Cebuano entrepreneurs are gaining new opportunities to participate in the growing digital economy as TikTok Shop, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. join forces to strengthen digital commerce among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The tripartite partnership was launched in Cebu through Unlad Lokal, TikTok Shop’s program designed to help local entrepreneurs and creators develop digital skills, improve their online presence, and reach customers beyond their immediate markets. Cebu serves as the program’s first Visayas leg.
The initiative brings together the expertise of three sectors: DTI’s MSME development network, Converge’s connectivity solutions, and TikTok Shop’s digital commerce platform and seller education resources.
Strengthening Digital Commerce for Cebuano MSMEs
The partnership comes at a time when digital commerce continues to create new opportunities for businesses across the Visayas and Mindanao.
According to TikTok Shop, orders across Visayas and Mindanao increased by 140% from July 2025 to July 2026. During the same period, the number of sellers grew by 50%, while creators increased by 160%. LIVE gross merchandise value (GMV) also rose by 130%, highlighting the growing role of content creators and LIVE selling in the region’s digital commerce ecosystem.
The Department of Trade and Industry, TikTok Shop, and Converge SME Solutions share insights on digitalization, connectivity, and opportunities for MSMEs during the Cebu launch of Unlad Lokal.The growth reflects the increasing potential for local businesses to use digital platforms to connect with customers, promote their products, and expand their reach.
Cebu’s strong economic performance further underscores the opportunity. The City of Cebu recorded 7.0% economic growth in 2024, reaching an estimated ₱334.48 billion, while the Province of Cebu grew by 7.3% to ₱441.14 billion, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data cited in the announcement.
Unlad Lokal Brings Digital Skills Closer to Entrepreneurs
Through the Unlad Lokal program, Cebuano entrepreneurs received practical training covering various aspects of online selling and digital commerce.
Participants learned about TikTok Shop’s seller ecosystem, short-form content creation, LIVE selling, affiliate marketing, campaigns, and other digital tools that can help businesses improve product discovery and customer engagement.
The program highlights the connection between content and commerce. Instead of relying solely on traditional advertising, local entrepreneurs can use engaging videos, livestreams, and creator partnerships to introduce their products to potential customers.
For MSMEs, this creates another avenue to tell their brand stories, showcase their products, and reach audiences outside their local communities.
Since its launch, Unlad Lokal has trained more than 35,000 MSMEs nationwide and expanded to more than 15 cities and regions across the Philippines.
Connectivity as a Key Part of Digital Transformation
Digital skills and platforms are only effective when businesses have access to reliable connectivity.
As part of the partnership, aims to support the infrastructure needed by entrepreneurs to create content, manage online stores, communicate with customers, and participate in activities such as LIVE selling.
The collaboration demonstrates how government agencies and private companies can work together to address some of the practical challenges faced by MSMEs as they transition to digital business.
By combining business education, connectivity, and access to digital commerce, the initiative aims to make it easier for more entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses online.
Cebuano entrepreneurs participate in TikTok Shop’s Unlad Lokal training, gaining practical skills in digital commerce, content creation, and online selling.Helping Cebu Sellers Prepare for Mega Sale Events
The Cebu launch also comes ahead of TikTok Shop’s major shopping campaigns, including the 9.9, 11.11, and 12.12 Mega Sale Season.
Participating sellers can apply their newly acquired skills by improving their online storefronts, producing short-form product videos, and using LIVE selling and affiliate marketing to increase product discovery and engagement.
Beyond marketing and content creation, sellers are also encouraged to prepare their business operations for increased demand. This includes ensuring accurate product information, sufficient inventory, competitive pricing, efficient fulfillment, and responsive customer service.
TikTok Shop is also working with local warehouse and logistics partners to support smoother deliveries across the Visayas and Mindanao.
A Bigger Opportunity for Cebuano Entrepreneurs
The partnership between TikTok Shop, DTI, and Converge highlights the growing importance of digital transformation for local businesses.
For Cebuano MSMEs, having access to digital skills, reliable connectivity, and online marketplaces can open opportunities to reach customers beyond Cebu and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace.
As Unlad Lokal expands to more communities, TikTok Shop plans to continue providing entrepreneurs with access to education, mentorship, platform resources, and opportunities to connect with customers and creators.
With Cebu serving as the program’s first Visayas destination, the initiative marks another step toward giving local entrepreneurs the tools and opportunities they need to participate more actively in the digital economy.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE UPDATES!
