SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – To address the surge in business registration applications at the start of 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1 has enhanced its Business Name Registration System (BNRS) by fully transitioning to an online platform while maintaining support for walk-in clients.
This initiative streamlines the registration process, enabling entrepreneurs to register their businesses remotely and eliminating the need for in-person visits to DTI offices.
DTI Region 1 has also deployed staff to assist walk-in clients in navigating the online system, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for all applicants.
DTI La Union Provincial Director Victoria A. Ordoño emphasized the importance of this system, especially during the peak registration season.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in registrations every first month of the year. To meet this demand, we’ve made the registration process fully online. However, we continue to cater to walk-in clients who prefer in-person assistance, ensuring that the process is faster and more efficient for everyone,” Ordoño said.
She further shared statistics from previous years, revealing that in 2022, there were 8,311 new business registrations and 1,458 renewals.
In 2023, this number increased to 8,746 new business registrations and 10,824 renewals, reflecting the province’s thriving business climate.
Supporting clients in transition
Ordoño stressed that while the online platform is user-friendly, DTI La Union staff remain on hand to assist clients who may not be familiar with the online registration process.
“For those who are not yet comfortable with digital systems, we provide dedicated staff to help them navigate the online platform, whether they are registering for the first time or renewing their business names. We also have designated areas where clients can seek assistance,” Ordoño explained.
Additionally, DTI La Union operates 15 Negosyo Centers across the province, making it easier for local entrepreneurs to access support without having to travel to the main office.
The move aligns with the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which prioritizes improving business facilitation and fostering ease of doing business across the country.
Improved user experience
DTI Region 1’s integration of online services is expected to minimize waiting times and make it easier for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to register or renew their business names without delays..
The online platform offers several user-friendly features, including an intuitive application form, automatic validation of entered details, and a secure payment gateway.
Entrepreneurs can track the status of their registration in real time, ensuring transparency and reducing uncertainty throughout the process.
Local entrepreneurs have expressed satisfaction with the platform’s efficiency and ease of use.
RJ Crisostomo Jr., an entrepreneur from San Gabriel, La Union, expressed his satisfaction with the ease and efficiency of the process.
“I recently registered my business through the DTI’s online platform, and it was a smooth and easy process. The system was user-friendly, and I was able to complete everything. It saved me time, and the DTI team’s assistance made the process even more efficient. I’m glad that DTI has made business registration more accessible to entrepreneurs like me,” Crisostomo, Jr. said.
Empowering local MSMEs
DTI Region 1’s efforts to simplify the registration process aim to encourage more entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, which is critical to fostering a sustainable and inclusive economy.
By catering to the needs of MSMEs, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering local businesses and supporting economic recovery in Region 1.
For more information about the business registration process, entrepreneurs can visit the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph or contact the DTI Region 1 office at (072) 607-1368. (PIA Region 1)