Press Release
GSMA, SMART get Hapinoy Community Stores ICT-enabled
[September 19, 2008/MANILA] - Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) and the GSM Association (GSMA) have signed an agreement that will provide Internet connectivity and computerization to 15 lead stores under Hapinoy, a social business enterprise that focuses on increasing the profitability of participating sari-sari stores or member Hapinoy stores nationwide.
Hapinoy, an initiative of Microventures, Inc., enables sari-sari store owners who enjoy good credit standing with partner microfinance institutions to get additional funding to transform their stores into Hapinoy Stores. Member stores are able to get bigger discounts on goods and services from partner corporations that distribute products and services through the Hapinoy network and sell them at a higher profit margin.
The agreement is the first forged between the GSMA, the global trade association that promotes and enhances the interests of mobile operators worldwide, and a Philippine telecommunications firm under the GSM Development Fund.
“We believe that this project to get small businesses like the neighborhood sari-sari store into the Information age has the support of the GSMA because we have the same objective of getting technology to work for more people -- especially those who do not have the access, financial means or technical know-how -- to make use of it to enhance processes and improve their way of life,” said SMART Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea.
“This is what drives us to advocate ‘Internet for All’, to get the Internet literally into the hands of every Filipino through viable partnerships and innovative solutions so that more will be able to benefit from the possibilities and opportunities provided by the World Wide Web,” he added.
“Evolution is the name of the game with Hapinoy. Through this partnership with GSMA and Smart, our Community Stores are taken to the next level of efficiency, income generation, and service for our Hapinoy Nanays,” said Microventures Inc. President Bam Aquino.
Under the agreement, SMART will strengthen its partnership with Microventures, Inc. to enable owners of 15 Hapinoy Community Stores in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and NCR to make the transition from manual to computerized order-taking and inventory management, among others.
With connectivity from Smart Bro, the wireless broadband service of SMART subsidiary Smart Broadband Inc., the Hapinoy Community Store is also envisioned to become an information center on market, crop production, weather, job, health and other data useful to the community.
Danilo J. Mojica, SMART Wireless Consumer head, also said that getting the Hapinoy Community Stores ICT-enabled adds to the sustainability of the business, making it a viable proposition for all stakeholders.
“When used correctly, technology results to cost-efficiencies which ultimately results to a better profit margin. The store owners and their users will eventually find out that they are not only doing things better, they are also earning more and at the same time, learning new things,” he added.
Microventures, Inc., a social business enterprise, initiated the Hapinoy project in an effort to empower sari-sari stores by linking them directly to partner product manufacturers, through capacity-building and the community support generated by the network. As a result, Hapinoy Community Store owners are able to get higher margins on their goods sold, save on new efficiency measures and have the opportunity to get into new businesses like those offered by SMART.
To date, some Hapinoy Community Stores nationwide now also offer enhanced SMART products and services, including e-Load services and SMART Money transactions. Selected Hapinoy community stores will also offer Public Calling Phones and Smart Bro Internet Kiosks and Cafes.
Hapinoy community stores are branded sari-sari stores owned and run by microentrepreneurs and built on the backbone of the microfinance industry. Supported by the Microfinance Council of the Phillipines, Hapinoy is a nationwide initiative involving multiple microfinancing institutions in different areas of the Philippines. Currently, the pilot is ongoing in South Luzon, initially targeting 8,000 Hapinoy Stores by yearend. @
