The three organizations signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aug. 25 in Cebu City, strengthening a partnership aimed at improving the digital capabilities and market reach of MSMEs nationwide.
The initiative builds on Unlad Lokal, a program started by DTI and TikTok Shop in 2025 to help entrepreneurs participate in e-commerce. The expanded partnership will streamline seller onboarding on TikTok Shop while giving MSMEs access to digital training and connectivity solutions from Converge.
Digital skills
“This tripartite partnership reaffirms DTI commitment to capacitate our Filipino MSMEs with the tools and skills needed to participate effectively and efficiently in the digital economy,” said DTI Central Visayas Regional Director Esperanza Melgar in a statement. “We are not just getting entrepreneurs online, we are equipping them to thrive online.”
Under the MOU, DTI will lead policy direction and coordinate participation through its regional offices, while TikTok Shop will provide training on live selling and other digital marketplace tools.
Converge, meanwhile, will offer internet services designed to support business operations, addressing connectivity costs and technical complexity that can discourage smaller enterprises from adopting digital tools.
“If technology feels too complicated or too expensive, MSMEs will simply leave it on the shelf,” said Converge SME Solutions SVP and head of SME Business Group Dindo Marzan.
“Our job is to make technology simple, affordable, and useful enough to become part of their everyday business. That is how we earn their trust.”
Beyond Luzon
TikTok Shop Philippines marketing lead Franco Aligaen said digitalization allows entrepreneurs to grow beyond geographical limitations, but access to knowledge, tools and support remains crucial.
“Through Unlad Lokal, we are bringing these capabilities closer to communities outside Luzon, starting with Cebu,” Aligaen said.
He said the partnership would allow the companies to further support sellers and creators as digital commerce expands across the Visayas and Mindanao.
Growing economy
The initiative comes as digital activity accounts for a growing share of the Philippine economy.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country's digital economy generated P2.74 trillion in gross value added in 2025, equivalent to 9.8 percent of gross domestic product.
E-commerce accounted for more than 32 percent of the digital economy, with digital platforms generating P880.46 billion in gross value added. The broader digital economy also supported 7.87 million jobs in 2025.
Through the partnership, DTI, TikTok Shop and Converge plan to bring training, connectivity and digital market opportunities to entrepreneurs across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
