DITO Telecommunity and its enterprise unit DITO BizBayan have launched the DITO BizBayani Awards, a recognition program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
The awards aim to recognize Filipino entrepreneurs for their contributions to economic activity, employment generation, and community development. MSMEs account for more than 99% of registered businesses in the Philippines and employ a large portion of the country’s workforce.
The program is being organized in partnership with government and private-sector organizations, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), GCash, JobStreet, DCME Holdings, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the Philippine AI Business Association (PAIBA), and the Philippine Council for Small & Medium Businesses (PCSMB).
Businesses will be assessed under five categories: Growth and Resilience, Digital Adoption, Employer Excellence, Industry Impact, and Bold Innovation.
According to DITO, the categories are intended to recognize companies that have overcome economic challenges, adopted digital technologies, created strong workplace practices, contributed to local industries, and introduced new business approaches.
During the launch, DITO Telecommunity chief operating officer Adel Tamano said the awards seek to recognize entrepreneurs whose businesses contribute to their communities and the broader economy.
“True nation-building occurs within local markets and small enterprises run by everyday Filipinos. A bayani is not just brave; a bayani builds for something larger: family, community, and the nation. The most consequential builders in this country are found in palengkes and small workshops,” Tamano said.
Tamano said DITO’s own experience as a newer player in the telecommunications industry reflects the challenges faced by many local entrepreneurs, adding that connectivity can help businesses expand beyond geographic limitations.
