The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has joined forces with TikTok Shop Philippines to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adapting to the digital economy. Through an initiative called “Unlad Lokal,” the program aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills to successfully market and sell their products online.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs Through Social Media
A memorandum of understanding was recently signed between DTI and TikTok Shop at the department’s headquarters in Makati, solidifying their commitment to fostering digital entrepreneurship. The Unlad Lokal program is designed to provide comprehensive training for over 350 entrepreneurs, guiding them on how to effectively leverage social media to expand their customer reach.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the growing significance of online platforms in today’s business landscape, stressing that digital innovation is no longer limited to large corporations.
“With MSMEs making up over 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines, it’s crucial for them to learn how to use digital tools effectively. This will help them not just survive but also thrive in an increasingly competitive market,” Roque stated.
Harnessing E-Commerce for Business Growth
Roque highlighted the flexibility of digital selling, allowing entrepreneurs to generate income even outside traditional working hours.
“We want to encourage them to explore online platforms to boost their income. Some may have day jobs, but they can still use platforms like TikTok Shop in their free time to grow their businesses,” she added.
The first batch of Unlad Lokal trainees participated in an intensive two-day workshop in Makati, covering key topics such as e-commerce strategies, digital marketing, product listing optimization, live selling techniques, and industry-specific selling tips.
Participants were also trained on effective product descriptions and best practices for live selling videos to maximize engagement and conversion rates.
“We guide them through the entire process—from signing up and navigating the seller center to utilizing TikTok Shop’s features effectively. Our goal is to help them integrate smoothly into the platform,” explained TikTok Shop Marketing Lead Franco Aligaen.
Ensuring Compliance and Business Legitimacy
Beyond content creation and digital skills, the program also emphasizes legal compliance and regulatory guidelines to help MSMEs operate their businesses responsibly.
“We make sure they adhere to government regulations, ensuring they build their businesses legally and sustainably when they start selling online,” Aligaen added.
Boosting Local Products and Expanding Nationwide
The Unlad Lokal initiative also aligns with DTI’s “Buy Local” campaign, providing MSMEs with a wider audience to showcase their products. By utilizing TikTok Shop as a selling platform, small business owners can reach more potential customers both locally and internationally.
The free training program is set to expand beyond Makati, with scheduled workshops in other Metro Manila cities, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao. Entrepreneurs across the country are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their digital selling skills and grow their businesses.
