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)
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has teamed up with TikTok Shop to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their online presence through digital training and tools.
On Friday, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and TikTok Shop Philippines Marketing Lead Franco Aligaen formalized the partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP) Retail and Learning Center in Makati City. The collaboration also marked the official launch of the Unlad Lokal Program.
The initiative aims to equip MSMEs with key skills in content creation, live selling, and e-commerce strategy, enabling them to compete and grow in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
“This program ensures that no entrepreneur is left behind in the country’s digital transformation,” Roque said. “We’re not just helping them get online—we’re helping them succeed online.”
As part of the program, TikTok Shop will conduct immersive training sessions in key areas such as product listing optimization, live selling techniques, TikTok Shop 101, category-specific strategies, and regulatory compliance. These workshops will be rolled out in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao.
“We’ve seen countless small businesses flourish on TikTok Shop, connecting with thousands—even millions—of customers,” Aligaen shared. “With Unlad Lokal, we want to bring that same opportunity for growth to even more MSMEs across the country.”