To strengthen the capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in e-commerce, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Lazada philippines continue to expand their collaboration for the digital transformation of local businesses in the country. In the recently held TechnoPreSyensya Episode 16 on September 10, 2026, Mr. Justin N. Madrid, Science Research Specialist II of DOST Ilocos Region, discussed the “Expanding Digital Opportunities for MSMEs” initiative to establish concrete steps in introducing local products within and outside the country with the help of Lazada PH.
Mr. Madrid emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions is a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at helping DOST-assisted MSMEs become competitive. Through this collaboration, business owners receive free onboarding training, digital marketing knowledge, customer engagement, and supply chain management, as well as access to logistics and payment systems from Lazada. He explained that this initiative provides a fair opportunity for producers in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan to reach customers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao without going through large distributors in Metro Manila.
One of the key challenges discussed was the lack of “digital confidence” or the hesitation to enter online selling due to the lack of knowledge in using smartphones, computers, or running a digital store. Mr. Madrid clarified that it is not necessary to be tech-savvy right away before starting, as the most important thing is the willingness to learn. With the help of training from Lazada University, MSMEs will be taught from creating seller accounts, taking good product photos, and writing clear product descriptions, up to processing orders and inventory.
In addition to training on using the platform, the DOST Ilocos Region also provides support in preparing products to be attractive online. Through various Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) interventions, the agency helps food and processed products with food safety, packaging and labeling, shelf-life testing, and laboratory analysis, while manufacturing and handicraft sectors are supported by equipment upgrading and process improvement. Mr. Madrid emphasized that since customers do not personally see the products, proper product presentation and packaging are crucial while on the road.
The agency also emphasized that having these documents should not be feared, but rather seen as an opportunity to properly establish the business foundation, branding, and identity of the business. The agency is committed to guiding entrepreneurs and engaging with other government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to complete the necessary documents.
To ensure the sustainability or continued growth of the initiative, Mr. Madrid emphasized that the success of the project is not measured by the number of online accounts engaged, but by the actual increase in sales and expansion of the business. Through continuous learning from customer feedback, improving pricing strategies, and increasing production capacity, local businesses in the region will gradually grow with the help of DOST’s technical expertise and Lazada’s infrastructure.
As a conclusion, Mr. Madrid left an important challenge and call to all business owners in the region to be bold in trying and not limit their market. The DOST Ilocos Region invites all MSMEs to visit the nearest Regional Office or Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) to help them transition to the digital platform and jointly bring local products to the national and international market.