“The sari-sari stores have been our key partner since day one, particularly in Smart electronic load distribution, and we are proud to support and launch initiatives that can help grow and benefit this channel. Together with industry partners and the DTI, we share the mission of empowering our sari-sari store owners and customers by assisting them in their digital transformation journey,” said Jac Bocalan, VP and Head of Channel Management at Smart. 
 
DTI’s Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program aims to enable sari-sari store owners with knowledge on new digital solutions and products to expand their business, practical financial and marketing tips, and sustainable practices for store operations through a free webinar series on the DTI’s Facebook Page and Youtube account. 
 
“The Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program, entitled Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo, adopts a multifaceted approach to uplift our micro retailers, focusing on digital transformation, financial literacy, sustainable business practices, and consumer protection. Our goal is clear: to make our sari-sari stores more resilient, innovative, and competitive in the digital economy,” said DTI Undersecretary Jose Edgardo G. Sunico in his remarks.

 
Smart, together with Maya, will take part in Module 3 of the program, which will tackle ways to expand their capital through digital products and services, particularly Smart e-load.  Smart has also been supporting DTI’s regional cascades in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, Cavite, Albay, Negros Oriental, and Leyte.   

“We are excited to share with our Ka-Partners how to level up their businesses and how digital devices like a smartphone can accelerate their income with boundless opportunities. We are also looking forward to working with the DTI and industry partners in pushing forward these progressive programs that uplift the lives of Filipinos,” added Bocalan. 
 
Smart e-load has been one of the fastest selling products for sari-sari stores since it was introduced in 2003. A world-first innovation in mobile communication, Smart e-load marked the birth of prepaid services, democratizing access to mobile communication for Filipinos and enabling easier communication across the nation and overseas. 
 
These initiatives are in keeping with PLDT and Smart's commitment to narrowing the digital divide and enabling access to communications to more Filipinos across the country, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly on SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.