Buy Local, Go Lokal!

Summary

Launched in 2016 by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, the Go Lokal! Program is a flagship initiative supporting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through free market incubation and brand testing in partnership with major retail stores. With over 863 MSMEs assisted, 155 retail locations established, and ₱466 million in sales generated as of 2021, the program has significantly strengthened Filipino entrepreneurship. Even during the pandemic, Go Lokal! adapted through digitalization and online stores, becoming a lifeline for many businesses. By promoting proudly Filipino products locally and abroad, Go Lokal! empowers communities, creates jobs, and encourages consumers to support homegrown brands.

Takeaways

• 🇵🇭 The Go Lokal! Program, launched in 2016 by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is a flagship initiative designed to support Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• 🛍️ Go Lokal! provides MSMEs with free retail space and a marketing platform through partnerships with major retail stores across the Philippines.
• 🤝 The program collaborates with retail partners to help local products gain visibility and access to wider markets.
• 🏪 As of March 2022, the program has expanded to 155 retail stores nationwide.
• 📈 By December 2021, Go Lokal! had generated approximately 466 million pesos in sales for participating MSMEs.
• 🌱 The initiative helps entrepreneurs incubate their brands, test products in real markets, and grow from startups into established businesses.
• 🍫 Local brands, such as Filipino chocolate companies sourcing cacao from local farmers, have benefited significantly from DTI support through Go Lokal!.
• 🌍 Go Lokal! also helps Filipino products reach global audiences through international events like Expo 2020 Dubai.
• 💻 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by promoting digitalization and launching an online Go Lokal! store to support MSMEs despite movement restrictions.
• 🧑‍🎨 The initiative provides additional retail spaces and opportunities for local makers and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their products.
• 🚀 DTI plans to further expand Go Lokal! stores nationwide and internationally, including locations abroad and duty-free areas.
• 💼 Supporting locally produced goods helps create jobs, strengthen Filipino businesses, and boost the national economy.
• 🛒 The program encourages consumers to support domestic industries through the message: “Buy Local, Go Lokal!”

Q & A

What is the Go Lokal program?

The Go Lokal program, launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 2016, is a marketing platform designed to support Filipino MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). It offers free services for market incubation and brand testing through partnerships with select retail partners.

How many MSMEs has Go Lokal assisted so far?

As of March 2022, Go Lokal has assisted a total of 863 MSMEs through its partnerships with 24 retail partners.

What has been the sales impact of the Go Lokal program?

The Go Lokal program has generated 466 million pesos in sales as of December 2021.

How did Go Lokal help MSMEs during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, Go Lokal shifted to e-commerce, creating online stores for MSMEs. This allowed businesses to continue operations despite physical retail closures, helping them stay afloat and reach more customers.

What is the significance of Go Lokal in promoting Filipino products?

Go Lokal helps promote Filipino products by showcasing items that embrace local heritage and traditions. The program highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, which directly contributes to job creation and the growth of the national economy.

Can you explain Go Lokal's international expansion plans?

Go Lokal plans to expand both within the Philippines and internationally. The program envisions having Go Lokal stores abroad, including in duty-free areas, to further promote Filipino products to global markets.

How many retail stores are part of the Go Lokal program as of March 2022?

As of March 2022, Go Lokal has 155 retail stores.

Why should consumers support local products through Go Lokal?

Supporting local products through Go Lokal helps create jobs for Filipinos and sustains local businesses. It is seen as a collective effort to strengthen the local economy and ensure the growth of MSMEs.

How has Go Lokal benefited Filipino chocolate brands?

Go Lokal has helped Filipino chocolate brands, such as a company that sources cacao directly from local farmers, by providing them a platform to showcase their products and expand their reach. This has been instrumental in growing their brand from a startup to a more established business.

What role do retail partners play in the Go Lokal program?

Retail partners play a key role in supporting the Go Lokal program by offering their platforms to showcase local products. Their involvement helps increase the visibility of MSMEs and allows their products to reach more customers, both locally and internationally.