The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with TikTok Shop to help low-income Filipinos break into the digital economy through free training for aspiring online entrepreneurs and providing livelihood grants.
According to social welfare secretary Rexlon ‘Rex’ Gatchalian, the initiative marks the first time that the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has expanded beyond traditional businesses to support online enterprises.
The inituative’s pilot program was launched in Valenzuela City, where more than 170 beneficiaries received the startup capital to either establish an online business or expand their existing ventures through digital platforms.
Each participant was awarded a ₱10,000 grant, which Gatchalian emphasized is financial assistance—not a loan—and therefore does not need to be repaid.
As part of the partnership, TikTok Shop will conduct free seminars and hands-on training covering live selling, digital marketing, affiliate marketing, e-commerce strategies, cybersecurity and other skills needed to succeed in online selling.
Beneficiaries also receive financial literacy training, including business planning, account management, banking services, and other entrepreneurial skills aimed at helping them build sustainable enterprises.
Gatchalian asserted that the program specifically targets poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos who have the potential to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurship.
TikTok Shop Philippines head for public policy Yves Gonzalez explained that the collaboration with the DSWD seeks to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by giving them access to online tools that can connect their products with customers across the Philippines and even international markets.
Gonzalez noted that digital platforms and affiliate marketing can significantly expand the market reach of small entrepreneurs, allowing even home-based businesses to compete nationwide.
Following the initial rollout in Valenzuela City, Gatchalian announced that the program is scheduled to expand to Vigan, Iloilo City and Tagum, before being implemented in other parts of the country.
In ending, he encouraged interested applicants to monitor the DSWD’s official website and its social media platforms or else visit the nearest DSWD office for updates on future batches and application procedures.