Raising the digital quotient of Filipino entrepreneurs

By Prof. Jay Bernardo
President and Chairman, Bayan Family of Foundations

In the not-so-distant past, setting up a store meant finding a physical space, securing permits, and stocking up on goods. It was a process that demanded time, capital, and a significant amount of grit. But times have changed, and with it, the way we do business. Commerce is no longer confined to the walls of a store. Today, it’s digital, it’s dynamic, and most importantly, it’s accessible to everyone, thanks to platforms like TikTok Shop. 

The shift from traditional business to digital entrepreneurship isn’t just about convenience. It’s about embracing a new mindset — one that prioritizes creativity, innovation, and individuality. In this digital age, success is no longer solely defined by IQ (Intelligence Quotient) or EQ (Emotional Quotient). Now, there’s a new player in town: DQ, or Digital Quotient. DQ is about how digitally adept you are, how quickly you can adapt to new technologies, and how effectively you can leverage these tools to build and grow your business.

At Bayan Academy, we’ve always been passionate about entrepreneurship education. We’ve seen how digital entrepreneurship has come of age, and it’s clear that to succeed today, you need more than just a good product — you need a strong digital presence. This is where platforms like TikTok Shop come in.

TikTok Shop is more than just an e-commerce platform; it’s a stage where anyone can showcase their creativity, connect with audiences, and turn their passions into profit. What makes TikTok Shop special is its ability to democratize the business landscape. You don’t need a huge budget to start — you just need a good idea and the willingness to put yourself out there. With TikTok Shop, even the smallest entrepreneurs can reach a global audience.

And this isn’t just theory. We’ve seen it in action. Take the new generation of Filipino entrepreneurs — many of them are young, full of energy, and bursting with creativity. They’re not just selling products; they’re selling stories, experiences, and a piece of themselves. And these homegrown brands, such as Chef Tony’s Popcorn, Casi’s Mushrooms, and Josefina’s Homemade Foods, are doing it all through TikTok. This platform has made it easier than ever to connect with customers, not just in the Philippines, but around the world.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: why are some still hesitant to jump on the digital bandwagon? Often, it’s not just hesitation — it’s ignorance. And ignorance, especially in today’s fast-paced world, can be the death of a business. If you’re not willing to adapt, to learn, and to increase your Digital Quotient, you’re setting yourself up for failure. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that lesson the hard way. Those who were digitally prepared not only survived — they thrived. Those who weren’t, struggled to keep up.

I’ve been advocating for digital literacy and adoption long before it became a buzzword. Back in 2009, when the internet was still finding its footing, I made a personal trip to Silicon Valley. I visited the headquarters of Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and eBay, trying to understand the future of digital marketing. That experience shaped my approach to entrepreneurship education, and it’s why, at Bayan Academy, we continue to push for digital transformation in everything we do.

Now, with platforms like TikTok Shop, we have the tools to take Filipino entrepreneurship to the next level. But it’s not just about jumping on the latest trend. It’s about mastering it. It’s about understanding who you are as an entrepreneur, what you stand for, and how you can consistently deliver value to your audience. In other words, it’s about self-mastery.

At the end of the day, business is still business. Whether you’re selling in a traditional store or on TikTok, the principles remain the same. You need to manage your resources, understand your market, and most importantly, keep learning. Digital entrepreneurship isn’t a fad — it’s the future. And the sooner we embrace it, the better positioned we’ll be to compete on a global stage.

So to my fellow Filipinos: don’t be afraid of the digital world. Dive into it. Learn it. Master it. And let’s show the world what Filipino entrepreneurs are capable of. TikTok Shop is just the beginning — our potential is limitless.

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