Partners in nation-building
For any recurring program to be truly successful, an organization needs partners who share the same vision. When Philstar Media Group conceptualized Nakakalocal, its flagship MSME initiative, the group’s leadership knew they had to partner with like-minded brands. They found companies that share PMG’s commitment to the advancement of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
"The great thing about this group of partners who have been involved with Nakakalocal for years now is that we all share a deep commitment to MSMEs,” says Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president of PMG. “Like PMG, our partners prioritize programs designed to help MSMEs thrive. We created Nakakalocal to become a platform both for entrepreneurs to shine and for our partners to extend help."
In the four years that Nakakalocal has been around, this assistance has helped 1,250 STAR MSMEs expand their market base, develop their products, and make valuable connections in the industry.
Community builders
It is no small thing that Nakakalocal has maintained strong relationships with many of its partners from day one. This was possible because of a shared passion.
“We’ve had a long relationship with these brands,” says Jenalyn Sarte, PMG’s marketing manager, on Nakakalocal’s loyal partners. “These people understand the value of storytelling; they love storytelling.” As a media organization, stories are what feed PMG. This shared regard for the power of stories, combined with an advocacy for independent entrepreneurs, has sparked the success of Nakakalocal from its inception.
Leading the charge to support MSMEs through Nakakalocal are Ortigas Malls, SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, Toyota Motor Phils Corp, BDO, and Federal Land.
Ortigas Malls, for one, continuously finds ways to celebrate Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.
“GH Mall has proudly partnered with Nakakalocal since its launch in 2022. From the start, we’ve been committed to championing this inspiring platform that highlights homegrown talent and celebrates Filipino creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship,” says Arch. Reneé C. Bacani, VP - head of Ortigas Malls. “Our vision centers on building inclusive communities and creating spaces where local businesses can grow and succeed. Nakakalocal’s mission to uplift MSMEs is deeply aligned with ours—we are united in our goal to give Filipino entrepreneurs greater visibility, opportunities for growth, and a platform to showcase their craft in a vibrant and supportive environment.”
Focused on sustainability, education, and economic empowerment, Ortigas Malls provides free or subsidized spaces to MSMEs for key events, such as Nakakalocal, to help them expand their reach and build meaningful customer relationships.
Demonstrating this commitment, GH Mall accommodated last year’s Nakakalocal: Gen Y to Z launch.
“We also partner with local artisans and underrepresented sectors to ensure that our programs foster equitable participation and lasting impact within the community,” says Bacani.
Strong advocates for MSMEs
In tapping Nakakalocal partners, PMG makes sure it works with brands that prioritize building reciprocal relationships with MSMEs.
“We find partners who usually target MSMEs [in their programs],” says Sarte. “When you look at their products, they’re really [designed] to help MSMEs. It’s a very symbiotic relationship.”
SM Supermalls is known for developing products and programs that display its consistency in championing MSMEs.
“Right from the beginning, we knew Nakakalocal would be successful,” says Grace Magno, vice-president for marketing of SM Supermalls. “When Nakakalocal was launched, we were perfectly aligned. SM’s already strong support for MSMEs [was made stronger] with the newly launched Sunday Market for farm-to-market goods, and Start-Up Market for digital entrepreneurs who want to start [working with] SM but don’t know how. SM has always been a home for MSMEs, with over 15,000 of its tenant partners being MSMEs.”
Robinsons Malls, which has been collaborating with PMG for Nakakalocal from day one, also has a host of programs geared toward MSMEs.
"Robinsons Malls shares NakakaLocal's vision to empower MSMEs by supporting local enterprises and fostering inclusive growth. This partnership with PMG reflects Robinsons Land's long-standing commitment to championing MSMEs, giving them the exposure and support they deserve,” says Joel Lumanlan, vice-president for operations and marketing of Robinsons Malls.
“Through key initiatives like Locally Sourced, which assists local food producers, and community-led trade fairs such as Fiesta de Camarines, RCebu, and EntrePinoy Expo, we enable MSMEs with significant access to high-traffic retail spaces across the country. Together with our constant partners from the DTI, DA, local government units, and other like-minded organizations, we help bridge the gap for our local entrepreneurs and bring them closer to more opportunities for growth and success,” Lumanlan concludes.
Toyota Motor Phils Corp is another strong supporter of Filipino entrepreneurs via Nakakalocal.
“We are honored to be part of an initiative that supports and empowers local entrepreneurs and their businesses,” says Elvin Luciano, Toyota Motor Phils Corp vice-president for Marketing Services. “We have been a partner of Nakakalocal since the program started, and through the years, we have been learning a lot about the evolving dynamics of the MSME landscape. Through these changes, Toyota Motor Philippines will always be true in its commitment to be a partner in progress through reliable mobility products and quality service.”
Defenders of local talent
For four years now, Nakakalocal has collaborated with numerous partners in its quest to give Filipino MSMEs a global market. The program’s success is closely tied to cooperation from the following brands:
Nakakalocal Year 1
Angkas, Avida, BDO, Entrego, GCash, Globe Corporate, HP, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Multisys, Ortigas Malls, PLDT Enterprise, RCBC Diskartech, Robinsons Malls, Salutare, San Miguel Corporation, SGV, Shell Livewire / Shell Foundation, SM Supermalls, Toyota Motor Phils Corp, Trimotors, Vista Group
Nakakalocal Year 2
Aboitiz Power, Air Asia, All Home, Avida, BDO, DTI, EastWest, Entrego, GCash, Globe, Grab, InLife, Power Mac (NakakaBazaar), Radisson, San Miguel Corporation, Shell, SM Supermalls (NakakaBazaar), Toyota Motor Phils Corp, Viva Communications, 2Go
Nakakalocal Year 3
BDO, Bingo Plus, BPI, EastWest Ageas, Federal Land Communities, GCash, Globe, HSBC, J&T Express, Lazada, Ortigas Malls, PEPSI, RCBC, Sapporo, Shopping Center Management Corp (SM Supermalls), Viva, as well as venue sponsors Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Robinsons Land (Culture Fest), GH Mall (Fashion Show and Fair), Met Live (Food Fest), and SM Mall Clark, Pampanga (NakakaBazaar)
With such strong support, it may be only a matter of time until the MSMEs that regularly participate in Nakakalocal climb the steps toward the world stage.
