DTI, TikTok Shop partner to give MSMEs e-commerce training

By Kris Crismundo, Philippine News Agency

UNLAD LOKAL. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque (left) and TikTok Shop Philippines marketing lead Franco Aligaen sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the Unlad Lokal Program at DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP) Retail and Learning Center in Makati City on Friday (March 28, 2025). The program aims to equip MSMEs tools and skills to grow and adapt in the digital economy. (PNA photo by Kris M. Crismundo)

MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TikTok Shop on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) tools and skills to boost their digital presence.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and TikTok Shop Philippines marketing lead Franco Aligaen signed the MOU at DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP) Retail and Learning Center in Makati City, launching the Unlad Lokal Program.

The program will provide training in content creation, live selling, and e-commerce strategies, to help MSMEs grow and adapt in the digital economy.

Roque said this program will ensure that MSMEs across the country will not be left out in the country’s digital transformation.

“We are not just getting entrepreneurs online, we are equipping them to thrive online,” she said.

Aligaen said training and mentoring for MSMEs will be rolled out in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao, wherein TikTok Shop will provide immersive training sessions in 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,” he added.