By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
NAGA CITY—- The imminent impact of digital prominence to the economy prompted the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bicol to launch in Camarines Sur the “Grow Competitive with E-Commerce” Seminar held last September 26 at the Starview Plaza Hotel, here.
The gathering of more than 100 entrepreneurs with ventures on processed food, wearables and homestyle, and tourism support was meant to encourage them to widen their services and products by venturing on E-Commerce or E-Marketing.
DTI Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn LB. Blanco said that entrepreneurs especially in Camarines Sur have to compete globally as they have a lot of advantages since the province has a closer access to bigger markets and has the academe to support the endeavor in technology-based business.
“In order for an economy to grow, we should go beyond what is normal. We should go out of the box. The technology-based business is a way to go, not only to existing businessmen, but for those interested or with potential, especially the millennials. The mindset should be such that they are directed and anything is possible in these days and age,” Blanco explained.
To provide the participants an overview on how to start an online business, DTI has invited Jannette Toral of Digital Filipino to discuss the E-Commerce Business Model and E-Marketing, as well as the E-Commerce Roadmap and Consumer Protection.
They have also invited platform players, such as OneStore.Ph, Air21Global, Pan Asia Exchange, and Travelbook.ph who made presentations on how to go about the online business from finding a niche product that consumers have difficulty finding, to shipping the products to consumers.
On accepting online payments, they have invited Shopify, TackThis/Paymaya, and GCash to present their E-Payment Platforms. Participants were also given an actual hands-on of the service application and some of them have even already enrolled on the spot.
Also in support of this venture, DTI announced the establishment of “Negosyo Centers” in strategic locations of the province to promote the “ease of doing business and facilitate access to services” or simply bringing DTI closer to the people. In Camarines Sur, “Negosyo Centers” have been established in Naga City, Pili, Tigaon, Sipocot, Iriga, Nabua, and more are slated to open by next year.
Blanco expressed the hope that the participants and small entrepreneurs will stand up to the challenge. She said she attended the seminar to personally give the participants the encouragement because she believes that “Naga and Camarines Sur will definitely shape us to where the region is going.”