IN the past four years, GoLokal!, a flagship program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has been helping the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) promote and sell its products through various malls, supermarkets and department stores nationwide. However, this year is different because of the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition of MSMEs to online selling, converting their brick-and-mortar business model into brick-and-click. Going digital is a great strategy for MSMEs as it will help [these] to stay relevant,” said Marievic Bonoan, DTI - Bureau of Domestic Trade director.