The COVID-19 pandemic may have put everything on hold, but this did not stop Filipino business owners from trying. Amid uncertain times, inspiring small and medium enterprises (SMEs) thrived and survived. For their efforts to keep going, and for helping keep the economy afloat, Globe Business, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negosyo Center, awarded five outstanding SMEs with remarkable #SaludoStories to share.
Meet the winning SMEs, out of 248 participants, who persevered amid the health crisis through the use of technology, starting with FR Solid Printing Services. This enterpriser, with the help of reliable internet connectivity, discovered a special fabric and manufactured water repellant face masks through online research, and won over international clients through the use of online marketing.
The next winner is Dessert Factory Cebu, which is the first in their respective city to utilize QR codes for ordering with a curbside pickup. This SME also features 24/7 online customer service to stay connected with their consumers.
Full Circle Events Asia, Inc. was also recognized for its efforts in maximizing the use of virtual platforms and other marketing tools to shift to online events. Meeting the demands of the virtual landscape was made seamless for them all with the help of a strong internet connection.
Another SME with a #SaludoStory to share is Homiegrab Hardware Tools and Equipment for their efforts in sustaining online activities, thanks to Globe’s internet plan and Amber solution. Moreover, their use of GCash to send commissions to their staff is another noteworthy effort.
Last but not least is Vibes Massage. The shift to online reservations to book their client’s appointment with the help of mobile apps, select software, and strong internet connection is a remarkable and concrete effort part of their #SaludoSuccess story. These efforts in particular helped their blind staff use technology to continue their services.
The five winners will each receive a 13-inch MacBook Air and a Prepaid Wifi Kit, with a load of up to Php 999 for six months.
The faces behind the selection of these winners for the Best Digital Adoption Story are DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Hanky Lee of The Innkeeper at The Henry Hotels, Inspire Leadership Consultancy Director and Globe Business Ambassador Francis Kong, and Globe Business MSME Group Head KD Dizon. These winners were selected by the judges as the ones with the most heartfelt and inspiring success stories based on the problems they were trying to address, the strategic use of technology to address the problem, and the results to the business.
Part of the promo is for the public to vote for the #SaludoStory bets. Each voter acquired a raffle entry, giving them a chance to win Php 1,000 GCash credits. These votes served as one of the contributing factors in the final scores of the winners. Those who voted for their favorite SME story and got lucky in the raffle are Denzel Tiam-Lee, Felix Cumatcat, Anacorita Lerasan, Ana May Factuat, and Amie Mendoza.
“Globe Business recognizes the efforts of our SMEs and celebrates their #SaludoStories. We, in Globe, salute these Filipinos who continue to spark inspiration in others. Your efforts to move forward are greatly appreciated. Truly, you are the shining stars in the bleakest of times. We hope that by sharing your stories, others may be encouraged to keep going, adapting to the times, with the help of Globe, of course,” said Gaile Guevarra, Globe Business MSME Group Brand, Integration, and Communications Head.
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