The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there are 2.2 million small, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are actively operating in the Philippines.
This is double than the 1 million reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual told a radio interview over the weekend this latest count is based on the number of enterprises that obtained mayor’s permits for their respective localities. Companies are required to to obtain such permits every year.
But based on the DTI’s record on Business Name Registration System, Pascual said there are 5 million MSME business names that have registered.
Pascual said a business name is effective for two to five years, it cannot be ascertained how many are still active or have closed.
“We are glad our efforts are benefitting MSMEs and the economy in general,” said Pascual.
He said the DTI continues to encourage MSMEs particularly those outside Metro Manila to adopt digitalization.
Pascual said the initial steps towards digitalization is the use of electronic payments to facilitate transaction and listing in electronic commerce platforms to expand their market.
Pascual said to further help MSMEs obtain new knowledge and technology, he has instructed to transform Negosyo Centers into learning centers, both online and off-line.
He added shared service facilities continue to beef up machineries and equipment for the use of MSMEs.
