THE ENTERPRISE arm of PLDT, Inc. has entered a partnership with Google Philippines to offer an online business listing for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

PLDT Enterprise said in a statement Tuesday it is teaming up with the tech giant to have a verified Google My Business listing for MSMEs on the Google website.

“We are committed to driving inclusive growth for the Philippines’ digital economy. One way to achieve this is through upskilling MSMEs with effective digital tools such as Google My Business,” Google Philippines Country Marketing Head Gabby Roxas was quoted as saying in the statement.

With the added function through Google, PLDT said MSMEs will be easily searchable online, therefore tapping new customers.

“As MSMEs account for the majority of the country’s listed businesses and employ a sizeable portion of the workforce, it is important that they are provided with the necessary opportunities,” Mr. Roxas added.

Aside from the added Google function, PLDT Enterprise is offering a new business plan designed specifically for MSMEs. This offer includes fiber internet connection, a business landline and a customer hotline, which the company believes are important tools for MSMEs to scale.

MSMEs that will subscribe to the specially designed plan may be easily registered to Google My Business through a verification code that PLDT will provide.

“Our partnership with Google Philippines is a testament to how PLDT is constantly looking for ways to broaden our services and provide our customers with relevant and timely technologies,” First Vice-President and Head of Enterprise Core Business Solutions Jojo Gendrano said in the statement.

“As customers further embrace digital, the fundamental challenge for micro and small businesses would be how they could participate in this online economy to compete and grow their business,” he added.

For his part, PLDT Senior Vice-President and Head of Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez said the partnership with Google is in line with the company’s goal of enabling entities such as MSMEs in boosting the country’s economy.

“Through Google My Business and PLDT’s unique position as its trusted verifier, our subscribers will be able to create an easily accessible business profile that will enable them to stand out online and better engage customers,” he said.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Denise A. Valdez

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR