The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TikTok Shop have partnered to provide tools and enhance the skills of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in marketing their products online to be able to thrive in the digital economy.
Dubbed “Unlad Lokal”, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead, TikTok Shop Philippines at the program’s launch on March 28, 2025 at DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP) Retail and Learning Center in Makati.
Under the MOU, both parties will provide hands-on training and resources to help MSMEs enhance their e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities, empowering them to scale in the digital landscape.
The “Unlad Lokal” program will roll out in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao, regions with thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Each city will host a two-day immersive training session, covering vital e-commerce and digital marketing skills such as TikTok Shop 101, product listing optimization, live selling techniques, category specific tips, and regulatory compliance.
The platform’s content-driven discovery model allows MSMEs to connect with a broad audience through organic, engaging content and live selling, without the need for substantial investment in traditional advertising.
This approach is expected to foster job creation and stimulate economic growth as businesses expand and thrive in the digital ecosystem.
The DTI and TikTok Shop are confident that the Unlad Lokal Program will drive meaningful impact on the Philippine economy, equipping MSMEs with the tools to scale and compete in the digital age.
The Unlad Lokal Program follows the Camp Asenso, the first DTI-TikTok collaboration, in providing targeted training in content creation, live selling, and e-commerce strategies—critical skills for MSMEs to grow and adapt in today’s digital-first economy.
“Our partnership with TikTok Shop strengthens our commitment to providing Filipino MSMEs with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a dynamic global market. By strengthening their capabilities, we are opening more opportunities for business growth and market expansion,” said Roque at the launch.
MSME MENTORSHIP
“At TikTok Shop, we believe in the power of community-driven commerce. TikTok Shop has also evolved into a dynamic digital marketplace, one that allows MSMEs to reach customers in innovative ways. Unlad Lokal is designed to equip Filipino entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and digital skills needed to thrive in e-commerce,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead, TikTok Shop Philippines.
Aligaen noted that many small businesses grow on TikTok Shop, reaching thousands, sometimes millions, of customers.
Beyond the training sessions, TikTok Shop also offers post-program mentorship, continued support in content creation, and access to advertising opportunities that will help local businesses continue to scale and succeed long after the workshops.
This program also reinforces TikTok Shop’s Buy Local, Shop Local campaign, which promotes Filipino craftsmanship and innovation. By offering MSMEs a platform to showcase their products to more customers, the campaign aims to boost the visibility of Filipino-made goods and help local businesses compete on a larger stage.
