Google has announced plans to significantly enhance the digital capabilities of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and to educate more than 100,000 children and their parents on the safe and responsible use of digital technology. This commitment was highlighted during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., where Google’s Global Vice President Karan Bhatia outlined the tech giant’s strategy to deepen its engagement in the Philippines.
In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Google aims to assist MSMEs in establishing a robust online presence, enabling them to connect with global markets. The initiative has already seen the launch of Google Career Certificates (GCC) in DTI’s virtual campuses, reaching 1,300 Negosyo Centers across 16 regions in the Philippines, and distributing around 40,000 GCC scholarships. These scholarships target Filipino youth, job seekers, MSME entrepreneurs, and civil servants, offering training in crucial skills such as project management, cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, UX design, and digital marketing.
Additionally, Bhatia announced a specific program dedicated to training over 100,000 Filipino children along with their parents on the nuances of navigating the digital world safely. This initiative comes as a response to the increasing amount of time children spend online, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy from an early age.
Google also plans to expand its business operations within the country, building on its presence that started in 2013 and now employs 50,000 people in the Philippines. This expansion is part of Google’s broader effort to support economic growth and technological advancement in the region, as discussed at the recent Trilateral Leaders Summit, which included discussions among leaders from the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.
Comments are closed for this article!