Start and Grow Your Business

 

START YOUR BUSINESS

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Plan was developed in consultation with national, regional, and provincial stakeholders. A participatory approach was adopted involving a series of stakeholder consultation, validation, and recalibration workshops participated in by representatives from the private sector, local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), the academe, and civil society.

The MSMED Plan has four major outcome or result portfolios, namely Business Environment (BE), Access to Finance (A2F), Access to Markets (A2M), and Productivity and Efficiency (P&E). It will also take into consideration global themes and cross-cutting issues related to gender, climate change, corporate social responsibility, and migration.

BMBE

Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises (BMBEs) can now register their businesses, free of charge, at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the agency’s Negosyo Centers.

Registered BMBEs can avail of government incentives that include exemption from the payment of income tax for income arising from the operation of the enterprise, exemption from the coverage of the minimum wage law, special credit window of government financing institutions that will service the needs of BMBEs, as well as technology and marketing assistance.

Under Republic Act No. 9178 or the BMBEs Act of 2002, a BMBE is referred to as any business entity or enterprises engaged in the production, processing or manufacturing of products or commodities, including agro-processing, trading, and services whose total assets, excluding land, shall not be more than P3 million. Such assets shall include those arising from loans but not the land on which the plant and equipment are located.

The DTI issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 16-01 last April 22, 2016 which provides guidelines on registering BMBEs at Negosyo Centers. Under DAO 16-01, DTI is the sole agency which shall issue a Certificate of Authority (CA) to registered BMBEs at Negosyo Centers or at DTI offices where Negosyo Centers have not been set up.

BMBEs register at the Office of the Treasurer of the city or municipality where the business is located.

Republic Act 9178 or the BMBE Act of 2002 recognizes the role of BMBEs as an essential driving force for the country’s economic development. According to the law, BMBEs are “seedbeds of Filipino entrepreneurial talents and strengthening them would increase job generation, provide livelihood and augment Filipinos’ quality of life.”

Download the BMBE Application Form.

Business Information
Business Planning
What is a “Business Plan”?

 

The primary value of your business plan is to create a written outline that evaluates all aspects of the economic viability of your business venture including a description and analysis of your business prospects.

A business plan is an essential step for any prudent entrepreneur to take, regardless of the size of the business. This step is too often skipped, but we make it easy for you by providing a format to build your plan as you progress through this course.

Business plans can vary enormously. Libraries and bookstores have books devoted to business plan formats. But this is a place to start. You can then go on from here to design one that would be ideal for your particular enterprise.


Why prepare a business plan?

Your business plan is going to be useful in a number of ways. Here are some of the reasons not to skip this valuable tool:

  • First and foremost, it will define and focus your objective using appropriate information and analysis.
  • You can use it as a selling tool in dealing with important relationships (lenders, investors, and banks).
  • You can use the plan to solicit opinions and advice from people, including those in your intended field of business, who will freely give you invaluable advice. Too often, entrepreneurs forge ahead without the benefit of input from experts who could save them a great deal of wear and tear.
  • Your business plan can uncover omissions and/or weaknesses in your planning process.

What to avoid in your business plan?
  • Place some reasonable limits on long-term, future projections. Long-term means over one year. Better to stick with short-term objectives and modify the plan as your business progresses. Too often, long-range planning becomes meaningless because the reality of your business can be different from your initial concept.
  • Avoid optimism. In fact, to offset optimism, be extremely conservative in predicting capital requirements, timelines, sales, and profits. Few business plans correctly anticipate how much money and time will be required.
  • Do not ignore spelling out what your strategies will be in the event of business adversities.
  • Use simple language in explaining the issues. Make it easy to read and understand.
  • Do not depend entirely on the uniqueness of your business or even a patented invention. Success comes to those who start businesses with great economics and not necessarily great inventions.

Business plan format: A systematic assessment of all the factors critical to your business purpose and goals.

