Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives in Northern Mindanao have embarked on their e-commerce journey through the eBizNovation Buy Local Bazaar on TikTok Shop session, organized by PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). In partnership with TikTok Philippines, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) 10 and the Regional Cooperative Development Council 10, the program aims to help entrepreneurs widen their market reach through the TikTok Shop e-commerce platform.
Cooperative Development Specialist Mary Grace Vapor said, "We thank PLDT, Smart, and TikTok Shop for introducing another marketing platform to our cooperatives, enabling them to embrace and join the trend in e-commerce marketing, via TikTok Shop.”
MSMEs and cooperatives from Iligan City, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro (CDO), and Bukidnon learned to create short videos to promote their products. Moropreneur founder Selahuddin Hashim imparted his knowledge on branding and content creation, while TikTok Shop trainors gave participants tips on how to maximize the platform for their businesses.
22-year-old Monaliza Digamon, a young entrepreneur from an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in CDO, sells beaded jewelry products. She shared, "The training has helped me to better conceptualize online content that could entice my target buyers. I am thankful for the opportunity to be introduced to new ways of marketing our products.”
Youth volunteers from the CDO City College and Community Improvement Division helped the participants navigate their smartphones and appreciate the importance of creating engaging digital content to level up their businesses.
Jorenn Decierdo, a student from CDO City College, said, “This is the first time I realized the power of our digital skills. Some entrepreneurs were still stuck in traditional marketing, and we are happy to help teach and inspire them to level up their businesses with online platforms.”
The eBiz Buylocal Bazaar is part of PLDT and Smart’s campaign to upskill and uplift the lives of Filipino MSMEs and cooperatives through technology. The program also underscores the group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG No.1: No Poverty and No.8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
