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| Representatives of PLDT, Smart and Tiktok Shop with Cabuyao, Laguna Mayor Hon. Dennis C. Hain and Cabuyao, Laguna LGU Executive Assistant and Public Employment Services Office (PESO) OIC Jose Karlo Hain (center) (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to collaborate with e-commerce platform TikTok Shop to open economic opportunities to more Filipinos. The partnership, which aims to provide relevant tools and knowledge to run an online business, recently benefitted micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives of Cabuyao, Laguna. Through the eBizNovation Buy Local Bazaar Caravan, PLDT and Smart, together with TikTok Shop, conducted a day-long digital upskilling workshop for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“One of the objectives of this caravan is to enable MSMEs to use e-commerce platforms like TikTok Shop. We hope that through this initiative, the knowledge and skills gained from our modules, and one of the most ubiquitous tools of today — the smartphone, participants can expand their market and boost profitability,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice Presidente and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino Since its launch, TikTok Shop has developed a community of entrepreneurs and creators, building strong connections between small business providers and their target consumers. TikTok Head of Public Policy for the Philippines Toff Rada said, “TikTok Shop’s integration of content and commerce allows Filipino MSMEs to authentically connect with creators and communities, enabling them to reach a broader audience. We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs all over the Philippines by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to grow and scale their businesses.”
Jose Karlo Hain, Executive Assistant and Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Cabuyao Public Employment Services Office (PESO), said, “I see the possibility of a collaboration with PLDT and Smart and the chance to leverage the TikTok Shop platform as an integral component of our LGU’s livelihood program. I believe that Cabuyao is home to a large number of MSMEs and artists who create goods and crafts that are of deserving recognition and patronage.” The participants were happy to bring home learnings and plans that would take their business to the next level. Miriam Sanchez, owner of Mama Mia’s Sweet Delight, shared her positive response to the Cabuyao caravan, saying, “I get inspired every time I get invited to trainings and seminars because I personally believe that learning is a continuous process. My participation in this caravan is my way of adapting to the fast pace of the digital age.” Sanchez added, “Thank you, PLDT and Smart, especially for the new opportunities you’re opening up for us. This motivates us to grow our business and help improve our family’s livelihood.”
The eBizNovation program underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to help the country achieve United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDG) #1: No Poverty and #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The initiative also highlights the PLDT Group’s commitment to innovation and digital inclusion and the government’s key digitalization efforts.
