DOST partners with Lazada to boost MSME digital reach

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has entered into a partnership with e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding their online market reach and improving competitiveness through digital tools.

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 24, 2025, at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Under the agreement, DOST and Lazada will work together to onboard DOST-assisted MSMEs onto the Lazada Marketplace and LazMall, giving them access to a broader consumer base. The partnership will also leverage Lazada’s logistics, marketing, and payment infrastructure to enhance business efficiency and market access.

In addition, DOST’s ‘oneSTORE’ initiative will be integrated with Lazada’s platform to strengthen the digital presence of products supported by DOST. Moreover, MSMEs will also receive training through Lazada University (LAZ-U), which offers modules on digital marketing, supply chain management, customer engagement, and e-commerce operations.

Both parties will 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,” said DOST secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Solidum also noted that the partnership represents a milestone in the country’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting the Philippines’ continued progress in the global innovation index. He added that DOST envisions Lazada not just as a sales platform but as part of a larger ecosystem providing MSMEs with logistics, training, and digital tools to access wider markets.

DOST undersecretary for regional operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang further described the MoU as a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening MSMEs’ operational capacity and digital readiness amid a rapidly evolving business environment.

“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 programmes and Lazada’s digital marketplace opens unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs, especially those enterprises assisted by DOST, to access a wider market,” said Mabborang.

Representing Lazada chief executive officer Carlos Barrera, John Kenneth Estiller said the partnership is designed to help MSMEs improve their competitiveness both locally and internationally.

He added that the collaboration aims to support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses from small and medium enterprises into larger, more sustainable ventures.

The initiative forms part of DOST’s ongoing efforts to deliver science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions under its four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability, aligned with its ‘OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All’ programme.