The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TikTok Shop are collaborating in Unlad Lokal, a program that aims to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive in the e-commerce space.
After a pilot test, the program was launched on Friday, March 28, when a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the DTI and TikTok's e-commerce arm.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the agency's partnership with TikTok Shop affirms its commitment to providing MSMEs with the tools necessary to succeed in the global market.
"By strengthening their capabilities, we are opening more opportunities for business growth and market expansion," said Roque.
Unlad Lokal program provides targeted training in content creation, live selling, and e-commerce strategies—skills requisite for MSMEs to grow in today's digital age.
This will be rolled out in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao, with an initial target of around 350 participants.
Each city will host a two-day immersive training session covering TikTok Shop 101, product listing optimization, live selling techniques, category-specific tips, and regulatory compliance.
"Unlad Lokal builds on the foundation of our DTI initiative which bridges traditional enterprises with digital innovation. By providing MSMEs with hands-on training…we are ensuring that our local businesses can adapt and lead the digital marketplace," added Roque.
Unlad Lokal program also marks a vital step in TikTok Shop's ongoing commitment to support Filipino entrepreneurs.
"We've seen many small businesses grow on TikTok Shop, reaching thousands, sometimes millions, of customers. Through Unlad Lokal, we want to help even more MSMEs achieve that same success," said TikTok Shop Philippines Marketing Lead Franco Aligaen.
The platform's content-driven discovery model allows MSMEs to foster a broad audience through engaging content and live selling—without the need for substantial investment in traditional advertising.
Apart from the aforementioned training sessions, Aligaen added that they will also be offering post-program mentorship, continued support in content creation, and access to advertising opportunities.
This, he said, will help MSMEs continue to scale and succeed long after going through the program.
Both the DTI and TikTok Shop are confident that Unlad Lokal will drive meaningful impact on the economy.
Based on DTI data, MSMEs comprises 99.5 percent of the business establishments in the Philippines. It also accounts for 62 percent of the workforce.
"By providing them with the right digital skills and market access, we are realizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of building a more inclusive, resilient, and technology-driven economy where no entrepreneur is left behind," Roque emphasized.