A PROGRAM funded by the United Nations is seeking to provide digital tools and training to at least 15,000 small businesses in the Philippines, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said.
The United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS) hopes to build a digital ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises in remote regions who are currently facing barriers to connectivity.
In a statement on Feb. 3, the UNDP said the initiative was jointly implemented with two UN entities — the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Labour Organization.
The government is represented in the program by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, while potential private-sector partners will be enlisted.
Information and Communications Secretary Ivan John E. Uy said despite advances in connectivity and digital adoption, millions remain without such access, especially vulnerable communities.
“With a total budget of $5 million, the joint program will address policy, regulatory and systemic barriers to digital inclusion,” the UNDP said.
The UNDP said the program includes supporting the establishment of Digital Transformation Hubs in at least 30 remote and underserved areas.
Digital PINAS is funded through the UN’s Joint SDG Fund, which is supported by the European Union, which pledged an initial 30 million euros for digital transformation efforts across the developing world.
Other supporters of the Fund include Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and South Korea.
“To complement the program’s investment, a key component of the initiative involves the mobilization of an anticipated $21 million in local government and private sector investment in digital products,” the UNDP said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante