UNAWA and PCCI Adopt E-Signatures at Capacity Development for SMEs Event

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.