Bacolod City is collaborating with online shopping platform Shopee to empower local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen its digital economy.
Mayor Greg Gasataya and Shopee Philippines head of commercial Jack Ng formalized the partnership with a ceremonial handshake held at the City Mayor’s Office on Monday, March 30.
“Through this partnership, MSMEs in Bacolod City will be given more opportunities to present their products and improve their sales. Bacolod has always been a city that champions the spirit of local enterprise,” Gasataya said in his message.
Bacolod is one of the stops of Shopee’s Tatak Pinoy MSME Roadshow, which helps Filipino entrepreneurs tap into e-commerce.
Some 100 MSMEs here are participating in the training and sharing of resources at L’ Fisher Hotel on Tuesday.
Among these are Maih Skin, D’Bayong Art, Vivo Handmade, Donata by Kate Marvee Singson, Plantsville and Madera Crafts.
“The skills and tools they gain here can help them compete not just within Bacolod, but with sellers anywhere in the Philippines, and that kind of reach is what will sustain our city’s economic growth for years to come,” Gasataya said.
Ng acknowledged the city government’s willingness to collaborate with Shopee and identify the right sellers that would become part of the program.
“With Tatak Pinoy, we aim to meet MSMEs where they are, particularly in regions with limited access to digital training resources. We want to unlock the untapped potential of these regional businesses and provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed online,” he added.
Frances Mae Llamas, head of the city’s Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions, underscored the role of partnerships in enabling inclusive digital growth for small businesses.
“Empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital economy requires collaboration between the private sector, government and local communities. Programs like ‘Tatak Pinoy’ play an important role in helping entrepreneurs develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in online commerce,” she said.*PNA
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