Bacolod MSMEs Embrace Digital Transformation Through Shopee Partnership
In a significant boost for local entrepreneurship, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, alongside city officials, formally welcomed the Shopee Philippines Tatak Pinoy Roadshow on Monday, March 30, 2026. This initiative is poised to provide digital upskilling training to at least 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the city, marking a pivotal step in enhancing their competitiveness in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
Mayor Gasataya Expresses Gratitude for E-commerce Opportunities
During a ceremonial handshake at the Bacolod City Government Center, Mayor Gasataya expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the benefiting MSMEs. "We thank Shopee and its team for this initiative, which will give Bacolod MSMEs more opportunities to showcase their products and boost their sales," he stated. He emphasized that Bacolod City has long championed local enterprise and that this program aligns perfectly with the city's commitment to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive not only locally but also in the national digital economy.
Gasataya added, "What excites me most about Tatak Pinoy is that it gives our local sellers a real and practical path forward." The Digital Upskilling Training, which attracted around 100 MSMEs, highlights the growing interest in digital commerce across Bacolod City, with sessions conducted on March 31, 2026. This training is designed to equip businesses with the skills needed to sell their local products on larger digital platforms, thereby expanding their market reach.
Shopee's Commitment to Empowering Regional Businesses
Jack Ng, Head of Commercial at Shopee Philippines, shared insights into the roadshow's expansion across Visayas and Mindanao. "By expanding the roadshow across the Visayas and Mindanao, we aim to unlock the untapped potential of regional businesses and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed for online success," Ng explained. He highlighted Shopee's comprehensive support system, which assists MSMEs at every stage of their e-commerce journey—from setting up online stores to marketing, fulfillment, and logistics.
Ng also detailed the success of Shopee's Tatak Pinoy International program, noting that over 200,000 sellers have utilized it to sell their products overseas, resulting in approximately 22 million products sold outside Filipino borders since its inception. "We also actually help local businesses scale beyond local borders," he remarked, underscoring the program's role in global market access.
Assessing Readiness and Future Prospects
As part of the initiative, the Shopee team conducted document checks on March 31, 2026, to assess the readiness of participating MSMEs for onboarding onto the platform. This step ensures that businesses are well-prepared to leverage the digital tools provided. Ng observed, "Across the Philippines, we are seeing more entrepreneurs recognize the potential of e-commerce to grow their businesses."
Launched in August 2025, this digital upskilling initiative reinforces Shopee's ongoing commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. Last year alone, Shopee trained over 700 MSME sellers across 10 cities nationwide. The Tatak Pinoy Roadshow has consistently drawn strong participation from entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses online, reflecting a broader trend towards digital adoption in the Philippine business landscape.
This partnership between Bacolod City and Shopee Philippines not only provides immediate training benefits but also sets a precedent for future collaborations aimed at boosting local economies through technology and innovation.
