DITO Telecommunity and DITO BizBayan introduced the DITO BizBayani Awards, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, and industry groups to recognize Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Every small business has a story, a story of sacrifice, a story of growth, a story of taking risks despite uncertainty,” said Gabby Cui, head of DITO MSME. “And through this platform, we want to celebrate those stories and give deserving entrepreneurs the recognition they truly deserve.”
MSMEs make up over 99% of registered businesses in the Philippines and employ a large share of the workforce. The awards program aims to highlight their role in driving local economies through innovation, resilience, and community impact.
“Today we celebrate our entrepreneurs,” said Atty. Adel A. Tamano, chief commercial officer of DITO Telecommunity. “There is a word in Filipino that does not fully translate into English, Bayani. A bayani is not just brave. A bayani builds, not for themselves, but for something larger: for family, for community, for the nation. The most consequential builders in this country are not found in boardrooms. They are found in palengkes and small workshops. In home kitchens turned commissaries.”
The initiative also gathered partners from government and private groups, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GCash, JobStreet, and other industry associations.
The DITO BizBayani Awards will evaluate entries across five categories: Growth and Resilience, Digital Adoption, Employer Excellence, Industry Impact, and Bold Innovation. Nominations are now open through the official online portal, allowing Filipinos nationwide to recognize standout entrepreneurs in their communities.