The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formalized its partnership with e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines on Wednesday to help Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their market reach and strengthen competitiveness through the digital platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 24, 2025, at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the MoU, DOST and Lazada will collaborate in several key areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These include onboarding DOST-assisted MSMEs to Lazada\u2019s platform, providing them access to a wider consumer base through the Lazada Marketplace and LazMall, and leveraging Lazada\u2019s logistics, marketing, and payment systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership also seeks to integrate DOST\u2019s oneSTORE initiative with Lazada, further boosting the digital presence of the DOST assisted products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To ensure long-term growth, MSMEs will undergo training through Lazada University (LAZ-U), with modules on digital marketing, supply chain management, customer engagement, and online selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DOST and Lazada will also co-develop targeted marketing campaigns and promote innovation and digital transformation, aligning with DOST\u2019s mandate to advance science, technology, and innovation for sustainable and inclusive growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLazada\u2019s partnership with the government is patriotic at its core. Your ability to reach millions makes you a powerful ally in promoting science, technology, and innovation, which are key drivers of national progress. This collaboration is especially significant because MSMEs make up more than 99% of businesses in the Philippines and provide over 60% of employment,\u201d shared DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solidum added that the partnership marks a milestone in the country\u2019s growing innovation ecosystem, with the Philippines now ranking 3rd among lower-middle-income economies and proving itself a consistent regional performer. Through Lazada, DOST envisions not just a selling platform but a complete ecosystem that empowers MSMEs with logistics, training, digital tools, and access to wider markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted that the MoU represents a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing MSMEs\u2019 market access, operational capacity, and digital capabilities\u2014factors essential in today\u2019s rapidly evolving business landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is gratifying to see how that early vision has evolved and now finds a significantly enhanced platform through Lazada\u2019s expansive reach. The synergy between DOST\u2019s programs and Lazada’s digital marketplace opens unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs, especially those enterprises assisted by DOST, to access a wider market,\u201d Usec. Mabborang said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, John Kenneth Estiller, representing Lazada CEO Carlos Barrera, emphasized that the collaboration is designed to expand MSMEs\u2019 market reach while improving operational capacity and competitiveness both locally and globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that MSMEs will be supported in their growth journey, helping them scale from small and medium enterprises into larger businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This partnership is among the DOST initiatives aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All.<\/p>\n\n\n\n