Google Philippines has announced three initiatives that are aimed at supporting the safe local economic recovery. The giant tech firm is using some of its native resources to reach out to more business owners and help them further promote their products and services, at a time when they need such support the most.
At the same time, Google PH is teaming up with government agencies—the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT)—as well as successful local enterprises for its programs.
“Digitalization is one of the keys to help our MSMEs cope with the Covid-19 pandemic,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. “This will help small businesses reap the benefits of the growing digital economy, including reaching and engaging customers while prioritizing their well-being. We’re glad our partnership with Google Philippines will enable us to conduct webinars and offer other resources to help small businesses digitalize at this important time.”
MSME Caravan
Google PH teams up with the DTI to train micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to efficiently grow their businesses via an array of digital tools. Those include Google My Business and Primer app. At the same time, local businesses are also given access to experts’ guidance.
The MSME Caravan was first announced in February 2020, when it was intended to deliver its goals through physical events. The program has been carrying this out via webinars instead since the onset of the pandemic. Being available online has enabled the caravan to reach over 14,000 businesses for 2020 alone. Businesses that intend to join the training facilitated can register here.
“Economic recovery is a critical moment for the Philippines and Google is committed to supporting the country through the best of our technology and programs like the MSME Caravan,” said Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario. “We will continue to empower Filipinos and our partners with the right digital knowledge and tools so the benefits of technology can be harnessed for the sale rebuilding of our economy.”
Other than free training, the MSME Caravan also aims to inspire business owners through success stories from across the local MSME community. The program recently launched an online video that features Bohol’s Dalareich Chocolate House, Siargao’s White Beard Coffee, and Quezon City-based Kanami Supplies (selling woven face masks). Watch it here:
MSME Caravan: Digitalizing & Supporting Local Businesses Together
Patuloy nating suportahan ang negosyong Pinoy!
Posted by Google on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Free listing of products on Google Shopping tab
The Google Merchant Center is finally available in the Philippines! Filipino business owners can now list their products on the Google Shopping tab for free. This provides free product exposure to millions of Google users who use the search engine for their shopping requirements. MSMEs and advertisers can take advantage of the free listings, while shoppers can check out more products from more stores via the Google Shopping tab.
To take advantage of this free offer for MSMEs, business owners should first list their products for free on the Google Merchant Center. Upon registration, a business should enter basic information like business name and address. You should also choose where you want your customers to make their check out—on the business website, on Google itself, or at your local store (brick and mortar). Uploading products and showing those across Google are enabled next.
Explore tab on Google Maps
Soon, local tourists can get recommendations for restaurants and shopping malls through Google Maps. In partnership with the DOT, MSMEs and other businesses will get recommendations from the government agency itself. These will appear when people follow DOT’s profile on the Google Maps app or website. The recommended businesses will be available along with the cultural attractions and other tourism activities nationwide.
“The revival of local tourism plays a significant role in the recovery of our economy,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “The strategic use of technology will help us reopen our destinations while ensuring the health and safety of Filipinos. Thank you to Google Philippines! The DOT is excited with the possibilities ahead for Google Maps in helping our tourism establishments bounce back.”