Darlene Angel Grace Miranda

Feeling techy? Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is closer to our communities. 


Sari-sari stores, the lifeblood of Filipino communities, are set for a tech-driven transformation as Packworks and dGT.asia unveil their digital initiatives at DigiCon 2024.

The event, happening on October 15-16 in Newport City, Metro Manila, will highlight how AI and data-driven solutions could reshape small-scale retail.

Packworks, a Filipino startup, is enhancing its Sari.PH Pro app with AI-powered tools for precision marketing, helping store owners manage inventory and attract more customers.

“Sari-sari stores are the backbone of communities. We aim to equip them with smarter, data-driven insights to ensure business growth,” said Andoy Montiel, Packworks’ Chief Data Officer.

Backed by P3.5 million in funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the initiative will benefit over 270,000 sari-sari stores nationwide.

The partnership will span 18 months, with P1.5 million allocated specifically to the machine learning aspect of the project. 

The app’s AI-driven features will include pricing tools, inventory management, sales tracking, and access to working capital loans, all designed to streamline store operations.

With sari-sari stores generating PHP8 billion in 2023 and providing for 94% of the population, digital upgrades like these will ensure their continued relevance.

The partnership between Packworks and DOST includes the development of an AI-powered precision marketing model, which will provide store owners with personalized insights based on consumer behavior. 

Dr. Enrico Paringit, executive director of DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), lauded the initiative as a “vital step toward inclusive growth.”

“This collaboration is a testament to the government’s commitment to technological innovation. Sari-sari stores are a vital part of the Filipino economy, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring inclusive growth,” Paringit said.

As AI integrates into everyday retail, the goal is clear: turning sari-sari stores into smarter, more efficient community hubs.