TikTok Shop Philippines, in partnership with San Miguel Foundation (SMF), recently celebrated the success of the “Better World on TikTok” initiative with a culmination event held at the Better World Smokey Mountain community center. The program, which brought TikTok’s unique tools and live-selling capabilities to one of Metro Manila’s most impoverished communities, offered immersive sessions focused on content creation, live selling, and digital commerce through TikTok Shop, giving residents valuable skills for economic empowerment through digital platforms.
Community Empowerment with TikTok Shop
The Better World Smokey Mountain facility is part of San Miguel Corporation’s broader social innovation initiative aimed at uplifting the lives of around 15 million Filipinos by 2025 by repurposing idle properties into community-centered spaces. The facility has 39 classrooms that allow 1,800 residents of Barangay 128, one of the most impoverished communities in Metro Manila, access to education, resources, and livelihood development opportunities. Through the partnership with SMF, TikTok Shop Philippines extended its commitment to corporate social responsibility by offering residents a pathway to improve their livelihoods through digital entrepreneurship.
Through a week-long series of workshops and live demonstrations, TikTok Shop introduced the benefits of social commerce through the platform’s unique features such as the “yellow basket” icon, key livestreaming tools, and affiliate marketing. Each session combined educational content with practical exercises which allowed residents to practice live-selling techniques, product presentation, and engaging content creation.
“At TikTok Shop, we are committed to making a meaningful difference by providing opportunities for people to create and thrive,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines. “Through our collaboration with San Miguel Foundation, we’ve seen how powerful digital tools changed lives and gave Smokey Mountain’s residents the chance to harness their creativity, learn valuable social commerce skills, and take the first steps toward financial independence.”
A Milestone in Economic and Social Development
The program garnered enthusiastic community participation, with attendees acquiring valuable skills applicable not only in the digital space but also for long-term entrepreneurial pursuits. Affiliate creators and live-selling hosts were also onboarded, establishing a supportive network that empowers community members as they navigate the digital marketplace.
“The knowledge and insights shared by TikTok Shop have been incredibly enlightening for our Smokey Mountain community,” said Cecile Ang, Chairperson of San Miguel Foundation. “Witnessing our residents gain confidence and begin exploring online entrepreneurship has been immensely inspiring. By developing their skills in digital commerce, especially with live streaming, we’re helping them build a foundation for financial independence and community resilience.”
After its successful launch, Better World on TikTok will be revisited in succeeding weeks to highlight success stories from the participants, with plans for expanding this model to other communities. Through these stories, TikTok Shop and San Miguel Foundation seek to reinforce their commitment to supporting economic empowerment and sustainable skill development within the community.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
