Digital training to boost productivity, safety of enterprises

A new agreement between the ILO and DTI, will increase productivity, improve safety of small and informal enterprises across the country through digital training under the Bringing Back Jobs Safely Project funded by the Government of Japan.

News | Manila, Philippines | 26 August 2022
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to help enterprises recover with the ILO, DTI, TESDA and the Government of Japan
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Just over a year into the International Labour Organization (ILO) Bringing Back Jobs Safely Project funded by the Government of Japan, the project will now deliver digitalization training to small and informal businesses across the nation in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

On 26 August 2022, the ILO and DTI signed a new agreement to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) get back on their feet.

“Digitalization of MSMEs will boost productivity and protect workers from risks of face-to-face transactions. With the Government of Japan’s support, the project trains small and informal businesses on digital entrepreneurship and financial education. We truly appreciate all these partnerships and initiatives to reach more enterprises,” said Director Khalid Hassan of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, the ILO and DTI undertake to cooperate and mobilize actions to strengthen MSMEs and informal businesses, including their workers, in productivity measures, digital entrepreneurship, and financial education.

“The project is a crucial contributor to achieving a robust and sustainable economic recovery for the Philippines from the COVID-19 global crisis. With MSMEs comprising the majority of the businesses in the Philippines, the success of their operations will significantly help the restoration of the local labour market,” Minister Masahiro Nakata of the Embassy of Japan highlighted.

As part of the Safety + Health for All Flagship programme, the project is in line with the ILO's Global Call to Action for a COVID-19 recovery that puts people first.

ILO Director Khalid Hassan, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Danilo Cruz signed the new agreement, which was witnessed by Japan Embassy Minister Masahiro Nakata.

Also signing were DTI Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco of DTI Digital Philippines and Philippine Trade Training Center Ecommerce Lead and Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera.