PLDT, Smart link up with TikTok, DA-ATI, boosting farmer and fisherfolk income

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) remain fully committed to assisting partner farmers and fisherfolk in generating more income through the ‘Buy Local Bazaar’ program in collaboration with TikTok Shop and the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI). 

“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,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

Since 2019, PLDT and Smart have established and strengthened their partnership with DA-ATI to assist farmers, fisherfolk, and agro-enterprises towards digital literacy with the Digital Farmers Program.

 

“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,” said Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Director of DA-ATI.

 

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.”

 

The ‘Buy Local Bazaar’, a special selling event at TikTok Shop, has enabled over 50 agro-enterprises to strengthen their online presence and expand their market reach on the platform.

 

“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, grow their social presence, and build authentic connections with their consumers,” said Toff Rada, Head of Public Policy, TikTok Philippines.

 

This is also an initiative under PLDT and Smart’s ‘eBizNovation’, a digital skilling-to-e-commerce program for MSMEs and cooperatives to help them grow their market reach and eventually generate more sales.

 

PLDT and Smart fully commit to uplifting the agriculture and fishery sectors through livelihood opportunities from technology. This is aligned with the United Nations’ SDG #1: No Poverty and SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.