Converge SME and DTI Unite to Accelerate MSME Digital Transformation in the Philippines
Converge and DTI officially signed their partnership to strengthen MSME digitalization efforts at Marco Polo Hotel on November 18, 2025. (L–R: Atty. Ma. Theresa G. Faustino, OIC Director, DTI–Bureau of Policy Research and Innovation; Asec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head, DTI–Competitiveness and Innovation Group; Dindo Marzan, Senior Vice President and Head of the Converge SME Group; and Angela Gutierrez, Vice President and Head of Converge SME Marketing.)
- Digital Push Momentum: The partnership between DTI and Converge accelerates MSME access to reliable connectivity, onboarding assistance, and practical digital tools to help them thrive in today’s fast-changing digital economy.
- Stronger Innovation Support: Through expanded capacity-building programs, DTI reinforces its nationwide mission to nurture startup communities and empower small entrepreneurs to explore automation, cloud solutions, and the responsible use of modern technologies including AI.
- Inclusive Tech Growth: Both institutions aim to ensure that Filipino businesses of all sizes, across all regions, gain equal opportunity to participate and compete in the evolving digital marketplace through improved digital readiness and long-term support.
Walking into a small neighborhood shop today, it is no longer surprising to see QR code payments, cloud-based inventory systems, and online order dashboards propped up on the counter. For many Filipino micro and small businesses, digital tools are no longer unfamiliar concepts but essential companions for growth. This makes the recent partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.’s SME Solutions unit an important step forward as MSMEs continue to navigate the fast-paced digital economy.
The collaboration, formalized through a new Memorandum of Understanding, aims to further expand digital readiness among Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. MSMEs make up 99.6 percent of all registered businesses in the country, and while many have taken early steps into digital adoption, a large portion still struggles with limited access to reliable internet, insufficient technical skills, and unfamiliarity with digital platforms.
A Partnership Built for the Digital Future of MSMEs
The initiative directly supports DTI’s broader programs focused on helping entrepreneurs access better connectivity, receive digital onboarding support, and build their capabilities through training sessions and technology exposure. These efforts fall under DTI’s long-running commitment to help MSMEs embrace essential tools such as e-commerce automation, cloud solutions, next-generation business platforms, and the responsible use of AI to streamline operations.
As global markets become increasingly interconnected, local entrepreneurs must keep pace not only to survive but to compete effectively. Digital storefronts, online customer engagement, automated back-office processes, and remote collaboration have become standard practices. The partnership provides an added boost precisely at a time when these tools are transitioning from optional add-ons to make-or-break necessities.
Why Digitalization Matters for Filipino MSMEs
Reflecting this urgency, Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista, Supervising Head of the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group, emphasized the significance of strengthening MSME access to technology. “Our goal is to push for MSMEs to embrace technology and digitalization, and we believe that this partnership with Converge strengthens our push. Through this initiative, we can give our entrepreneurs not just access to tools but a fair chance to compete and succeed in the global market.”
She also highlighted that business owners can no longer afford to delay digital adoption. “The DTI believes that digitalization of our MSMEs is no longer optional but absolutely essential in today’s highly digital business environment.” These statements capture the heart of the program: digital readiness is the new foundation of competitiveness.
Connectivity and Digital Tools Designed for Growing Businesses
Under the new agreement, Converge will complement DTI initiatives by offering connectivity packages and digital solutions to MSMEs participating in the Department’s digitalization and innovation programs. This includes support for both emerging startups and traditional small enterprises adopting digital tools for the first time.
For many business owners, stable internet is the backbone of modern operations. Whether it is managing online payments, running a cloud-based POS, coordinating deliveries, or engaging customers through social channels, everyday workflows rely heavily on reliable connectivity.
Dindo Marzan, Senior Vice President for the SME Group at Converge, expressed the company’s commitment to empowering businesses across the country. “Every business relies not only on effective and efficient connectivity but also easy-to-use and practical digital solutions. We are honored to support the DTI in ensuring that MSMEs wherever they are gain access to the technology and assistance they need to grow sustainably.”
Building a More Inclusive Digital Ecosystem
One of the most compelling aspects of this partnership is its inclusivity. It is not just for big businesses or startups in major cities. It aims to uplift entrepreneurs from all regions, ensuring that digital transformation reaches communities that need it most.
DTI continues to champion an innovation-driven economy by equipping entrepreneurs with skills and tools that match global standards. The partnership reinforces this national commitment by expanding access to technologies that were once considered too complex or inaccessible for smaller enterprises.
Ultimately, this collaboration represents a shared vision for a digitally empowered MSME sector that can innovate, compete, and grow sustainably in the years ahead.
