A new joint programme, supported by the United Nations, was launched on 31 January to provide digital tools and training to at least 15,000 small businesses in underserved communities in the Philippines. 

Officials from the government, development and diplomatic communities, and the private sector joined the launch. The new UN joint programme ultimately aims to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through improved connectivity.

The United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS) will build a digital ecosystem for MSMEs in remote regions that face barriers to connectivity. The programme will also provide training to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses in the digital economy.

Digital PINAS is funded through the United Nations’ Joint SDG Fund, an inter-agency mechanism for strategic financing of transformative actions toward achieving SDGs by 2030.

To complement the programme’s investment, a key component of the initiative involves the mobilization of US$21 million in local government and private sector investments for digital products.

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