Lazada teams up with DTI to support creatives industry

Lazada, a leading e-commerce platform, teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the 2023 Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) held on Sept. 30 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Lazada chief executive Carlos Barrera earlier met with DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual to reaffirm the company’s commitment to the flourishing local creatives industry. Barrera underscored the company’s support for the creative economy by actively engaging with DTI on initiatives such as the Young Creatives Challenge and the Philippine Creativity and Innovation Convention.

“We are excited to empower young talents through our platform, sparking hope and happiness in their artistic journeys and helping build a vibrant future for our artists and content creators,” Barrera said.

“We are looking forward to expanding more partnerships with the DTI that support Lazada’s ESG commitments by empowering MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and the local creative industry,” he said.

Lazada Philippines head of affiliates and marketing solutions Mishie de la Cruz noted Lazada’s shared vision to champion the local creative community.  It was formalized through the signing of the Manifesto of Commitment, alongside various other private companies and academic institutions.

Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, supervising undersecretary and interim secretariat of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) and undersecretary of the DTI Competitiveness & Innovation Group, said the agency is looking forward to developing impactful activities and initiatives that will foster the growth and advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.

“This endeavor holds particular significance as it plays a crucial role in enabling the Philippines to attain inclusive and sustainable growth,” she said.

Lazada launched the Add-to-Life Film Competition on Sept. 14. The competition, designed to ignite the aspirations of budding filmmakers, granted a P1 million award to the winning pitch. Under the mentorship of director, producer and screenwriter, Pepe Diokno, the winning project will soon come to life.