By Maan D’Asis Pamaran
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have long been recognized as the backbone of the Philippine economy. Accounting for more than 99% of registered businesses nationwide and employing 60% of the country’s workforce, these enterprises play a critical role in generating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering inclusive growth across communities. Despite their significant contribution to the country’s economic development, many MSMEs continue to build businesses, create opportunities, and contribute to local economies with little public recognition.
To shine a spotlight on these entrepreneurs and their impact, DITO Telecommunity and DITO BizBayan officially launched the DITO BizBayani Awards, a nationwide recognition program that celebrates outstanding Filipino MSMEs and the entrepreneurs behind them.
“Today we celebrate our entrepreneurs, because the most important builders in this country, you don’t always find them through the boardrooms,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, chief commercial officer of DITO. “In fact, most often you find them in places like the palengke (market), small workshops, maybe home kitchens that have turned into commissaries, or maybe in digital storefronts that’s run by a mom who taught herself how to use a smartphone. They are embedded in every province, every city, every municipality. Despite their importance as institutions, we rarely go to them and say, we see what you built, we see what it cost you, and we think the whole nation should see it as well. Through the DITO BizBayani Awards, we want to recognize their contributions and inspire more Filipinos to pursue entrepreneurship.”
“At its heart, the awards are designed to recognize Filipino MSMEs and entrepreneurs who continue to move our country forward through innovation, resilience, creativity, and determination,” said Gabby Cui, head of MSME for BizBayan.
The awards are open to Filipino-owned MSMEs operating across the country and will recognize businesses led by entrepreneurs aged 45 and below who have demonstrated measurable impact in their industries and communities.
For its inaugural year, the DITO BizBayani Awards will recognize entrepreneurs and enterprises that exemplify excellence across five key areas that define modern business success.
- Growth and Resilience Award – For businesses that have shown outstanding growth, resilience, and contribution to local economic development. Recognizes businesses that have demonstrated strong and sustainable business growth.
- Digital Adoption Award – Recognizes emerging MSMEs that are building strong digital presence and accelerating business growth through innovative use of digital platforms, online engagement, and modern business tools.
- Employer Excellence Award – Celebrates MSMEs that create jobs and open opportunities for Filipinos
- Industry Impact Award – This category celebrates businesses that go beyond profitability by helping elevate their sector, creating opportunities for others, and contributing to the growth of the Philippine business ecosystem and the communities they serve. It recognizes enterprises that create meaningful social and economic impact through job generation, community engagement, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
- Bold Innovation Award – This category celebrates businesses that go beyond profitability by helping elevate their sector, creating opportunities for others, and contributing to the growth of the Philippine business ecosystem and the communities they serve. It recognizes enterprises that create meaningful social and economic impact through job generation, community engagement, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
Beyond recognition, the DITO BizBayani Awards seeks to create opportunities for continued learning and business development. Award winners will receive not only recognition and business support tools, but also the opportunity to participate in a business learning immersion program in China. The experience is designed to expose entrepreneurs to emerging technologies, business models, and best practices that can help them scale their enterprises and strengthen their competitiveness.
Building an ecosystem of support
The launch also highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing MSME growth. The DITO BizBayani Awards brings together a broad coalition of public and private sector organizations, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), GCash, JobStreet, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Philippine AI Business Association (PAIBA), Philippine Council for Small and Medium Businesses (PCSMB), and other industry stakeholders.
DTI Program Development Division Chief Edwin Pasahol underscored the agency’s continued support for initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship and recognize business excellence. “At DTI, we firmly believe that MSMEs are the backbone of the economy. They generate employment, create opportunities, support local industries, and contribute significantly to inclusive growth. Behind every thriving enterprise is an entrepreneur who took risks, overcame challenges, and remained committed to turning a vision into reality.”
A key theme that emerged during the launch was the growing importance of digital connectivity in helping MSMEs compete and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. For many small businesses, access to reliable connectivity and digital tools has become essential for expanding market reach, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer engagement.
“When a small enterprise gains access to reliable internet connectivity, it can reach customers beyond its immediate community,” Tamano said. “When entrepreneurs adopt digital payment solutions, online platforms, and other digital tools, they gain access to opportunities that were previously beyond their reach.”
“I would like to reiterate DITO’s commitment to enable MSMEs in this country, truly the pillars of our economy,” said Eric Alberto, president, DITO. “We are committed to enabling all our micro, small, and medium enterprises. From the housewife, who intends to just augment income in our household, to the young entrepreneurs, tech entrepreneurs, we are here for you, to enable you, with a digital tool towards your success.”
Through DITO BizBayan, the company aims to equip entrepreneurs with the digital infrastructure needed to scale their businesses and participate more fully in the digital economy.
