The “Enterprise Growth through Digital Transformation” summit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) took place at the Iloilo Convention Center, organized by the Rotary Club of Iloilo South in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Iloilo Local Government, and St. Clements Academy Class of 1977. UnionBank played a crucial role as a partner in this successful event, which attracted more than 1000 SMEs, government agencies, student entrepreneurs, communicators, and other stakeholders from the business community.
The summit focused on educating participants about the advantages of digital transformation for SMEs, emphasizing how digital tools can optimize productivity, boost revenue, and streamline business operations. It provided a platform for showcasing solutions tailored to entrepreneurs of all scales, fostering valuable networking opportunities among SMEs, government agencies, and stakeholders.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas inaugurated the event, leading a delegation of provincial municipal city mayors from across Iloilo province. Ermelinda Pollantes, Director of DTI Region VI, discussed the initiatives in place to support MSMEs and highlighted the pivotal role played by the Asian Institute of Digital Transformation (AIDT) in establishing the operational framework. Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr also recognized the summit’s impact in his closing message.
During the keynote speech, UnionBank’s Chief Executive Officer, Edwin R. Bautista, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting SMEs through innovative digital solutions, underscoring the significance of their collaboration with the Rotary Club of Iloilo South, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Iloilo Local Government, and St. Clements Academy Class of 1977. Bautista also moderated a spirited panel discussion on banking, technology, and SME-related topics, engaging the enthusiastic audience. Key UnionBank representatives, including Manoj Varma (Consumer Bank Head), Jaypee Soliman (SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head), Jaime Garchitorena (UBX’s Open Finance Managing Director), and Dr. David Hardoon (CEO of Aboitiz Data Innovation), shared their insights and addressed the audience’s pressing concerns.
Attendees at the Iloilo Convention Center had the opportunity to explore UnionBank’s MSME solutions firsthand through individual exhibit spaces. The bank’s robo-ambassador, Eve, welcomed guests and took memorable photos with them. A highlight of the event was the Bank On Wheels, an innovative technology that garnered great interest among participants. This on-demand cash deployment solution can reach even the most remote and inaccessible areas, serving the needs of MSMEs operating in such locations.
The summit’s success was evident as participants expressed their gratitude for the knowledge gained and the connections established with fellow SMEs and stakeholders in the business community. UnionBank’s collaboration with these organizations reaffirms its commitment to advancing financial inclusion in the Philippines by empowering SMEs with digital tools and resources to achieve their business goals. The bank eagerly anticipates further partnerships to support the growth and prosperity of SMEs in the region.