 

Here are some suggested topics you can tailor into your plan:

  • A vision statement. This will be a concise outline of what your business purpose and goals will be.
  • The people. By far the most important ingredient for your success will be yourself. Focus on how your prior experiences will be applicable to your new business. Prepare a resume of yourself and one for each person who will be involved with you in starting the business. Be factual and avoid hype. This part of your business plan will be read very carefully by those with whom you will be having relationships, including lenders, investors and vendors. Templates for preparing resumes are available in your library, bookstores and the Internet under “resumes.”
  • However, you cannot be someone that you are not. If you lack the ability to perform a key function, include this in your business plan. For example, if you lack the ability to train staff, include an explanation how you will compensate for this deficiency. You could add a partner to your plan or plan to hire key people who will provide skills you do not have. Include biographies of all your intended management.
  • Your business profile. Define and describe your intended business and exactly how you plan to go about it. Try to stay focused on the specialized market you intend to serve.
  • Economic assessment. Provide a complete assessment of the economic environment in which your business will become a part. Explain how your business will be appropriate for the regulatory agencies and demographics with which you will be dealing. If appropriate, provide demographic studies and traffic flow data normally available from local planning departments.
  • Cash flow assessment. Include a one-year cash flow that will incorporate your capital requirements. Include your assessment of what could go wrong and how you would plan to handle problems. Include your marketing plan and expansion plans and refer to helpful government websites such as the Small Business Administration.

Six steps to a great business plan
Start-up entrepreneurs often have difficulty writing out business plans. This discipline is going to help you in many ways so do not skip this planning tool! To make it easier, here are six steps that will get you to a worthwhile plan:

 

  1. Write out your basic business concept.
  2. Gather all the data you can on the feasibility and the specifics of your business concept.
  3. Focus and refine your concept based on the data you have compiled.
  4. Outline the specifics of your business. Using a “What, where, why, how” approach might be useful.
  5. Put your plan into a compelling form so that it will not only give you insights and focus but, at the same time, will become a valuable tool in dealing with business relationships that will be very important to you.
  6. Review the sample plans we furnish and download the blank format to a MS Word document. Fill this in as you progress though the course.
Check out if your plan includes the following necessary factors, which will produce a successful business:
  • A sound business concept. The single most common mistake made by entrepreneurs is not picking the right business to begin with. The best way to learn about your prospective business is to work for someone else in that business before beginning your own. There can be a huge gap between your concept of a fine business and reality.
  • Understanding your market. A good way to test your understanding is to test market your product or service before your start. You think you have a great kite that will capture the imagination of kite fliers throughout the world? Then hand-make some of them and try selling them first.
  • A healthy, growing and stable industry. Remember that some of the great inventions of all time, like airplanes and cars, did not result in economic benefit for many of those who tried to exploit these great advances. For example, the cumulative earnings of all airlines since Wilber Wright flew that first plane are less than zero. (Airline losses have been greater than their profits.) Success comes to those who find businesses with great economics and not necessarily great inventions or advances to mankind.
  • Capable management. Look for people who you like and admire, have good ethical values, have complementary skills and are smarter than you. Plan to hire people who have the skills that you lack. Define your unique ability and seek out others who turn your weaknesses into strengths.
  • Solid financial control. You will learn later the importance of becoming qualified in accounting, computer software and cash flow management. Most entrepreneurs do not come from accounting backgrounds and must go back to school to learn these skills. Would you bet your savings in a game where you do not know how to keep score? People mistakenly do it in business all the time.
  • A consistent business focus. If you think of specific products or services you will find that specialists will outperform non-specialists. Zero in on something you can do so well that you will not be subject to competing with someone with a lower price.
Business Registration and Permits/Licenses
In putting up a business, there are several government agencies you have to register with depending on the type of your business. These agencies include among others the following:

 


Department of Trade and Industry

It is necessary to register your business with this agency in order to gain the exclusive rights to use your business name. Single proprietors are required to register. Businesses can be registered at any DTI Regional or Provincial office. The directory of DTI Regional and Provincial offices may be viewed in the Contact Us page.

