From left to right: CRIF Philippines Marketing Manager Mr. Arden Ros, Country Director Mr. Marlo Cruz, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, SEC Commissioner Atty. Javey Francisco, and CRIF Philippines Head of Sales Joey Donasco at the VIA Vendor Fair 2025.
From L to R: CRIF Philippines: Marketing Manager Mr. Arden Ros, Country Director Mr. Marlo Cruz, DTI Undersecretary. Blesila Lantayona, SEC Commissioner Atty. Javey Francisco and CRIF Philippines Head of Sales Joey Donasco

Taguig City, Philippines–The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through policy reform, innovation and digital transformation during the CRIF’s VIA Vendor Fair 2025 at SMX Aura on May 8.

The event, themed “VIA the Right Path: Accelerating Business Growth through Compliance and Sustainable Practices,” underscored the importance of streamlining processes to assist aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs.

DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona delivers a keynote speech at the podium during the VIA Vendor Fair 2025 at SMX Aura, with event banners and screens displaying the theme and date.

“Our SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are its pulse, its potential,” Regional Operations Group Supervising Head, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized.

The DTI highlighted key policies such as Republic Act (RA) 11032, or “The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”. This law seeks to streamline and simplify government processes, reduce delays, improve service delivery, and make business registration faster and more transparent. In line with this, the DTI has adopted critical tools in transforming the business landscape for Filipino entrepreneurs, including programs like the Business Name Registration System Portal, Startup Business One-Stop Shop, and Enterprise Digital Upgrading.

Furthermore, the DTI showcased its efforts under RA 11293, or “The Philippine Innovation Act”, and RA 11337, or “The Innovative Startup Act.” These laws empower startups and regional innovators through funding, incentives, and ecosystem support. Relevantly, the DTI’s initiatives, such as the SMART Link Program, facilitate linkages between MSMEs and local startups to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness in the digital economy.

These services have already benefited a wide network of MSMEs, including the beneficiaries of the RAPID Growth Project. With over 69,000 smallholder farmers and 718 MSMEs nationwide, the project has achieved significant progress, focusing on inclusivity and supporting rural enterprise development.

Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” industrial strategy, the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Strategy Program is being presented as a transformative framework to elevate Filipino products globally. The program’s five pillars—Human Resources, Infrastructure, Technology & Innovation, Investments and Sound Financial Management— aim to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen support for advanced manufacturing, and foster local innovation on a global scale.

“DTI stands with you. We are your partner in growth, your advocate for innovation and your ally in building a future where no SME is left behind,” Usec. Lantayona said.

The event gathered hundreds of participants from a wide range of industries. The VIA Vendor Fair 2025 served as a powerful reminder that compliance, innovation, and sustainability are crucial for economic recovery and long-term growth in the Philippines. ♦

Date of Release: 14 May 2025

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