TikTok Shop, DSWD launch digital livelihood program in Valenzuela - BusinessWorld

Home BW Launchpad TikTok Shop, DSWD launch digital livelihood program in Valenzuela BW Launchpad Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City of Valenzuela including Valenzuela First District Representative Kenneth Gatchalian (center), DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian (4th from left), and the Head of Public Policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop Yves Gonzalez (3rd from left) during the TikTok Shop event. — TIKTOK SHOP PHILIPPINES TikTok Shop and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have partnered to provide digital commerce training to aspiring entrepreneurs and vulnerable communities under the government’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The initiative, dubbed “SLP! Tara, Live Sell Na!”, will pilot in Valenzuela City through TikTok Shop’s Unlad Lokal program, which offers training on content creation, LIVE selling and other e-commerce tools to help participants build online businesses. The partnership brings together the national government, the Valenzuela City government and the private sector to expand digital livelihood opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). “Partnerships with platforms such as TikTok Shop allow us to complement the DSWD’s livelihood initiatives with practical digital skills that can open new opportunities for Filipino families,” DSWD Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian said in a statement released Monday. “Through ‘SLP! Tara, Live Sell Na!’ in partnership with the Unlad Lokal Roadshow Caravan, we aim to equip participants not only with the capabilities to navigate the digital economy, but also with pathways to build sustainable sources of income and strengthen their long-term resilience,” he added. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Valenzuela City’s economy grew by 6% in 2024, with its gross domestic product reaching P178.96 billion. TikTok Shop said the Unlad Lokal program provides training on seller onboarding, short-form content creation, LIVE selling, affiliate marketing and platform tools to help entrepreneurs reach more customers online. It also connects local businesses with creators and customers to expand their market reach. “MSMEs are at the heart of the Philippine economy, and many already have strong products and entrepreneurial drive,” Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, said in a statement. “Through TikTok Shop’s partnership with the DSWD and the City of Valenzuela, we hope to equip more communities with the skills, tools and support systems they need to participate in the digital economy and unlock new avenues for growth,” he added. The company said more than 90% of active sellers on its platform are local businesses, while local sellers recorded more than 200% growth in sales in 2025. — Edg Adrian A. Eva googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-AD2'); }); --> RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR La Likha turns Filipino textiles into sustainable furniture Students launch AI chatbot to quicken fact checks Hapinoy trains more than 10,000 mom-and-pop store owners in AI ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-SKY1'); }); -->