 
You may also apply online at www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph. Registrants outside Metro Manila may secure and accomplish their application for Business Name with the nearest DTI regional or provincial offices. Here is the business name registration application form for the Sole Proprietorship BN application. Click on the said link and download the form to fill up and submit to the DTI office for walk-in applications.

 


Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

It is essential for a Partnership or a Corporation to register with the SEC in order for them to be treated as a legal or judicial entity.

 

Register at:
Head Office: Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1307
Trunkline No.: (+632) 8818-0921
Email: imessagemo@sec.gov.ph
Website: www.sec.gov.ph (for online registration)


Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)

All cooperatives are required to register with the CDA as per Republic Act 6938/6939.

Register at:

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
6/F Benlor Building, 1184 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (+632) 373.6895
Website: www.cda.gov.ph

Local Government

All businesses, whatever the legal form, are required to secure a mayor’s permit or municipal license from the city or municipality where they are located. Permits or licenses are required to ensure that the standards are met and that business complies with the specific requirements of the business locale. Registration procedure varies across cities and municipalities. To view the list of local government units (LGUs), please visit the Department of Interior and Local Government website or https://dilg.gov.ph/.


Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

 

Every business enterprise has to register with the BIR for taxation purposes. The Bureau will furnish your business with its own tax identification number (TIN) and the authority to print receipt, invoices, and others.

Register at:

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
BIR National Office, Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Trunkline: (+632) 981.7000 / 981.8888
Email: contact_us@cctr.bir.gov.ph
Website: www.bir.gov.ph

 


Social Security System (SSS) 

An employer, or any person who uses the services of another person in business, trade, industry, or any undertaking must be registered with the SSS.

Register at:

Social Security System (SSS)
SSS Building, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. Nos.: (+632) 920.6401 / 920.6446
Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph
Website: www.sss.gov.ph

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 

 

Business establishments with five or more employees are encouraged to register with the DOLE for the purpose of monitoring the firms’ compliance with labor regulations.  Registration is required for firms with 50 or more workers. The Bureau of Local Employment administers the registration of establishments.

Register at:

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
2/F, Dy International Building, San
Marcelino cor. Gen. Malvar St., Malate, Manila
Tel. Nos.: (+632) 339.2013 / 527.8000
Email: osec@dole.gov.ph
Website: www.dole.gov.ph

Other Agencies

Depending on the type of products, certain companies are required by law to register with other government agencies.  The following is a list of regulatory bodies:

For those engaged in the export of coconuts and coconut by-products:

 

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)   
Export Division
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (+632) 928.8741 to 45
Email: pca_cpo@yahoo.com.ph
Website: https://pca.gov.ph/
For all manufacturers of garments and textile for exports:

Garments and Textile Industry Development Office (GTIDO)

4F Industry and Investments Building
385 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, 1200 Makati City
Tel. Nos.: (+632) 976.5723 / 976.5700 loc. 5523
Fax: (+632) 976.5722
E-mail: gtido@dti.gov.ph
For rice, corn and flour dealers:

National Food Authority  (NFA)

Department of Agriculture
6/F, Philippine Sugar Center Building
North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. Nos. (+632) 928.0721 / 453.3900 loc. 6225
Email: nfa_admin@nfa.gov.ph
Website: http://nfa.gov.ph/
 
 
For processors and traders of fibers and fiber products:

Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA)
License Division
Asia Trust Bank Annex Building
1424 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. Nos.: (+632) 373.7489 / 373.9241
Fax: (+632)373.7494
E-mail: fida@pldtdsl.net.ph; fida@pacific.net.ph
Website: http://www.philfida.da.gov.ph/

 

For those engaged in the export of fish and fish products other aquatic products:

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

Licensing and Regulatory Division
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Building
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (+632) 929.9597 / 929.8074
Email: info@bfar.da.gov.ph; webmaster@bfar.da.gov.ph
Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph

 

For exporters of animals and animal by-product

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Animal Health Division
BAI Visayas Avenue,  Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. No. (+632) 928.2836 /  928.2778
Fax No. (+632) 928.2429
Email: quarantine.bai@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.bai.da.gov.ph/

 

For those engaged in the export of plant and plant products

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
692 San Andres St., Malate, Manila
Tel. No.: (+632) 525.7857
Fax No.: (+632) 521.7650
E-mail: cu.bpi@da.gov.ph; buplant@yahoo.com

 

For exporters of forest products (e.g. logs, lumber products, plywood, etc.)

