KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region XII continues to support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as it pursues the ease of doing business.

Newly-appointed DTI Region XII OIC regional director Flora Politud-Gabunales said they are giving their all out support to MSMEs by allotting budget for trainings, financing, improving the quality of local products, increasing productivity, and integrating them into the wider supply chain.

“Our number one priority is to upgrade, upscale and upsize MSMEs or in short papalaguin natin ang MSME sector,” she said.

The official also noted that they are pushing for digitalization of services and limit face-to-face transactions.

“Nabigyan din ng emphasis dito ang pag-digitalize or digital transformation of MSMEs. Sa ngayon, gagamitin na natin itong mga online transactions, as well as online payment and upgrade in terms of science and technology and innovation efforts,” Gabunales added.

Part of the digitalization initiatives of DTI is the Business Name Registration System (BNRS), a web-based portal that allows registration and renewal of business name for sole proprietors.

According to DTI XII SME development division chief Robert Orfrecio, businessmen can now access the BNRS portal through https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph on a minimal time. Compared to the former, the current portal, he said is less tedious and more easier to access.

“Anytime, anywhere pwede na silang magregister. Within 15 minutes pwede na nilang ma-print ang kanilang business name certificate,” Orfrecio said.

Under RA 3883 or the Business Name law, sole proprietor businesses must register their business names with DTI. DTI Business Name provides legal identity and protection to the public dealing with a business establishment through disclosure of the identity of the person owning the business as well as the nature of the business. (PIA XII)