In the past four years, Go Lokal! a flagship program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been helping the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) promote and sell their products through various malls, supermarkets, and department stores nationwide. However, this year is different because of the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition of MSMEs to online selling converting their brick-and-mortar business model into brick-and-click. Going digital is a great strategy for MSMEs as it will help them to stay relevant and competitive in an evolving marketplace,” DTI-BDTP Director, Marievic M. Bonoan shared.
Considering the need for the MSMEs to pivot digitally, Go Local! has partnered with UnionBank GlobalLinker. “This partnership is aligned with our goal to help MSMEs and Tech Up their way of doing businesses. Through our platform, MSMEs can sell their products, network with other entrepreneurs, avail of banking solutions, get exclusive deals to further grow their businesses, and more. It’s a one-stop hub for all their needs and it’s FREE,” SME Segment Vice President, Jaypee Soliman pointed out. To date, UnionBank GlobalLinker has 50,000+ users and 1,000+ online stores. Its engagement with MSMEs and customers alike increased under the new normal because of the demand to go digital.
The Go Lokal! Digital Mall is already live on UnionBank GlobalLinker with 31 merchants. All featured products are proudly made by Filipino entrepreneurs. The DTI has also embarked on a nationwide advocacy campaign called “Buy Local, Go Lokal” to promote greater awareness of Philippine products. The initiative is a call to both the public and private sectors to support local businesses and entrepreneurs by patronizing local products and services all year round.
