Shopee Launches First #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair of the Year

While MSMEs still comprise the majority of registered businesses in the country, a survey conducted by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) - Ecommerce Office in September 2020 showed that 73% of MSMEs still require assistance in digitizing their operations. Shopee remains committed to help MSMEs transition to digital easily and seamlessly as it once again partners with the DTI to launch the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair from March 18-24. This initiative is in line with Shopee’s goal to provide local MSMEs with the support that they need to grow their businesses online.

Through the week-long virtual trade fair, Shopee users will be able to discover and purchase Filipino-made essentials from a variety of shops ranging from snack food, health & beauty, groceries & pet stores, fashion, and more, at discounted rates. This year’s #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair will feature a diverse range of local sellers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This is among Shopee’s many initiatives to empower local businesses to shift online and encourage users to support them. Alongside these virtual trade fairs, sellers are also provided with different marketing tools, training, and initiatives to help them maximize their businesses’ growth on the platform such as Shopee University Summit, where local MSMEs can learn ways to drive their business growth from industry speakers and leaders.

The virtual trade fair will also feature products from beloved Filipino brands such as Splash Personal Care, Zenutrients, Go Natural, Ever Bilena, San Miguel Foods, EQ, Lifeline Clothing, Sweetbaby, and Tala by Kyla.

DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Marievic Bonoan says, “Being able to provide our local MSMEs with opportunities for growth and development is one of our top priorities at the DTI. We understand the important role e-commerce platforms, like Shopee, play in creating a seamless digital transition for MSMEs. Through initiatives like the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair, we believe that we can help these businesses maximize their full potential and make the digital transition smoother.”

Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu says, “Supporting MSMEs is at the very core of what we do. We are deeply committed to creating more opportunities to help our local businesses adapt and thrive in the e-commerce industry through initiatives like our #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair. We look forward to this opportunity to once again help our sellers in their e-commerce journey, and also allow our users to support these community-owned businesses.”

Aside from the wide range of products available at the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair, Shopee users will also enjoy ShopeePay vouchers for 20% off with a minimum purchase of Php 300, valid on all #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair items this March 18-24.

For more information about the #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair, visit https://shopee.ph/m/tatakpinoy2022.

Eastern Communication expands footprint in Negros

Bringing to life its continued commitment to helping businesses emerge stronger in 2022, premier Philippine telecommunications company Eastern Communications has officially announced its footprint expansion in Western Visayas.

In their “Via Eastern: Forging True Connections” virtual launch, Eastern Communications aims to service the locals in Bacolod City and Dumaguete City with its “High Tech” products and solutions paired with award-winning “High Touch” service.

The launch was graced by members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Region 7 (PCCI), Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), and Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce of Industry (NOCCI). For the event proper, invited speaker Christina Marie Gaston, President of Association of Negros Producers (ANP), spoke about strengthening competence among MSMEs through leveraging social.

The expansion is part of the telco’s goal of democratizing technology in the country by becoming a one-stop-shop for all connectivity and ICT demands across the country, as companies continue to strive in emerging stronger in 2022.

“Our goal this year is to make digital technology as accessible as possible, especially to serve the underserved and unserved area in the country,” shared Eastern Communications Sales Head Michael Castaneda.

“We are pleased to announce that Eastern is now ready to strengthen our strong connection with our kababayans in Negros through our best-in-class solutions and personalized service. It is our mission to always have the happiest customers in the business, and we’re looking forward to helping them harness technology to the best of our abilities, so we can emerge stronger together,” added Castaneda.

Aiming to be the one-stop-shop partner of businesses in the area, Eastern Communications’ comprehensive suite of products and services is designed to help address the digital needs of companies as they move into the next normal.

Among the solutions launched were its wide array of connectivity solutions, such as Internet Direct Service (IDS) a premium and dedicated high-speed business-grade connectivity, and other borderless solutions such as Eastern Cloud, their business-grade cloud service that offers efficiency and collaboration, and Eastern Cyber Defense, a suite of premium cybersecurity solutions equipped by global partners.

In its over 140 years of service in the country, Eastern Communications has evolved into a world-class telecommunications and ICT solutions company providing an extensive portfolio of services that include Data,

Internet, Voice, Managed Services, Data Center & Cloud Services, and Cyber Security Services. The telco continues to be the solutions partner of choice for the biggest industry players in the country.

"We’re grateful for Eastern Communications for choosing Negros as one of their first locations to expand into this year. This will definitely give businesses in Negros the opportunity to grow further with Eastern’s strong connection," shared Area Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Visayas and CEO of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Franklin Carbon.

“For many years, we have seen how technology is able to transform businesses, and it’s high time for small to large enterprises in Negros to have a tech-savvy and reliable solutions partner like Eastern Communications,” added Immediate Past Governor of PCCI Region 7, Edward Cu.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ products and services, visit eastern.com.ph.

ABOUT EASTERN COMMUNICATIONS

As one of the premier Philippine telecommunications companies, Eastern Communications has evolved into a world-class telecommunications and ICT solutions company providing an extensive portfolio of services that include Connectivity Solutions, Network Solutions, Security Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. It continues to be the solutions partner of choice for the biggest industry players in the country through its unique brand of "High Tech" and its "High Touch" service. Eastern Communications was awarded Telco of the Year in the 2020 Asia Leaders Awards and has received accolades from prestigious award-giving bodies such as The Stevie Awards program, Best Employer Brand Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, the Anvil Awards, among others.