Bureau of Forest Development

Forest Management Bureau
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon  City
Tel. No.:  (+632) 927.6229
Email: fmbdenr@mozcom.com
Website:  forestry.denr.gov.ph
 
For those engaged in the production or export of flue-cured Virginia-type tobacco, Burley tobacco and Turkish/Oriental tobacco products

National Tobacco Administration (NTA)

Scout Reyes Street cor. Panay Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Telefax No.: (+632) 374.3987 / 374.2505
Email: mis@nta.gov.ph
Website: nta.da.gov.ph

 

For commodity clearance for producers, manufacturers or exporters, whose product quality after due inspection, sampling, and testing, is found to meet established standards

DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS)

3/F Trade and Industry Building
361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Tel. No.: (+632) 751.3123 / 751.3125
Fax No.: (+632) 751.0476
Email: bps@dti.gov.ph
Website: www.bps.dti.gov.ph
 
For firms who want to register their patents and trademarks

 

DTI-Intellectual Property Office

28 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Town Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Tel. Nos.: (+632) 238.6300 to 65 loc. 205
Telefax No.: (+632) 752.4869,
Email: dittb@ipophil.gov.ph; mail@ipophil.gov.ph
Website: http://www.ipophil.gov.ph/
 
For those interested to tie up with export oriented firms as sub-contractors/suppliers, provided they fall under any of the following sectors: garments and handwoven fabrics, gifts and housewares, furniture and fixtures, footware and leather goods, fresh and processed foods, and jewelry
 
National Subcontractors Exchange (SUBCONEX)
12/F Trafalgar Plaza., 105 H.V. Dela Costa St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel. No.: (+632) 811.8231

 

For those engaged in the production of food, drugs and cosmetic products
 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. Nos.: (+632) 807.0721 / 842.5606
Fax No.: (+632) 807.0751
Email: bfad@bfad.gov.ph
Training Compendium
Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)

 

The PTTC designs and develops training curricula and corresponding instructional materials and conducts training programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), business support organizations, and the government sector. It provides post-training advisory and counseling services; customized in-company/firm-level training programs and services; a venue for MSMEs and large enterprises to promote their products by marketing, renting out and maintaining exhibition facilities; and events management support.

Programs and Services:
Training Programs

1. Entrepreneurship Development
A. Business Start-Up Briefings

  • How to Start a Business
  • BEST Game Workshop
  • Understanding Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
  • Financing Facilities for MSMEs
  • Business Opportunities in Franchising
  • Finding the Right Market for the Right Product
  • Putting Your Business Online
  • Exporting Made e-Z

B.    Quality and Productivity Improvement Briefings

  • Corporate Culture: Filipino Values in the Workplace
  • Food Safety
  • Kaizen Philosophy
  • 5S of Good Housekeeping
  • Cleaner Production
  • Waste Minimization

2.    Business Capability Building

A.    Business Management Seminars

  • Strategic Marketing
  • Effective Selling Skills
  • Developing an Effective Purchasing Systems
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Plan Preparation
  • Effective Market Research
  • Developing an Effective Financial Plan
  • Market Intelligence: How to Compete Effectively
  • Logistics Management
  • Basic Business Recording and Cash Flow Management
  • How to Participate in Trade Fairs
  • Dynamic Negotiation Skills
  • Effective Customer Service
  • Improving Business Key Accounts Selling
  • Setting Up an Effective Customer Payment System for Your Business
  • Customer Relations Management

