment to invest in the growth of SMEs in the region."
Bautista also moderated a lively panel discussion covering banking, technology, and SME topics. that were well-received and actively participated-in by the audience. UnionBank’s Consumer Bank Head Manoj Varma and SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head Jaypee Soliman, UBX’s Open Finance Managing Director Jaime Garchitorena, and Aboitiz Data Innovation’s CEO Dr David Hardoon, gamely shared their perspectives and clarified the burning concerns of the very animated audience.
Attendees at the Iloilo Convention center got an up-close and practical view of UnionBank’s MSME solutions as they were showcased in the individual exhibit spaces. Eve, the Bank’s Robo-ambassador was on-hand to welcome the guests and have souvenir photos taken with “her”. In support of MSMEs wherever they may need to operate, the Bank On Wheels was a featured trailblazing technology that was big hit with the participants. They appreciated the on-demand cash deployment solution that could be transported to the most remote areas that would normally be inaccessible to conventional branches.
The success of the summit had the participants expressing their appreciation for the insights gained and the opportunity to connect with other SMEs and stakeholders in the business community. The partnership between UnionBank and these organizations underscores UnionBank's commitment to promoting financial inclusion in the Philippines by empowering SMEs with access to digital tools and other resources that can help them achieve their business goals. UnionBank looks forward to continuing its partnership with these organizations to support the growth and success of SMEs in the region.
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