TikTok Shop Teams Up with Taguig City to Boost MSMEs and Creators via Unlad Lokal

The partnership supports MSME digitalization, grassroots creator empowerment, and the government’s inclusive digital jobs agenda.

TikTok Shop has partnered with Taguig City through its Unlad Lokal program, which aims to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and independent creators with the digital tools and skills they need to increase their presence and build opportunities in a growing online economy.

Launched earlier in 2025 in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Unlad Lokal reflects TikTok Shop’s commitment to nurturing a digitally empowered MSME sector across the Philippines. It has trained over 17,000 entrepreneurs across Metro Manila, Pampanga, and Naga since March through digital skills workshops and mentorship programs. Starting with its partnership with Taguig City, TikTok Shop is scaling this model, bringing digital empowerment directly to grassroots entrepreneurs and creators in local communities across the country. The partnership between TikTok Shop and Taguig furthers the city’s vision of a future-ready economy while reinforcing national efforts to drive inclusive digitalization and create alternative livelihood income streams.

“TikTok Shop is committed to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs and creators with the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive in the digital economy,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead for TikTok Shop Philippines. “Through Unlad Lokal, we’re showing how e-commerce can drive inclusive growth, where every Filipino, regardless of background, can turn creativity into a sustainable digital livelihood and take an active role in the country’s digital transformation.” 

Empowerment Through Digital Innovation

Unlad Lokal aligns with Taguig’s broader vision of a forward-looking economy, where small businesses can grow alongside technology. It promises more than just technical know-how for the entrepreneurs and grassroots creators who are among the city’s 1.5 million residents; it helps pave the way for more business opportunities.

Under Unlad Lokal, TikTok Shop and Taguig City will roll out a series of learning sessions, mentorship programs, and in-app showcases, covering topics from digital marketing to live selling and brand storytelling. The modules are designed to enable participants to expand their reach while sustaining online growth. 

By integrating TikTok Shop’s ecosystem with the city’s existing MSME programs, the initiative seeks to ensure that digital innovation translates directly into livelihood opportunities. It complements Taguig’s broader digitalization vision by making technology-driven growth accessible to every community. 

“In our Probinsyudad, we believe that every small business is a story of perseverance,” said Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. “Many of our local entrepreneurs started from home kitchens, neighborhood stalls, and small online pages. What they often lack is not talent or passion, but access to tools, networks, and digital knowledge. That is why we welcome Unlad Lokal with open arms. It complements our ongoing programs for MSME development, digital literacy, and innovation under the city’s drive toward a future-ready and inclusive economy.” 

Government Agencies, LGUs, and Telcos Unite

Aside from the DTI, TikTok Shop has also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), local government units, and telecommunications companies like PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. to strengthen the rollout of its Unlad Lokal program. This synergy between the government, private sector, and digital platforms are geared toward the development of an inclusive and progressive digital economy.

“Digitalization should be inclusive and secure,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda. “Collaborations between platforms like TikTok Shop and government institutions are crucial in ensuring that Filipino entrepreneurs, from local artisans to startup founders, are equipped with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a safe, trusted digital environment.” 

“Programs like TikTok Shop’s Unlad Lokal bring to life our goal of helping small businesses embrace e-commerce while ensuring they grow sustainably and ethically,” said DTI-NCR Division Chief Rowena San Jose. “We welcome partnerships that combine innovation with responsibility, especially those that enable our MSMEs to reach wider markets and strengthen consumer trust.” 

Investing in People and Programs Nationwide

As Unlad Lokal continues its nationwide rollout—targeting cities such as Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, and Naga—the program places emphasis on promoting safe responsible online commerce. Sellers and creators are trained in relevant topics such as transparency, ethical selling, and consumer protection, ensuring that growth in digital commerce is both sustainable and secure.

Aligaen stresses that safety is at the heart of TikTok Shop’s growth strategy.  “We continue to invest in education, platform safeguards, and partnerships that promote a reliable and transparent digital marketplace for both sellers and shoppers,” he said.

Unlad Lokal also enjoys strong support from brands and partners, including H.B Jewelry, KILY OFFICIAL, Mikana, Oishi PH, Piattos and Vcut (under Universal Robina Corporation), Tiny Buds Baby Naturals, Tummy Tac, and Vitress. Together, they share TikTok Shop’s mission of advancing MSME digitalization, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering responsible online commerce.

Through initiatives like Unlad Lokal, the digital economy continues to extend a tangible path for Filipino content creators and entrepreneurs to build sustainable livelihoods by telling their stories to the world, one click at a time.