B.    Export Management Seminars

  • Expanding Business Through Exports
  • Import Procedures and Documentation
  • Product Costing and Pricing
  • Understanding Customs Valuation
  • Market Opportunities (Selected Countries)

C.    IT and Webpage Development Seminars

  • Basic MS Word
  • Basic/Advanced MS Excel
  • Basic/Advanced MS Powerpoint
  • Build Your Own Website
  • Open Office
  • Basic Webpage Development Using Dreamweaver MX
  • Web Graphics Design and Production Using Adobe Photoshop
  • Webpage Development: Creating Interactive Content and Animation using
  • Flash
  • Webpage Development: Creating Interactive Content Using Macromedia Fireworks
  • Webpage Development: Advanced Dreamweaver MX
  • Basic Printed Advertisement Design Using Pagemaker

D. Business Language Seminars

  • Japanese Business Language
  • Let Your English Work at Work
  • Chinese Mandarin Business Language

3.    Quality and Productivity

A.    General Seminars

  • Materials Management and Inventory Control
  • Production and Operations Management
  • Six Sigma
  • Effective Leadership Skills
  • Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Techniques
  • An Introduction to Ergonomics
  • Supervisory Effectiveness for Improved Quality and Productivity
  • How to Become an Effective Quality Management Representative
  • Process Optimization through the Design of Experiments
  • Time and Motion Study
  • Total Quality Management
  • Work Improvement Tools
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Statistical Process Control

B.    International Standards Seminars

  • ISO 9000 Quality Management System
  • ISO 9000 Quality Management System Documentation
  • Internal Quality Audit
  • ISO/IEC 17025 Standard for Laboratory Competence
  • ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Internal Audit
  • ISO 1400 Environmental Management System
  • ISO 1400 Documentation

C.    Food Seminars

  • Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP)
  • Food Packaging and Labeling
  • Packaging as a Marketing Tool
  • Awareness on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Documentation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points
  • HACCP Auditors’ Course

Training and Exhibition Facilities

  1. Information Access Center (IAC)
    • Comprises a computer lecture room with 36 desktop computers for small or big training programs on IT and webpage development and other computer-related courses;
    • Comprises a seminar room that can accommodate up to 100 participants;
    • Comprises an Internet Plaza with 28 desktop computers that provides free use of the Internet and MS Office tools for seminar participants, trade fair exhibitors and visitors, MSME clients and the general public, including students. A minimal fee is charged for printing and scanning services;
    • The entire IAC facility has two scanners, three 4-in-1 multicopier machines (fax, phone, scanner and printer), one copier machine, two LCD projectors, two audio mixers and microphone units.
  1. WTO Reference Center
  2. Comprises selected CD-ROMs and print publications on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other WTO-related publications by the International Trade Center (ITC).
  3. Comprises one desktop computer containing WTO electronic publications and databases.
  1. Rental of Seminar Rooms and Exhibition Halls
    1. Basic Amenities for Seminar Rooms and Exhibition Halls
      •    General overhead lighting
      •    Standby generator sets for general lighting and outlets
    2. Basic Amenities for Halls
      •    Public address system
      •    Podium, flag and outdoor flagpoles
      •    Opening ceremony reception area
      •    Use of show window
    3. Specific Amenities for Rooms
      •    LCD Projector (with separate rental fee) or OHP and screen
      •    Desktop or Notebook computer (with separate rental fee)
      •    Audio system with microphone
      •    TV monitor and VHS/DVD player
How to avail of these services:
Seminars in Metro Manila are held at the PTTC building. Interested participants may pre-register by calling PTTC, or by sending a fax or e-mail. Walk-in participants are also allowed. Participants must pay the seminar fee before the seminar date, or on the first day of the seminar. Seminar fees are paid in cash or company check (manager’s/cashier’s check). The annual schedule of seminars is published at the PTTC website at www.pttc.gov.ph.
 
