Sari‑Sari Store Owner from Negros Oriental Wins New Motorcycle in Smart’s Ka‑Partner Rewards

For many Filipino families, the humble sari‑sari store is more than just a small business—it’s a lifeline that supports daily needs and sustains livelihoods. This year, one dedicated sari‑sari store owner from Valencia, Negros Oriental, received an extraordinary reward for her hard work and loyalty.

Through Smart Communications Inc. (Smart)’s Ka‑Partner Rewards program, 44‑year‑old Shirley Sabanal Din, a load retailer for over two decades, won a brand‑new motorcycle. The prize is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of empowerment, mobility, and recognition for the vital role that small retailers play in connecting communities.

A Reward That Changes Lives

Shirley expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unexpected gift, noting how it will directly benefit her family and business. “We will be using this as our service vehicle for our daily errands and to safely bring our child to school. Thanks to Smart and the Ka‑Partner App for the continued support and the valuable benefits you provide to us retailers,” she said.

For Shirley, the motorcycle is not only a practical tool for transportation but also a boost to her sari‑sari store operations. With easier mobility, she can manage errands more efficiently, expand her reach, and continue serving her community with confidence.

What Is the Ka‑Partner App?

The Smart Ka‑Partner App is a retailer‑focused platform designed to simplify load selling and management. It allows partner retailers to:

• Earn points from selling regular load.
• Redeem instant rewards such as free SMS, airtime, and load wallet credits.
• Gain entries to exclusive e‑raffles for bigger prizes like gadgets and motorcycles.

By combining technology with incentives, Smart empowers its partner retailers to grow their businesses while enjoying perks that directly improve their livelihoods.

Smart’s Commitment to Retailers

Ed Tinio, Center Head/AVP for Regional Customer Development Visayas at Smart, congratulated Shirley and emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Congratulations to our winner from Negros Oriental. This initiative is our way of saying thank you to our valued Ka‑partners who have helped us reach more customers and serve Smart subscribers nationwide.”

For Smart, the Ka‑Partner Rewards program is more than just an incentive—it’s a way to recognize the dedication of thousands of small retailers who act as the company’s grassroots partners. These retailers ensure that communities across the Philippines remain connected, even in remote areas.

A Decade of Impact

For over ten years, the Ka‑Partner Rewards program has been transforming lives across the country. By offering instant rewards, exclusive perks, and life‑changing prizes, Smart has strengthened its relationship with partner retailers while supporting their growth.

This initiative reflects Smart’s broader mission to use technology and innovation to uplift communities. It also aligns with the PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing livelihood opportunities and financial support to small business owners.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by enabling retailers to participate in the digital economy and improve their income streams.

Empowering Communities Through Connectivity

Sari‑sari store owners like Shirley play a crucial role in expanding digital access. By selling prepaid load and connectivity services, they help neighbors stay connected to family, work, and education. Smart’s Ka‑Partner Rewards program strengthens this ecosystem by ensuring that retailers feel valued and supported.

With every reward redeemed and every raffle won, Smart reinforces its message: partner retailers are essential to building stronger, more connected communities.

Conclusion

Shirley Sabanal Din’s story is a testament to how small businesses, when supported by innovative programs, can thrive and uplift families. Her new motorcycle is more than a prize—it’s a tool for empowerment, mobility, and growth.

Through the Ka‑Partner Rewards program, Smart continues to celebrate and support its partner retailers, ensuring that sari‑sari store owners across the Philippines remain at the heart of digital inclusion. As the program enters another year, it promises to deliver more rewards, more opportunities, and more stories of transformation—one retailer at a time.