Business

DOST, Lazada ink deal to expand market reach of Filipino MSMEs

AnyFans 2025-09-29

By Journal Online

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.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 24, 2025, at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Under the MoU, DOST and Lazada will collaborate in several key areas.

These include onboarding DOST-assisted MSMEs to Lazada’s platform, providing them access to a wider consumer base through the Lazada Marketplace and LazMall, and leveraging Lazada’s logistics, marketing, and payment systems.

The partnership also seeks to integrate DOST’s oneSTORE initiative with Lazada, further boosting the digital presence of the DOST assisted products.

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.

DOST and Lazada will also co-develop targeted marketing campaigns and promote innovation and digital transformation, aligning with DOST’s mandate to advance science, technology, and innovation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“Lazada’s 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,” shared DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Solidum added that the partnership marks a milestone in the country’s 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.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted that the MoU represents a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing MSMEs’ market access, operational capacity, and digital capabilities—factors essential in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

“It is gratifying to see how that early vision has evolved and now finds a significantly enhanced platform through Lazada’s expansive reach. The synergy between DOST’s programs and Lazada’s digital marketplace opens unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs, especially those enterprises assisted by DOST, to access a wider market,” Usec. Mabborang said.

Meanwhile, John Kenneth Estiller, representing Lazada CEO Carlos Barrera, emphasized that the collaboration is designed to expand MSMEs’ market reach while improving operational capacity and competitiveness both locally and globally.

He added that MSMEs will be supported in their growth journey, helping them scale from small and medium enterprises into larger businesses.

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.

by Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII

For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.