Our trip to San Pablo was a fruitful one. With us was GSM Association (GSMA) representative, Jesse Moore, who came all the way from London to know more about the Smart-Hapinoy partnership. Hapinoy is the first and only sari-sari store chain in the Philippines.Through the partnership of Hapinoy (a project launched by Microventures, Inc,) and Smart, and via the credit facilities provided by microfinance institutions (MFIs), microentrepreneurs are given merchandising assistance and training, as well as access to goods and services at best prices. They are likewise provided with additional business opportunities such an e-loading business and even a mini internet enterprise.
The GSMA is the global trade association representing the interests of over 850 GSM mobile phone operators and over 180 manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. Just recently, Hapinoy received a grant from the GSMA aiming to provide resources for the computerization of at least twenty Hapinoy stores. The GSMA package included computer stations, internet connectivity, barcoding equipment, and even a new inventory-keeping facility and point-of-sale (POS) system. The grant likewise covered the provisioning for web hosting services, including a web hosting blog to benefit all Hapinoy members.
The computerization project aims to improve the productivity and efficiency of Hapinoy stores. It also envisions a community that is up-to-date and truly connected via user-generated information, photo galleries, news bulletins, and special forum exchanges.
The road to making this project a reality was one challenging one. Online studies, articles and web hosting reviews, like those featured in webhostinggeeks.com served as springboards for this dream project. And thanks to the GSMA, the dream is now a reality.
Hopefully, by taking it one sari-sari store at a time, there will be no more poor. This is empowerment at its finest.
EKS-OH-EKS-OH