Regional seminars are generally conducted in co-sponsorship or as requested by the DTI regional or provincial offices, local government units (LGUs) and regional/provincial trade and industry associations or chambers of commerce. Announcements concerning regional seminar schedules and registration of participants are done by the DTI regional and/or provincial offices.
 
All training programs and projects, trade fairs and exhibits and other events held at the PTTC must clearly promote the business activities of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large enterprises, whether these activities are intended for the domestic market or the international market.
PTTC-organized seminars and trade events are given first priority in the use of the seminar rooms and exhibition halls. As such, seminar rooms and exhibition halls may be rented out to public and private sector organizers only in the absence of any scheduled PTTC as well as DTI activity.
 
For inquiries on training programs, you may contact the Trade Business Management Division (TBMD) for entrepreneurship briefings and trade business management seminars (Phone: 468.8962 or 831.9988 Email: tbmd@pttc.gov.ph); or the Testing and Inspection Division (TID) for quality and productivity briefings and seminars (Phone: 468.8963 to 64 or 833.0809 Email: tid@pttc.gov.ph).
 
For inquiries on the rental of seminar rooms and exhibition halls, you may contact the Trade Exhibition Division (TED) (Phone: 468.8968 or 834.1350 Email: ted@pttc.gov.ph).
 
For inquiries on the Information Access Center and the WTO Reference Center, you may contact the Planning and Programming Division (PPD) (Phone: 833.9913 Email: info@pttc.gov.ph).

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Now that you have started your own business and want to expand it, this section provides you with information on how to do it.

Finance Your Business

Finance your BusinessFinancing Programs for MSMEs
Now that you have started your business, this section provides information on how to grow/expand your business operation. The growing number and significant role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in spurring national economic growth prompted the compilation and publication of this handbook on Financing Programs for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The implementation of micro financing and SME lending programs by various institutions is generally recognized as an essential tool in stimulating entrepreneurial activities. Through this compendium, the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) aims to increase the Filipino entrepreneur’s awareness on sources of funding available from government and private sector institutions for his business, and encourage him to access these facilities based on the capabilities of his enterprise. This menu of financial services will hopefully develop and strengthen the ability of MSMEs to better manage their operational activities and possibly embolden them to cater to areas beyond their traditional markets. This compilation is an initiative of BSMED under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

 

Download the handbook.


Usapang Pera: Mga Dapat Alamin

 

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) Guidebook on Basic Banking and Financial Transactions (Usapang Pera: Mga Dapat Alamin), serves as an easy-to-read reference guide and a financial literacy tool for everyone for understanding banking products and transactions. The basic principles of money, saving, banking investments, and deposit insurance are discussed to guide the Filipino in making well-informed and effective financial decisions. This Guidebook is intended to help the depositor discern differences in risks and return on various banking products.

This guidebook is a publication of the PDIC which serves as a functional memento for its 50 years of service in deposit insurance, depositor protection and its role in the maintenance of financial stability.

To download a copy of the handbook, visit the website of PDIC.

Trademarks And Patents

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) draws its mandate from Republic Act (RA) No. 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, which took effect on 01 January 1998.

 
Powers and Functions:

 

