The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reaffirmed its push for innovation and digital transformation to empower micro, small and medium enterprises during the VIA Vendor Fair 2025 held May 8 at SMX Aura.
The event, organized by CRIF under the theme “VIA the Right Path: Accelerating Business Growth through Compliance and Sustainable Practices,” brought together industry leaders and hundreds of participants to promote business growth through streamlined government support and compliance.
“SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are its pulse, its potential,” said DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group.
The agency highlighted Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which aims to simplify processes, reduce delays and improve public service for business owners.
DTI has rolled out tools like the Business Name Registration System Portal, Startup Business One-Stop Shop and Enterprise Digital Upgrading to make business registration more accessible to entrepreneurs.
Also featured were the agency’s innovation programs supported by Republic Act 11293, or the Philippine Innovation Act, and Republic Act 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act. These programs offer funding, incentives and ecosystem support for startups and regional innovators.
Initiatives like the SMART Link Program, which connects MSMEs with local startups, aim to improve digital competitiveness. The DTI also cited gains from the RAPID Growth Project, which has supported more than 69,000 smallholder farmers and 718 MSMEs nationwide.
The department also promoted the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Strategy Program, aligned with the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” industrial plan. The strategy focuses on five pillars: human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments and financial management.
“DTI stands with you,” Lantayona said. “We are your partner in growth, your advocate for innovation and your ally in building a future where no SME is left behind.”
The fair emphasized the importance of compliance, innovation and sustainability as key to long-term economic growth. (ASC)
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