To further strengthen its presence in the Internet community and enhance service to its clients, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the new DTI website that functions as the gateway to sites of other agencies that compose the DTI family.

The new www.dti.gov.ph, powered by ePLDT and Softrigger Interactive, features several enhancements that deliver an improved online experience. Most noticeable among these enhancements is the deployment of a splash page that establishes DTI?s corporate identity and provides a handy shortcut of links and information at a glance. The user-friendly interface assures that if the visitor is unsure about the links presented, a simple click on the DTI Logo at the center of the page will take him back to the DTI Home Page. It also has ?bread crumbs? or navigational indicators to ensure that a user will be guided while surfing through the site.

The home page itself boasts of features designed to provide better service to DTI?s clients, such as a news ticker showing updates like price monitoring and others. Past and upcoming events are also prominently displayed and rotated. Scrolling banners highlight DTI initiatives, while a poll feature gives the site an interactive feel. An interactive message board will also soon be activated to feature trade and industry related topics.

The latest version of the DTI website uses a two-pronged approach in presenting information, bureau-centric and service-centric. While DTI adheres to the e-Governance stages laid down by the United Nations American Society for Public Administration (UN-ASPA) in presenting the website by key result areas or services offered, it also recognizes the unique needs of its clients who are more comfortable in finding information by going through the bureaus and offices instead of the services.

Site viewers familiar with the DTI office may immediately proceed to the Bureaus Section to browse for information they need. They may also access the information or service they want by surfing through the key result areas listed, which includes investments, international trade, consumer welfare, regions, or micro small medium enterprises. Having both methods for obtaining the desired information makes the experience more seamless and convenient.

The new website was made to cater to a broad spectrum of clients both here and abroad. DTI benchmarked other local agency sites and trade ministry portals across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt best practices and make the site a useful information tool that is also at par with constantly advancing technology.

With this new website boasting an updated look and feel, the Department hopes to contribute to the business and consumer sector?s clamor for timely information, help minimize red tape, and uplift overall competitiveness.