The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has formalized a partnership with e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their reach and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital economy.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed last Sept. 24 in Taguig City, DOST-assisted MSMEs will be onboarded to Lazada’s platform, giving them access to a wider consumer base through LazMall and the Lazada Marketplace.
“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—key drivers of national progress,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said in the press release.
The agreement also integrates DOST’s oneSTORE initiative into Lazada’s system, boosting the visibility of locally developed products.
The collaboration includes training modules through Lazada University covering digital marketing, supply chain management, customer engagement, and online selling.
Moreover, officials said this aims to prepare MSMEs not only to sell online but to operate sustainably in a fast-changing digital market.
Solidum emphasized that the initiative supports MSMEs, which account for more than 99 percent of Philippine businesses and over 60 percent of jobs.
Lazada officials added that the partnership will help small businesses scale into larger enterprises by leveraging the platform’s logistics, marketing, and payment systems.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang described the deal as a “strategic alliance” that expands MSMEs’ market access while equipping them with digital tools.
