The local government of Mandaluyong and online platform Shopee Philippines launched on Thursday, Aug. 7, a digital upskilling project aimed at helping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) improve their technological skills to promote their businesses.

Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos led the event at the Mandaluyong City Hall.

The project is part of Shopee’s “#TatakPinoy” campaign, through which participants underwent training that included the use of digital tools and direct access to the Shopee platform.

Using the online platform, MSMEs will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to a wider market, both across the country and abroad.

Abalos expressed hope that the project will help strengthen the city's local economy as Shopee supports small businesses in the city.

“Nagpapasalamat din po ang pamahalaang lungsod sa Shopee sa pagpili sa Mandaluyong bilang kanilang tahanan ng kanilang kumpanya (The city government is also grateful to Shopee for choosing Mandaluyong as the home of their company),” she said.

“Nakikita ko pong malaki ang maitutulong ng proyektong #TatakPinoy na mapalago ang mga MSMEs dito sa ating lungsod (I believe the #TatakPinoy project will greatly help grow the MSMEs here in our city),” the mayor added.

Commercial Head of Shopee Philippines, Jack Ng, said they chose Mandaluyong to launch their nationwide campaign because of the city government’s active participation in programs that help entrepreneurs.

"We want to highlight and support Filipino businesses and locally-made products. The #TatakPinoy project is our long-term commitment to support local MSMEs by giving sellers the right tools, training, and opportunities to succeed and thrive in the modern digital world," Ng said.