  • Examine applications for grant of letters patent for inventions and registers utility models and industrial designs.
  • Examine applications for the registration of marks, geographic indications, and integrated circuits.
  • Register technology transfer arrangements and settle disputes involving technology transfer payments covered by the provisions of Part II, Chapter IX on Voluntary Licensing, and develop and implement strategies to promote and facilitate technology transfer.
  • Promotes the use of patent information as a tool for technology development.
  • Publish regularly in its own publication the patents, marks, utility models and industrial designs, issued and approved, and the technology transfer arrangements registered.
  • Adjudicate inter parties and administrative cases on violations of IP rights.
  • Coordinate with other government agencies and the private sector efforts to formulate and implement plans and policies to strengthen the protection of IP rights in the country.
Programs and Services:
  • Information Dissemination – Develops and organizes information dissemination programs that specifically address the level of understanding of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the objective of assisting them reach the highest potential use of their IP rights
  • SME Advisory Desk – Provides a more focused advisory and technical assistance to MSMEs
  • MSME Seminars
  • Making Your IP Your Most Valuable Business Asset
  • The Role of the IP System in Economic and Technological Development
  • Catapult Your Business Growth Through Intellectual Property
  • Making IP an Active Partner in Your Business
  • Strategies for Commercializing and Marketing IP Assets
  • Use of Information by MSMEs
  • Technology Information Brokering and Matching (TIBM) for SMEs
  • Envisions to contribute significantly towards upgrading the competitiveness of the country’s MSMEs through the provision of a more focused and market-oriented technology information and other services
  • Promotes, establishes, and enhances business linkages between prospective users of technology, the MSMEs, and the suppliers of technology like the inventors, patent holders, technical institutions, and the like
  • Facilitates a pro-active, cost-effective technology information brokering and matching services for SMEs through the following activities:
  • Assessing and determining the technology information needs of the MSMEs
  • Sourcing and packaging the technology information needs by the MSMEs
  • Disseminating the required information to the prospective users
  • Facilitating the “encounter” and negotiation between the users and the suppliers of technology
  • Packaging relevant documents like contracts, business plans, or feasibility studies for the clients
  • Training Opportunities– extends training opportunities for MSMEs, not only in the Philippines, but also in other countries
  • Two-Tiered Fee Structure–  50-% reduction in the fees assessed by IP Philippines
  • For a small entity– Any natural or juridical person whose assets amount to P20M pesos or less
  • Any entity, agency, office, bureau, or unit of the Philippine government including government-owned or/ controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government owned or government-run schools.

IP Philippines Website for more information.

Quality Standards

The Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), as the National Standards Body of the Philippines, develops, promulgates, implements, and coordinates standardization activities in the Philippines as prescribed in Republic Act (RA) No. 4109 or the Standards Law and RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

BPS is an active member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ), the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC), the Asia-Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC), and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

 

Programs and Services:
1. Standards Development

  • Develops, reviews, and updates Philippine National Standards (PNS) for products and services
  • Harmonizes PNS with international standards
2. Standards Promotion
  • Promotes standards and standardization and conformity assessment activities
  • Conducts awareness sessions, training programs, fora, exhibits, trade fairs, and seminars
  • Establishes network with trade associations, industry organizations, academe, and other government agencies to facilitate communication with regards to the implementation of standards
3. Standards Enforcement and Consumer Assistance
  • Conducts regular market monitoring and enforcement operations nationwide
  • Acts on consumer complaints/reports
  • Holds seminars for the manufacturers, importers, traders, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers on their responsibilities to the buying public
4. Product Testing Services
  • Offers third-party testing of products through its BPS Testing Center
  • Performs electrical, chemical, and mechanical testing of products primarily to support the BPS Product Certification Scheme
5. Product Certification Program

 

  • Issues the Philippine Standards (PS) License and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) to manufacturers and importers, respectively, that complies with the safety and quality requirements of a specific standard
6. Registration of Assessors Services
  • Supervises the National Registration Scheme for Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System
  • Updates assessors on matters concerning international quality and environmental standards
7. Information Services

 

  • Offers Library services/Standards Data Center
  • Receives inquiries and fills orders for copies of local, foreign and international standards, catalogues, standards-related publications, and metrication materials
8. WTO TBT Enquiry Point Services
  • Assists exporters in identifying and obtaining overseas standards and regulatory and testing requirements that are affecting their products

9. International Services

  • Performs and oversees activities concerned with regional and international affairs of the BPS particularly on the development of memorandum of understanding (MOU) and mutual recognition arrangements (MRA) in a bilateral and multilateral level
10. Accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies
  • Awards certificates of accreditation to management system certification bodies that issue Certificates of ISO 9001 or QMS, ISO 14001/Environmental Management System (EMS), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
11. Laboratory Accreditation
  • Accredits testing and calibration laboratories through the BPS Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (BPSLAS)

12. Training

  • Extends technical assistance through seminars and training programs both for the government and private sectors
Visit the Standards and Conformance Portal for more information.
Market Development Standards

Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) sells publications, which are source of information and guide for manufacturers and exporters looking for local suppliers. It is also useful for those looking for partnerships, subcontracting, distributorship, and other business cooperation arrangements.

