CAGAYAN VALLEY — Kicking off the year with the peak season of business registration and renewal, an orientation on the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Online Registration System was held for DTI Region 2 BMBE focals and Negosyo Center Business Counselors on 09 January 2023, to capacitate them on how to access and navigate the new online system.

The development of BMBE-ONLINE is one of the DTI’s key initiatives for digitalizing MSME-related services in accordance with the Ease of Doing Business Law, which calls for the streamlining and automation of government processes. A micro-enterprise that has registered as a BMBE can avail itself of government incentives that include exemption from payment of income tax for income arising from the operation of the enterprise; exemption from the coverage of the minimum wage law; special credit windows from government financing institutions that will serve the financing needs of BMBEs; business assistance from other government institutions; and technology and marketing assistance.

To further digitalize micro-enterprises and highly encourage them to avail of incentives under the BMBE Law, SME Development Division Chief, Mr. Ramil Garcia, echoed the goal of the agency to increase BMBE registrants as the region plans to fully adopt the online registration system.

Among the points tackled during the session were the overview of the BMBE System, the procedures on how to access it, the registration process, and the documentary requirements on the issuance of BMBE Certificates, as discussed by Mr. Gisli Gonzales from the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).

On the other hand, an open forum also spurred discussion on the issues and concerns with the BMBE web-based portal, particularly the login credentials and access to the system.

Asst. Division Chief of SMEDD, Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, reminded the NCBCs that they are on the frontlines of this development and should strategize on ways to encourage micro-enterprises to register.

A total of 62 attendees participated and completed the said training.

Meanwhile, DTI R2 will extend technical assistance to interested groups or individuals in the region who are willing to avail themselves of the services provided under the BMBE law. BMBE-ONLINE is available for new and renewal registrations at https://bmbe.dti.gov.ph/. *

Date of release: 10 January 2023