PLDT and Smart Communications have partnered with TikTok Shop and the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) to help local farmers and fisherfolk sell their products online.
The “Buy Local Bazaar” program, launched in 2019, is a special selling event on TikTok Shop that allows over 50 agro-enterprises to showcase their products and reach a wider market on the platform.
The program is part of PLDT and Smart’s “eBizNovation”, a digital skilling-to-e-commerce initiative for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives.
Stephanie V. Orlino, head of the stakeholder management team at PLDT and Smart, said the program aims to provide livelihood opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk through technology.
“PLDT and Smart firmly believe in the role of technology in extending livelihood opportunities that can help increase profits over time. Our initiatives on digital upskilling such as the ‘Buy Local Bazaar’, made possible by our partnership with TikTok Philippines and DA-ATI, will hopefully accelerate this advocacy further,” she said.
Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, director of DA-ATI, said the program also supports the mission of the agency to make the agriculture and fishery sectors more competitive, productive, and resource-efficient.
“DA-ATI acknowledges the crucial role of digital technologies in helping our country’s primary producers become more globally competitive, productive, and resource-efficient. We continuously find ways to provide our local farmers and fisherfolk with opportunities for development, such as financial and technical support, among others,” she said.
She added, “Working with our partners from PLDT, Smart, and TikTok Philippines can advance our mission to build more economies of scale and solidify the sector’s path to overall industrialization and modernization.”
Toff Rada, head of public policy at TikTok Philippines, said the platform is committed to empowering enterprising Filipinos with the means to grow their social presence and build authentic connections with their consumers.
“Since the launch of TikTok Shop in the Philippines a year ago, our community of merchants and creators has continued to grow. The Buy Local Bazaar program with the support of PLDT, Smart and DA-ATI is among the many avenues we provide to empower enterprising Filipinos with the means to engage with the larger community on TikTok,” he said.
The program is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #1: No Poverty and #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
