Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) took the spotlight in Davao City as a new awards program was launched to celebrate businesses that have contributed to economic growth through innovation, perseverance, and digital transformation.
The Bizbayani Awards was officially introduced on June 16 at Acacia Hotel in Davao City by Dito Telecommunity and Dito BizBayan. Organizers said the initiative seeks not only to honor successful entrepreneurs but also to encourage a broader culture of entrepreneurship and business development across the country.
RELATED: [Davao City Retains Top Spot In PH Travel Rankings For 2026]
Recognizing the Backbone of the Economy
During the launch, Dito BizBayan MSME head Gabby Cui emphasized the importance of small businesses in the Philippine economy, noting that MSMEs account for over 99 percent of registered businesses nationwide and provide employment to a large portion of the workforce.
“This is the beginning of a movement that recognizes the heart, resilience, and innovation of the Filipino MSMEs,” Cui said as he discussed the vision behind the program.
He explained that many entrepreneurs have built their businesses through determination, self-learning, and persistence despite numerous challenges. Drawing parallels with Dito’s own experience in a competitive industry, Cui said growth often requires taking risks and adapting to changing conditions.
“There is a word in Filipino that does not fully translate into English: Bayani (hero),” Cui said during his presentation of the Dito BizBayani.
“A bayani builds not only for themselves, but for something larger – for family, for community, and for the nation.”
Awards Open to Businesses Nationwide
An audio-visual presentation shown during the event highlighted how entrepreneurs help create jobs, connect communities, and generate opportunities even during difficult times. Dito BizBayan Community Engagement head Louie Rovillos said the awards aim to showcase inspiring stories of business growth, innovation, and community impact.
The competition is open to Filipino-owned MSMEs that have been operating for at least two years and have demonstrated achievements in business expansion, digital adoption, innovation, or service to their communities.
Five award categories will be featured: Growth Excellence, Digital Impact, Employer Experience, Industry Impact, and Innovation. The program is being implemented in partnership with organizations including the Department of Trade and Industry, GCash, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Nominations opened on June 3 and will remain open until July 3. Finalists will undergo panel evaluation before public voting takes place from July 8 to July 23. Winners will be determined through a combination of 70 percent panel evaluation and 30 percent public votes, with the awarding ceremony scheduled for Aug. 12.
“Each Bizbayani Award winner will not only be recognized, but also equipped to scale further,” Rovillos said.
Award recipients will receive a trophy, a Dito BizKit containing devices and connectivity tools, and a learning trip to China focused on business and technology ecosystems.
For many Filipino entrepreneurs, programs such as the Bizbayani Awards provide valuable recognition and support, helping showcase local success stories while encouraging more MSMEs to innovate, expand, and contribute to economic growth in communities across the Philippines.
RELATED: [Teen Innovators? These College Students Just Won Millions From DOT]
