In an effort to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the local government of Baguio City has partnered with Visa and business school Thames International to enhance digitalization and improve the tourist experience.
As part of its goal to become a Smart City by 2027, Baguio City is aiming to digitalize its business sector, where an estimated 89% of total businesses are MSMEs.
These businesses play a crucial role in driving local growth and innovation that is unique to the city, contributing to sustainable urban development. Additionally, as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio attracts numerous tourists throughout the year.
Through digitalization, business owners will be able to manage their operations more efficiently and gain actionable insights from collected data. This initiative will also enable tourists to make cashless payments, allowing them to explore the city without the worry of carrying cash or extra cards.
Ultimately, Baguio City’s tourism sector will be enhanced by improving the overall visitor experience and promoting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
To ensure the sustainability of this digitalization effort, Thames International will provide educational programs for business owners and senior high school students. They are currently collaborating with the Department of Education to establish the first batch of e-commerce senior high school graduates through the public school system.
Thames International estimates that this initial batch will consist of 250 graduates, who can work as e-commerce professionals for the city’s MSMEs, thereby creating earning opportunities for everyone. This initiative will promote digital literacy across various sectors and connect Baguio City stakeholders with global Visa experts.
This collaboration is being developed through Visa Government Solutions, marking a first for Visa and serving as a model for future implementations in other cities or municipalities across the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the five-year Digital Partnership Program was signed on Nov. 22 by Visa Philippines country manager Jeffrey Navarro and Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Navarro stated that “our partnership enhances the visitor experience, promotes cultural heritage, and empowers MSMEs to boost tourism and local businesses, creating a digitally and financially inclusive ecosystem for all in the Philippines.”
