More than a hundred entrepreneurs from Central Luzon gathered at the Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone on July 29, 2025, for the TikTok UNLAD LOKAL 2025 Learning Session, a joint initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry Region III and TikTok Shop Philippines to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digitalization and creative commerce.
The event featured a structured learning program designed to equip MSMEs with practical skills to succeed on TikTok Shop, including seller onboarding and store setup, affiliate marketing, live selling, content creation, and strategies for TikTok ads and paid promotions. The sessions also covered platform policies and ethical selling practices, ensuring participants understood both the opportunities and responsibilities of doing business in the digital space.
In her message, DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon highlighted the agency’s thrust to support MSMEs in embracing innovation and AI-driven platforms. “We can no longer do away with digitalization. Social media, especially platforms like TikTok, offer MSMEs a powerful and cost-efficient way to connect with customers, tell their stories, and grow sustainably,” she said.
Mr. Klaude Mandaya of TikTok Philippines served as the resource speaker, covering key topics such as the E-Commerce Landscape & TikTok Shop 101, Seller Onboarding and Store Setup, Affiliate Marketing and Live Selling, Content Creation and Platform Policies, and TikTok Ads and Paid Promotions. A live selling demo also gave participants a hands-on look at how to effectively engage audiences and boost online sales.
The activity also featured a segment on DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) program and the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Act, educating micro sellers about the government incentives and business development services available to them.
The UNLAD LOKAL initiative is anchored on MSME growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development. It resonates strongly with DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque’s 5-point agenda: AI and digitalization, franchising, mentoring, financing, and diversification.
With strong partnerships like this, DTI Region 3 reaffirms its commitment to future-proofing MSMEs, helping them become more competitive, resilient, and digitally empowered.
From insights to action, the entrepreneurs left equipped and inspired to take their businesses to the next level—one TikTok at a time.
