Quezon City, Philippines – On July 8, 2024, the QCX: Quezon
City Experience at Quezon Memorial Circle hosted the “Capacity Development
for SMEs” event, part of USAID’s SPEED (Strengthening Private Enterprises
for the Digital Economy) initiative. The event, delivered by StartUp Village, was attended
by members of the Philippine
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), aiming to foster a healthier
Philippine economy and improve business viability.

Atty. Gino Jacinto, COO of UNAWA, delivered a presentation titled
“From Ink to Click: The Electronic Signature Advantage for Small
Businesses.” He emphasized the importance of digitization and e-signatures,
highlighting how the E-Commerce Act (Republic Act No. 8792) governs electronic
signatures in the Philippines. This Act recognizes the legal validity and
admissibility of electronic documents and signatures, ensuring they have the
same legal standing as their physical counterparts.

The E-Commerce Act, enacted in 2000, provides the legal basis for electronic
transactions, promoting technology in business and ensuring the legal
environment adapts to the evolving digital landscape. Atty. Jacinto explained
that electronic documentation streamlines business processes reduces
administrative time, and offers enhanced security through UNAWA’s SignSecure platform, the only
e-signature solution in the country with a proprietary facial recognition
biometric system, ensuring security at each step.

The innovative features of SignSecure resonated strongly with PCCI members,
who appreciated the platform’s ability to verify the identity of signatories at
every step, ensuring enhanced security and compliance. Atty. Jacinto emphasized
that electronic signatures help MSMEs streamline their processes, maintain
accurate records, simplify compliance, and reduce costs, allowing businesses to
reinvest savings in other areas.

UNAWA stands at the forefront of legal tech innovation in the Philippines,
continuously supporting SMEs in their digital transformation journey. The
“Capacity Development for SMEs” event marked a significant step
towards empowering businesses through technology, fostering a more robust and
inclusive digital economy.