MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the Philippine Business Registry (PBR), a web-based business registration system that will allow entrepreneurs to start their businesses faster and at the least cost.

The launch was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo.

PBR is one of the government’s priority projects that focuses on streamlining business registration process and eliminating red tape.

The PBR serves as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs who need to transact with several agencies to be able to start operating a business. Through the PBR, applicants do not need to physically go to each agency to register their businesses as they will now be interlinked through the PBR.

These agencies include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG), Philippine Health and Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the LGU level, Quezon City has already connected with the PBR system.

Companies may opt to apply from their homes through their PCs or go to DTI offices and register through PBR Kiosks or tellers. Application through a teller will involve submission of a filled up application form which may be downloaded from the website.

This system aims to establish a fully secure national business registry database which will integrate information from different government agencies and facilitate seamless transactions among agencies by providing a single window for online business registration across agencies.

With fewer steps and faster process, PBR will be able to strengthen the government’s effort of providing quality service to the people and realize its commitment to curb corruption and reduce red tape in the bureaucracy. Through the PBR, the country will become more attractive to investors and will improve our ranking in global competitiveness. (BCM)

This launching is only the first phase of the PBR program. This year, several LGUs and other regulatory offices will connect to PBR. Cities with streamlined business permits and licensing system like such as Caloocan and Mandaluyong are expected to be linked with PBR in the following months.

PBR kiosks will also be installed in selected LGUs nationwide to facilitate registration in far-flung towns.