CEBU CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), TikTok Shop and Converge SME Solutions strengthened their partnership by signing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 25, 2026, in Cebu City. The strategic cooperation aims to upgrade the digital capabilities of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
Building on the Unlad Lokal program launched by DTI and TikTok Shop in 2025, this initiative connects MSMEs with e-commerce training, digital infrastructure and expanded market opportunities. The MOU streamlines seller onboarding on TikTok Shop while providing access to enhanced and affordable digital connectivity through Converge.
“This tripartite partnership reaffirms DTI commitment to capacitate our Filipino MSMEs with the tools and skills needed to participate effectively and efficiently in the digital economy,” said DTI Central Visayas Regional Director Esperanza Melgar. “We are not just getting entrepreneurs online, we are equipping them to thrive online.”
Under the terms of the MOU, the DTI will lead the policy direction and coordinate local participation via its regional offices. TikTok Shop will train entrepreneurs on live selling and digital marketplace tools, while Converge will deliver reliable, affordable internet services tailored for business operations.
“Digitalization creates new opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to build businesses beyond the limitations of geography, but access to the right knowledge, tools and support remains critical,” says TikTok Shop Philippines Marketing Lead Franco Aligaen.
“Through Unlad Lokal, we are bringing these capabilities closer to communities outside Luzon, starting with Cebu. As the digital commerce ecosystem continues to grow across Visayas and Mindanao, our partnership with the DTI and Converge allows us to invest further in seller and creator empowerment, allowing more Filipinos to benefit from TikTok Shop’s discovery commerce ecosystem for business growth and livelihood.”
The initiative addresses key barriers that often prevent small businesses from adopting modern technology, particularly high costs and technical complexity.
“If technology feels too complicated or too expensive, MSMEs will simply leave it on the shelf,” said Converge SME Solutions SVP and Head of SME Business Group Dindo Marzan. “Our job is to make technology simple, affordable, and useful enough to become part of their everyday business. That is how we earn their trust.”
The push for digital empowerment comes as online business activity drives substantial growth in the national economy. Official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that the Philippines’ digital economy generated P2.74 trillion in gross value added (GVA) in 2025—equivalent to 9.8% of national gross domestic product (GDP). E-commerce contributed over 32% of that total, with shopping platforms driving P880.46 billion in volume and supporting 7.87 million jobs.
By rolling out training and infrastructure across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the joint initiative ensures that local business owners nationwide gain the digital tools and market exposure needed to build sustainable online operations.
