𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐳𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬: 𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐢𝐳𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬

DITO BizBayan has launched the DITO BizBayani Awards, a nationwide program recognizing outstanding Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. 

The initiative aims to honor entrepreneurs aged 45 and below who own Filipino-owned MSMEs operating for at least two years and meeting government classification standards. Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, GCash, JobStreet, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine AI Business Association and other key organizations, the awards will be evaluated by an industry-led panel. Five categories will recognize excellence in business growth, digital transformation, employer practices, industry impact and innovation. DITO BizBayan said the program seeks to spotlight "BizBayanis" who strengthen communities through entrepreneurship and resilience. 

The launch comes as MSMEs remain vital to the Philippine economy, accounting for most registered businesses and serving as major sources of employment and regional development. 

DITO BIZBAYANI AWARDS 

• The DITO BizBayani Awards aims to recognize and celebrate the next generation of MSMEs — modern-day BizBayanis who are building communities, driving economic growth, and inspiring others through innovation and entrepreneurship.
• The program also reinforces DITO BizBayan’s commitment as a trusted partner in enabling MSME success.
• Event partners will also be highlighted as key collaborators in supporting and empowering the local MSME ecosystem.

 

Awards Partners

• DTI
• GCash
• JobStreet
• PAIBA
• PCCI

Supporting Partners

• PCSMB
• DCME
• PFA
• PRA

Note:
All confirmed partners will serve as part of the official panel for awards deliberation.

 

  Who is DITO BizBayan

DITO BizBayan is the enterprise arm of DITO Telecommunity dedicated to empowering Filipino MSMEs through reliable connectivity, innovative digital solutions, and business enablement programs.

It champions modern-day entrepreneurs—BizBayanis—who are driving inclusive growth and transforming their communities through enterprise.

 

About DITO BizBayan Awards

To honor the next generation of MSMEs, modern-day BizBayanis building communities, driving economic growth, and inspiring others, while reinforcing DITO BizBayan as their trusted partner in success.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

·       Must be a Filipino citizen, 45 years old or younger and has operated a Micro, Small to Medium Enterprise (MSME) for at least 2 years.

·       Business should belong to the MSME: Micro, small, and medium enterprises are classified based on assets and number of employees. A micro enterprise has up to ₱3,000,000 in assets and 1 to 9 employees. Small and medium enterprises have up to ₱15,000,000 and ₱100,000,000 in assets, with 10 to 199 employees. Asset values exclude the land where the business is located.

·       Should be a Filipino-owned MSMEs (any industry)

·       Business should be at least 2 years in operation

 

 AWARDS CATEGORIES:

1. BIZBAYANI IN Growth Excellence Award
   (In Partnership with DTI)

For businesses that have shown outstanding growth, resilience, and contribution to local economic development. Recognizes businesses that have demonstrated strong and sustainable business growth.

Criteria:

•  Business Growth Performance (35%)
• Revenue growth, expansion in branches, increase in customers or production capacity
• Innovation & Resilience (25%)
• Ability to adapt to market changes, crises, or evolving customer needs
• Contribution to Community & Economy (20%)
• Job creation, support to local suppliers, impact to community livelihood
• Business Sustainability (20%)
• Long-term business strategy, compliance, and operational stability

2.                      BIZBAYANI in Digital Impact Award

(In partnership with GCash)

Recognizes emerging MSMEs that are building strong digital presence and accelerating business growth through innovative use of digital platforms, online engagement, and modern business tools. 

Criteria:

• Digital-Ready Mindset (40%)
• Openness to adopting digital payment tools
• Actively explores or experiments with cashless payments (regardless of current provider)
• Strong intent to transition to digital-first operations
• Customer-Centric Experience (25%)
• Prioritizes fast, seamless, and convenient payment experience in-store
• Continuously improves operations and customer experience based on behavior and feedback
• Operational Adaptability (20%)
• Uses basic digital systems to manage sales, records, or reconciliation
• Demonstrates ability to simplify or improve operations using tools available
• Shows readiness to scale operations when given better solutions
• Growth Orientation Through Digital Adoption (15%)
• Sees digital tools as a way to grow the business (not just transaction)
• Open to partnerships, promos, or programs that help drive more customers or sales
• Shows early signs of expansion mindset (more reach, more customers, or new channels)
  
  
  

3.                      BIZBAYANI in Employer Excellence Award

(In partnership with Jobstreet)

MSMEs that create jobs and open opportunities for Filipinos 

Criteria:

• Hiring & Opportunity Creation (25%)
• Clear and professional job posting, fair hiring process, openness to first-time jobseekers/ career shifters, local job creation, and use of digital hiring tools/platforms
• Talent Development & Upskilling (25%)
• Training, mentorship, internal promotions, cross-training opportunities, and employee learning support
• Workplace Culture & Employee Experience (20%)
• Employee engagement, team retention, inclusivity & respect, communication practices, work-life considerations
• Responsible Employee Support (20%)
• Fair compensation practices, flexible arrangements, government compliance, wellness initiatives, emergency, support programs
• Business Impact Through People (10%)
• Improved retention, better customer experience, business growth linked to strong teams, & employee success stories

4.                      BIZBAYANI IN Industry Impact Award

(In partnership with PCCI)

This category celebrates businesses that go beyond profitability by helping elevate their sector, creating opportunities for others, and contributing to the growth of the Philippine business ecosystem and the communities they serve. It recognizes enterprises that create meaningful social and economic impact through job generation, community engagement, innovation, and sustainable business practices. 

Criteria:

• Industry Contribution & Influence (30%)
• Impact on industry growth, leadership, market presence, or ability to inspire peers and communities
• Innovation & Business Excellence (25%)
• Introduction of innovative products, services, systems, or business models
• Economic & Community Impact (25%)
• Job creation, MSME empowerment, community involvement, or contribution to local economy
• Leadership & Brand Influence (20%)
• Reputation, entrepreneurial leadership, and influence within the industry

5.                      BIZBAYANI IN Innovations Award 

(In partnership with PAIBA)

Celebrates bold thinkers disrupting the norm, bringing fresh ideas, solutions, and game-changing concepts to life. 

Criteria:

• Innovation & Differentiation (40%)
• Measures how unique, creative, and disruptive the business is compared to competitors. Evaluates originality in products, services, campaigns, or business models.
• Digital & Technology Integration (25%)
• Assesses how effectively the business leverages digital tools, platforms, AI, automation, e-commerce, or emerging technologies to drive innovation and growth.
• Market Impact & Scalability (20%)
• Evaluates the business’s potential to scale, influence industry trends, solve real market problems, and create measurable customer or business impact.
• Entrepreneurial Vision & Adaptability (15%)
• Recognizes the entrepreneur’s ability to anticipate trends, adapt to change, and continuously evolve the business through innovative thinking.