The country’s Trade Department and the marketplace segment of one of the most influential social media platforms, TikTok Shop, have recently joined forces to empower business owners, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in their journey to the digital economy.

The collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry and TikTok Philippines was dubbed the Unlad Lokal Program, sealed on Friday via a Memorandum of Understanding, providing MSMEs with the tools and skills needed for digital commerce.

According to Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, the MOU between the DTI and TikTok Shop reflects a shared commitment to equip MSMEs with the necessary tools, training, and support to succeed in the digital economy.

Building on the success of their previous collaboration through Camp Asenso, the Unlad Lokal Program provides 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," DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized.

"Unlad Lokal builds on the foundation of our DTI initiative which bridges traditional enterprises with digital innovation. By providing MSMEs with hands-on training in e-commerce, content creation, and live selling, we are ensuring that our local businesses' can adapt and lead the digital marketplace," she added.

The Unlad Lokal Program marks a significant step in TikTok Shop's ongoing commitment to support Filipino entrepreneurs.

By offering hands-on training and resources, the program is designed to help MSMEs enhance their e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities, empowering them to scale in the digital landscape.

"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.

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.

"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," added Aligaen. "Beyond the training sessions, we are offering 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."

"Our collaboration with TikTok Shop reinforces the DTI’s commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. 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," underscored DTI Secretary Roque.