Go Lokal, a flagship program of the Department of Trade and Industry has gone digital through the partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry and UnionBank GlobalLinker.
“This partnership is aligned with our goal to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (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 said.
UnionBank GlobalLinker has more than 50,000 users and more than 1,000 online stores.
Its engagement with MSMEs and customers 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 made by Filipino entrepreneurs.
The DTI and UnionBank GlobalLinker partnership came about as MSMEs have turned to online selling due to the challenges brought about by the restrictions to curb the spread of the Covid-19.
“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 said.
In the past four years, Go Lokal! Has been helping MSMEs promote and sell their products through various malls, supermarkets, and department stores nationwide.
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 the public and private sectors to support local businesses and entrepreneurs by patronizing local products and services all year round. – Press release
