PH firms urged to make the most of the digital space

Businesses should maximize the opportunities presented by having an online presence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, an official from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement.

“If there’s one thing that the enhanced community quarantine taught us, it’s that we can explore the possibilities in the digital space,” said Senen Perlada, director of the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).

“We are now driven to accelerate our digital transformation. To thrive during this time, businesses should strengthen their online-to-offline platforms. Customers can buy online and then just have their orders for pickup or delivery,” he added.Perlada also suggested the power of a good narrative in products. He cited the viral Facebook post on March 11 that led to the sale of 1,600 kilograms of mangoes that were supposed to be sold during the canceled National Food Fair.

Perlada first made these comments during a webinar last week that was organized by the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Aside from being present in online marketplaces, he said that all businesses should have their own website. Citing the results of a recent survey conducted by the DTI-EMB, Perlada said that only 40 percent of exporters have a website.

“Not having a website is okay if you’re selling products or services domestically. But it is unacceptable if you are exporting to other countries,” he said.He said Philippine exports would decline due to the pandemic, although the demand for electronics exports was still high, as the demand for health care devices skyrockets. INQ