Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many local retailers have halted operation, more than a few businesses have suffered financially and several workers have been laid off.
This health crisis has caused tremendous negative impact not just on the well being of the local communities but also on the economy.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), being one among the many government agencies working to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on the country, provides support services and an enabling environment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be able to grow, be sustainable and be competitive in the national and global markets.
Even before the pandemic, the DTI, through its Go Lokal! program, has been assisting MSMEs through various initiatives.
EXPORT QUALITY LOCAL PRODUCTS
Go Lokal! was introduced by DTI in 2017. It is a retail concept store showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products that are crafted, designed, and produced by the country’s MSMEs. DTI makes this possible with the collaboration of select retail partners for brand management and market acceleration.
DTI’s Go Lokal! program gives MSMEs wider access to the domestic and foreign markets by allowing them to display their products in high foot-traffic areas like shopping malls and airports.
Since 99% of registered businesses are MSMEs, DTI initiated Go Lokal! to provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to sell their products to a wider audience.
The program also helps MSMEs develop and improve local processes, and use indigenous raw materials for finished products to gain international acceptability and profitability.
The free services offered by DTI under the Go Lokal! program include :
• Merchandise development assistance to produce commercially viable products for the market
• Market access to stores/spaces provided by retail partners such as mall and retail operators
BUY LOCAL, GO LOKAL
In 2021, the program has taken on a new meaning as DTI aggressively encourages the public to buy Filipino-made products with its new slogan “Buy Local, Go Lokal!”, a national media campaign that aims to help Philippine MSMEs who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to weather the storm and create opportunities for their recovery and growth.
Buy Local, Go Lokal! revolves around the powerful message for our countrymen to fully support local businesses and entrepreneurs by patronizing local products and services.
DTI calls on Filipinos to shift their buying patterns toward the consumption and purchase of Philippines’ fresh produce and manufactured goods. The campaign likewise helps stimulate and boost domestic travel, while encouraging Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine-owned and operated facilities & services.
Moving forward, DTI hopes that the advocacy of “Buy Local, Go Lokal!” will intensify the buying public’s preference for Filipino-made products and make it a permanent part of their purchasing habit.
As the new tagline for Go Lokal! states, “When we buy local, we create local jobs—not foreign jobs.”
A single purchase may seem trivial, but the collective effort to patronize local products is a big boost to local businesses.
Majority of local MSMEs in the country are social enterprises—all aimed at helping communities and underserved groups by providing livelihood opportunities, on top of producing high-quality products and services. This makes them attractive to local and international buyers.
GOING DIGITAL
With ever-changing demands of buyers and challenges for MSMEs, Go Lokal! will keep adapting and reinventing the marketplace for the Philippine economy.
Since 2020, the pandemic has accelerated the transition of MSMEs to online selling. Going digital has become a great strategy for MSMEs as it is helping them to stay relevant and competitive in an evolving marketplace.
Considering the need for MSMEs to pivot digitally, Go Lokal! has partnered with UnionBank GlobalLinker.
This partnership is aligned with DTI’s goal to help MSMEs upgrade their way of doing business. Through GlobalLinker platform, MSMEs are able to 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.
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. All featured products are proudly made by Filipino entrepreneurs.
BUY LOCAL, BAI BISAYA
In Central Visayas, locally-made products took centerstage in the digital space as DTI Central Visayas (DTI-Region 7) held live online selling activities in its social media pages in 2021. DTI-Region 7 has been partnering with social media influencers to pitch products of local producers to various markets. Also, DTI-Region 7 partnered with a local startup to set up the supporting website to facilitate online buying.
DTI-Region 7 has been encouraging everyone to help the local economy recover by patronizing local products. According to the department, buying local means buyers are acknowledging the value of the products of local craftsmen and helping artisans retain their livelihood.
The campaign, dubbed “Buy Local, Bai Bisaya,” features quality Bisaya-made products. It aims to amplify local product awareness and purchases.
The website is like the virtual version of One Town, One Product hubs that are already existing in the provinces.
Some Filipino MSME owners are already seeing an optimistic trend, with more Filipino consumers looking to buy their products.
DTI believes there is still a bright future ahead for local entrepreneurs as the department is looking for more innovative ways to attract more buyers to purchase from them.
For more information, visit the Go Lokal! or Buy OTOP pages. ♦
Date of Release: 12 July 2021