38,129 new businesses registered in Region 10 – DTI

DTI-10 shared in today’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that it has recorded 38,129 new business name registrations in 2024, showcasing the continued entrepreneurial spirit. The department also issued 1,109 BMBE certificates to provide vital support for small businesses in the region. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 joined the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas today and shared updates on its programs and services that support businesses and protect consumers in Northern Mindanao, aiming to foster a thriving regional economy. 
DTI-10 Regional Director Ruel Paclipan emphasized that 93 Negosyo Centers (NCs) are offering vital services to MSMEs throughout the region. These services include assisting with business registration, providing consultancy on financing options, connecting businesses to technology providers, and offering marketing support. Paclipan also mentioned that trained business counselors have been deployed to these Negosyo Centers to further assist entrepreneurs.
In today’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DTI-10 highlighted its role as the government’s main economic catalyst, enabling job-generating, innovative, and competitive businesses while empowering consumers to drive the country’s economic transformation. 
DTI-10 also laid out its five-point agenda to drive sustainable MSME growth, namely, digital transformation, diversification, financing solutions, franchising, and mentorship, all aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises thrive and contribute to the economy.  DTI continues to empower MSMEs by providing mentorship opportunities. Accordingly, 204 entrepreneurs graduated from its Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program last year. Moreover, 14,176 MSMEs were supported in embracing the digital world, unlocking new opportunities.
DTI is fostering innovation by establishing Shared Service Facilities (SSF). The DTI-10 has already established a total of nine (9) new SSF and supported the development of 314 prototypes, helping local industries access cutting-edge equipment and turning ideas into tangible products for regional growth. 
The DTI-10 shared that their commitment extends beyond supporting MSMEs, as they also prioritize safeguarding consumer rights through regular monitoring of basic necessities. They enforce fair trade laws to create a level playing field for businesses, while protecting consumers from deceptive practices. Recognizing the importance of consumer education, DTI-10 empowers individuals to make informed decisions. In the previous year, they conducted 498 consumer advocacy initiatives, including seminars, workshops, and information drives, and produced 203 IEC materials to provide clear and accessible information on consumer rights and responsibilities. 
Paclipan explained that the agency’s role is to enforce regulations when there are irregular or unreasonable increases or fluctuations in prices. He clarified that if price increases are due to higher production costs, there is little the agency can do. However, if the price hikes are caused by hoarding, enforcement actions will be taken. According to Paclipan, there are three illegal acts of price manipulation under the law: profiteering, hoarding, and cartel behavior. These acts are subject to action by enforcement agencies. PIA