PLDT Enterprise, Smart team up with DTI, Tiktok Shop for digital upskilling of MSMEs in Negros Oriental

In a collaborative effort to uplift micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental, PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), the corporate business arm and wireless unit of PLDT, have joined forces with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Oriental and TikTok Shop Philippines. Together, they conducted a comprehensive upskilling session through the eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar program for over 50 MSMEs in Dumaguete City and Siquijor, equipping them with essential digital skills to thrive in the e-commerce landscape.

50 MSMEs from Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island participated in PLDT Enterprise and Smart's eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar in partnership with Tiktok Shop PH and DTI Negros Oriental.

“We are committed to empowering MSMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age," said Jinky Q. Francisco, Head of PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao. "By partnering with like-minded organizations like DTI Negros Oriental, and TikTok Shop Philippines, we strive to equip these businesses with the skills to leverage e-commerce platforms effectively, ultimately driving economic growth and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

“A key part of the much broader PLDT goal to elevate the quality of life of Filipinos is our drive to create livelihood opportunities through technology. This is what’s at the heart of our eBizNovation program, as it seeks to enable MSMEs to become digital merchants so they can actively participate in and benefit from e-commerce,” according to Marylou Gocotano, head of Stakeholder Management-Visayas Relations at PLDT and Smart.

The upskilling program covered diverse topics, including basic marketing and branding concepts, effective content creation, smartphone photography and videography, and internet safety tips to improve and protect their digital business assets.

Additionally, this initiative aimed to empower MSMEs to leverage the popular e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, to widen their business reach and unlock new livelihood streams. Video selling has become a key feature of TikTok Shop, allowing businesses to showcase their products in an engaging and interactive format, which can significantly enhance customer engagement and conversion rates.

Given the rise of TikTok Shop and the growing importance of e-commerce, PLDT Enterprise offers reliable connectivity solutions, such as the MSME FIBERBIZ plans, which are essential for businesses to succeed on this dynamic platform. These digital solutions ensure seamless and uninterrupted online operations, enabling businesses to effectively reach and engage with their target audiences on TikTok Shop. With PLDT Enterprise's unmatched fiber connectivity, MSMEs can confidently create and stream high-quality video content, respond to customer inquiries in real time, and manage transactions efficiently, thus maximizing their potential on TikTok Shop.

TikTok Shop PH representatives also provided invaluable insights into effectively selling products through engaging short-form videos. They discussed various mechanics and techniques, including the do's and don'ts of selling on the platform. This hands-on training session aimed to help MSMEs harness the power of social media and e-commerce to reach new customers and drive business growth.

Dumaguete City is the second stop of the eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar in the Visayas region this year, underscoring the initiative's importance in promoting local products and supporting sustainable development.

“On behalf of the MSMEs and DTI Negros Oriental, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank PLDT and Smart, as well as TikTok Shop and our other partners, for bringing this program to Dumaguete City, offering services and learnings on using different digital platforms to our growing MSMEs,” said Anton Gabila, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist of DTI Negros Oriental Provincial Office.

This continuing initiative of PLDT Enterprise and Smart aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, highlighting the commitment of the PLDT Group and its partners to fostering inclusive economic growth and promoting sustainable entrepreneurship.