“Digitalization is not only pro-all but pro-poor. This is the chance that we have, to let more Filipinos understand that the use of these platforms is the way forward. For the last 14 years, Go Negosyo has been advocating that in order for our country to succeed, we shall leave no Filipino behind. Creating prosperity for everyone is the utmost objective of the foundation supported by many entrepreneurs, business chambers, and government and private sectors. This then led us in creating the digital alliance, to come together to help many of our skilled workers and MSMEs. This is the beginning of real change. I have made a commitment, and my mission is to help every Filipino out there to succeed in life.”
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion spearheaded the launch of SIGN UP SUMMIT 2019, at the World Trade Center, Pasay City last September 23 which was co-presented by the country’s leading digital platforms: Grab PH, Angkas, Shopee, Lalamove, and Lazada, in partnership with PayMaya, GCash, Coins.ph, Cashalo, Magpie, QuadX, Zennya, Carousell, and Mober.
The mobile app summit and expo, which was the first in the Philippines, generated a record-breaking number of more than 15,000 registrants. This was made possible through the advocacy of the office of the Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship’s Angat Lahat sa Digital Alliance, to promote digitalization as a key driver of growth, especially in entrepreneurship, technology, and services sectors.
In attendance were Ambassador Koji Haneda, Thailand Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, members of the Digital Alliance, Go Negosyo mentors, participants from the academe, and around 100 mobile app platforms. Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez, Science and Technology Sec. Boy Dela Peña, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also graced the event.
In the first part of the program, Go Negosyo brought together key government leaders to tackle the importance of creating an enabling environment for digitalization in the country. The keynote speakers include Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri; Quezon City Mayor Hon. Josefina G. Belmonte; and PA Joey Concepcion. Issa Litton moderated the discussion.
The second forum gathered some members of the Digital Alliance to present their revenue-generating programs to the attendees. They include Grab PH president Brian Cu; Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca; Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Dan Majarocon; Quadx founder Dino Araneta; Mober CEO Dennis Ng; PayMaya Head of Wallets Business Kenneth Palacios; GCash Chief Corporate Affairs Officer & Vice President Ney Villaseñor. The forum was moderated by Mercato Centrale Co-founder RJ Ledesma.
More digital platform innovators were also seated in a panel. These include Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines; Ray Alimurung, CEO of Lazada Philippines; Dom Danao, CEO of Magpie; Hamilton Angluben, General Manager of Cashalo; Tina Bautista, Head of General Classifieds of Carousell Philippines; Jeffri Cheong, Co-Founder & Group Managing Director of Kaodim Group (Gawin.ph); David Foote, CEO of Zennya; Ron Hose, Founder and CEO of Coins.ph; JG Puzon, CEO of Posible.net. The forum was moderated by Anthony Pangilinan, Chairman and Chief Disturber of BusinessWorks Inc.
Filipinos who were able to succeed using the digital platforms also shared their testimonies. They include Benjie Estillore, Grab driver; Ryan Rillera, Angkas biker; Ronald Balingit, partner driver of Lalamove; Edrin Panganiban of Stats Apparel Inc. QuadX merchant; Rozaldo delos Santos, driver of Mober; Nene Tamayo, merchant partner of GCash; Medy Estrada, Smart Padala agent of PayMaya; Rhea Kristine Dumo-Chua, Shopee seller; Monica Luczon, seller of Lazada; Vanessa Liwanag, Magpie merchant; Michael Miranda, Carousell seller; Analyn Mercado, massage therapist of Zennya; and Rodolfo Aseberos, aircon technician of Gawin.ph.
Ash Mandhyan, Head of Client Solutions for PH of Facebook also discussed digital marketing and the pros of exposing products and services online.
Moreover, CEO Neelesh Bhatia and Go Negosyo Angat Lahat sa Digital Adviser Josephine Romero introduced the new mentorship program of Go Negosyo for the youth, the Kapatid Mentorship Para sa Kabataan, which will be in partnership with Akadasia.
SIGN UP! also showcased simultaneous booth activation that assisted attendees who wish to sign up for the aforementioned digital platforms. Likewise, the SIGN UP hour which happened simultaneously showcased around 100 mobile app platforms. Through this, technology startups that are emerging in the country were given the chance to present their platforms among attendees.
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), SIGN UP! was streamed live in five regional hubs around Visayas and Mindanao, namely Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro. The livestream was also made available in more than 40 regional and provincial DTI Negosyo Centers and offices across the country.