Digital livelihood initiatives are expanding opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs as TikTok Shop and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD launched a new partnership aimed at equipping aspiring business owners with practical digital commerce skills.
The collaboration, anchored on TikTok Shop’s Unlad Lokal Program and the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), begins with a pilot rollout in Valenzuela City.
Through the initiative, dubbed “SLP! Tara, Live Sell Na!”, beneficiaries will receive hands-on training in content creation, LIVE selling, affiliate marketing, and other e-commerce tools designed to help them generate sustainable income in the digital economy.
Expanding digital livelihood opportunities
TikTok Shop Education and Incentives Manager Klaude Mandaya moderates a panel discussion on creator-driven commerce
The partnership reflects the growing role of digital platforms in creating new livelihood opportunities for Filipino families.
Rather than simply providing financial assistance, the program focuses on building long-term capabilities that allow entrepreneurs to adapt to today’s online marketplace.
DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez said the initiative aims to empower beneficiaries through knowledge as well as financial support. “This is not just about giving money. This is also a program that provides each beneficiary with the knowledge and skills they need to keep up with the continuous changes of the times.”
DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez (IMAGE CREDIT: The EON Group)
She added that businesses are no longer confined to traditional markets. “Now, our products can reach more people through digital platforms such as TikTok Shop. We will not only learn how to sell online, but also how to create profitable content, reach more customers, and use digital platforms to improve our lives.”
The training is designed to help participants transform their products into sustainable businesses by embracing digital commerce.
Building an inclusive digital commerce ecosystem
TikTok Shop said the collaboration forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The platform noted that more than 90% of its active sellers are local businesses, highlighting the growing role of Filipino entrepreneurs in its marketplace.
Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for TikTok Shop Philippines, said the initiative combines government support with digital skills training to help communities participate in the digital economy. “We believe that the skills taught through this program will help entrepreneurs participate in our digital economy.”
He also emphasized the importance of expanding the initiative beyond Valenzuela City. “Today, we have the opportunity to help the entrepreneurs of Valenzuela City expand their businesses. We are nationwide.”
During the media briefing, Gonzalez said the Unlad Lokal Program has already trained around 35,000 participantsacross 15 cities and regions, with further expansion planned across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Partnerships driving sustainable growth
Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for TikTok Shop Philippines. (IMAGE CREDIT: The EON Group)
Beyond skills training, officials underscored the importance of collaboration among the national government, local government units, and private-sector partners in addressing the challenges entrepreneurs face.
During the question-and-answer session, Gonzalez explained that while TikTok Shop provides technical expertise and digital commerce education, the DSWD complements these efforts by supporting beneficiaries through livelihood assistance.
“The technical expertise comes from us. The local government partner knows who the entrepreneurs are. But when it comes to capital, that’s where the DSWD partnership comes in,” Gonzales said.
He added that the goal is to address business challenges through sustained collaboration. “We’re slowly but certainly solving each challenge one at a time.”
Valenzuela City was selected for the pilot rollout because of its established livelihood development programs and active support for entrepreneurs. Officials also said they plan to expand the initiative nationwide, allowing more Filipino communities to benefit from digital entrepreneurship opportunities.
Supporting inclusive entrepreneurship
The partnership between TikTok Shop and the DSWD illustrates how digital platforms and government agencies can work together to broaden access to entrepreneurship opportunities. By combining digital skills development, creator-driven commerce, and livelihood support, the initiative aims to help more Filipinos build sustainable businesses while participating in the country’s growing digital economy.
As more communities gain access to digital commerce education, initiatives such as “SLP! Tara, Live Sell Na!“ could play an increasingly important role in promoting inclusive economic growth and strengthening the country’s MSME ecosystem.
