Consumers could soon benefit from more efficient and competitive small businesses, thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Converge ICT Solutions Inc., and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
A 24-hour hackathon series called Byte Forward will roll out across five regions—North Luzon, Visayas, NCR, Mindanao, and South Luzon—starting June 19 in Bataan. The event puts college students in direct collaboration with small business owners to solve real-world business challenges using technology.
The initiative aims to help modernize the operations of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99.63 percent of the country’s 1.2 million businesses, as part of a broader push to improve the country’s digital competitiveness. The partnership is also in line with the national “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda to ensure inclusive economic growth through digitalization.
“Digital tools like e-commerce, online payments, and digital marketing are no longer optional for MSMEs—they are essential,” said Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque. “This is about opening doors for Filipino entrepreneurs to grow and better serve their communities.”
Winners of each regional hackathon will receive ₱50,000, with a final showdown set at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in October, offering prizes of up to ₱500,000. By linking students’ tech skills with real business pain points, Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy believes the event will “maximize the practical impact of technology on daily business operations.”
Consumers stand to benefit as digital transformation enables MSMEs to provide faster service, more reliable supply chains, and improved customer experiences—ultimately building a stronger, more resilient local economy.
