Iloilo towns get 25 free laptops for small businesses

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Three local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo received a total of 25 laptops from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) under Project ACTIVATE, a program designed to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their presence in the digital marketplace.

The beneficiary municipalities were Janiuay, Cabatuan, and Badiangan.

Janiuay and Cabatuan each received eight laptops, while Badiangan received nine.

DICT Undersecretary Leandro Aguirre led the turnover ceremony on June 15 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

In his message, Aguirre emphasized the growing role of digital technology in helping local entrepreneurs reach wider markets and strengthen their businesses.

He said the laptops would enable MSMEs to promote and sell their products through online platforms and e-commerce marketplaces, allowing them to connect with customers beyond their local communities.

The initiative aims to help Ilonggo entrepreneurs maximize digital tools and participate more actively in the expanding digital economy, Aguirre said.

He expressed hope that Iloilo-made products would gain greater visibility nationwide through platforms such as TikTok, Shopee, Lazada, and other online channels.

The assistance marks the initial phase of Project ACTIVATE’s implementation in the province.

“Depending on how well the project goes, then we can explore providing additional laptops or additional resources in other projects for Iloilo,” Aguirre said.

Local beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to improve product promotion, increase market access, and boost sales opportunities.

Mary Joy Tolentino of Badiangan said the laptop grant would help their cooperative strengthen the online promotion of Ugoy-Ugoy, a layered, sugar-topped biscuit and popular Ilonggo pasalubong that is one of the municipality’s signature products.

Project ACTIVATE forms part of the DICT’s broader efforts to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to technology and enhancing the digital capabilities of communities.

The program particularly targets areas where local enterprises have limited resources for online marketing, digital promotion, and e-commerce activities.

The initiative also complements the Iloilo provincial government’s efforts to create more economic opportunities for local producers by leveraging digital technology and encouraging innovation among small businesses.

MSMEs account for the vast majority of businesses in the Philippines and are considered a major driver of employment and local economic growth, making digital transformation programs increasingly important to improving their competitiveness.