DTI, PSE ink partnership to guide large enterprises toward IPO listing
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is teaming up with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to help medium and large enterprises go public on the local bourse to fuel their expansion plans.
In a statement, the DTI said it has agreed to jointly work on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the PSE to formalize their partnership in encouraging enterprises to consider listing on the stock market.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque presented the initiative during her meeting with PSE President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon Monzon, describing it as a pathway to accelerated growth.
“This is going to support them for their expansion,” said Roque, noting that several companies have already signaled their interest in listing.
She said participating in the stock bourse would inject the necessary capital for businesses to strengthen their operations in the local market and beyond.
This growth will ultimately benefit the country, as expansion generates new job opportunities and stimulates broader economic activity across multiple sectors.
Monzon welcomed the potential participation of local enterprises in the PSE, saying that they are ready to guide them through the Listing Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP).
“We are fully committed to partnering with DTI to educate potential medium and large enterprises about listing in the exchange,” he said.
The PSE’s LEAP is a free handholding program that offers one-on-one advisory sessions to potential listing applicants.
The program also functions as a one-stop shop service, which covers access to online pre-listing assessment tools and assistance in connecting potential clients to seasoned initial public offering (IPO) advisors.
LEAP has been a success for the PSE, helping four companies to successfully go public since it was introduced in 2020.
Cebu-based fuel retailer Top Line Business Development Corp., which is one of two companies that went public last year, is a graduate of LEAP.
Roque earlier said that listing in the stock market is one of the initiatives that enterprises, particularly retailers, can rely on the government to help them grow.
She added that retailers may also tap private equity or borrow from banks, which the DTI can help them navigate as part of financing options for expansion.
Roque said they can also take advantage of incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.
In addition, retailers may also connect with the DTI’s Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) to explore potential export markets.