PLDT/Smart, Tiktok, DTI team up for MSMEs digital upskilling in NegOr

DUMAGUETE CITY— PLDT Enterprise, Smart Communications Inc., Tiktok Shop Philippines teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-NegOr) for the digital upskilling of 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental and Siquijor on May 23 through the eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar program to equip MSMEs with essential digital skills to thrive in the e-commerce landscape. 

“We are committed to empowering MSMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age.  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,” said Jinky Francisco, Head of PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao. 

 Marylou Gocotano, head of Stakeholder Management-Visayas Relations at PLDT and Smart noted that a key part of the much broader PLDT goal to elevate the quality of life of Filipinos is its 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. The 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,” Gocotano said.

Coverage of the upskilling program

According to Gocotano, 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. 

This initiative aims 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, Gocotano shared.

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.

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. 

PLDT Enterprise SMBiz Visayas and Mindanao Head, Jinky Francisco, explains how internet connectivity helps in building a strong brand, increasing profit, and reducing operational costs while One of Tiktok Shop PH's trainers, Klaude Mandaya, encourages participants to use e-commerce platforms to improve their business performance and reach untapped markets. (Photos: ePLDT-FB/Google Images)