Gov’t launches one-stop shop for entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines–President Benigno Aquino III on Friday witnessed the launch of the Philippine Business Registry–a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs that need to transact with several government agencies to start their business.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said the PBR was one of the government’s priority projects to make business registration easier by streamlining the process and eliminating red tape.

Through the PBR, applicants no longer need to physically go to each government agency to start doing business.

These agencies include the Department of Trade Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG fund, Philippine Health and Insurance Corp., and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The launch is the first phase of the program as several other regulatory offices and even local government units will connect to the PBR.

At the LGU level, Quezon City is already connected to the PBR. Cities with streamlined business permits and licensing systems such as Caloocan and Mandaluyong are expected to be linked to the system in the coming months.

PBR kiosks will also be put up in selected LGUs nationwide to facilitate registration in far-flung areas.