Paano Maging Supplier, Isang Gabay Para sa SMEs (10 booklets, Tagalog version)- Booklets/guidebooks that contain basic guidelines and requirements of various buyers that a supplier should know to help them in selling their products and/or services to major buyers such as supermarket, office and school supplies store, department store, hotel and resort, government office, and fastfood and restaurant chain.  It is also a guide for would-be entrepreneurs on how to start a business.
  • Supermarket
  • Office and School Supplies Store
  • Department Store
  • Hotel and Resort
  • Pamahalaan
  • Fastfood and Restaurant Chain
  • Subcontractor
  • Paano Maging Certified Food Supplier?
  • Paano Magbenta ng Produkto o Serbisyo?
  • Paano Maging Halal Certified Food Supplier?
 
Source Book for Food Manufacturing (Three editions) contains directory of suppliers of food products, equipment, packaging, and services related to food sector.

 

  • First publication covers sources in Metro Manila and was published in 2005.
  • Second edition covers suppliers of Mindanao food sectors and was published in 2008.
  • Third publication covers sources in South Luzon to be published in 2009.
Philippine Raw Materials Catalogue (Four editions – yearly publication) is a series of publications, which showcases a variety of indigenous raw materials used in manufacturing Philippine products.  It provides the scientific names of raw materials, its biological structures, economic uses, and places in the country where they can be found.  It also contains list of raw material suppliers and contact information.

 

  • Published in 2005 – The Philippine Raw Materials Catalogue:  Wearable, Gifts and Holiday Décor volume features a variety of indigenous raw materials used in wearable, gifts and holiday decors such as bamboo, bast fiber, climbing ferns, reeds, herbs, erect palms, climbing palms (rattan), sedges and rushes, screw pines (pandan), woody pines, leather, seashells, beads and components.
  • Published in 2006 – The Philippine Raw Materials Catalogue: Furniture, Furnishings, and Loomweaving volume features raw materials used in the furniture, furnishings and loomweaving industries such as rushes, grasses, woody vines, screwpines, erect palms, bamboo, tree plantation species, fibers, fossilized/skeletonized leaves, and butterfly.
  • Published in 2007 – The Philippine Raw Materials Catalogue: Beads, Carabao Horns and Bones, and Seashells volume features the uses of beads, carabao horns and bones, and seashells in manufacturing Philippine products.
  • Published in 2008 – The Philippine Raw Materials Catalogue: Manila Palm, Banana, Corn, Coconut, Fish Scale, Recycled, Tahong, Water Hyacinth, and Sabutan
Trade Associations Directory 2006 – 2007 (available in print and CD installer) is updated and published every two years. It contains lists of various trade association members with its contact details and product/service lines.  It covers the following sectors:

 

  • Agricultural products
  • Automotive parts and accessories
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Chemical and chemical products
  • Construction
  • Fashion accessories
  • Franchise
  • Fresh and processed foods
  • Furniture and furnishings
  • Garments
  • Gifts, toys and housewares
  • Hotel and restaurants
  • Info-tech and electrical products and services
  • Metal products
  • Non-metal products
  • Paper products
  • Petroleum
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Resource based products
  • Retail
  • Services
  • Others not elsewhere classified

Philippine Food Product Catalogue (available in print and CD installer) features 111 Philippine manufacturers/exporters offering a wide array of products in the following food sectors:

  • Snack foods
  • Baked products
  • Processed fruits and vegetables
  • Wines and beverages
  • Sauces and condiments
  • Processed meat products
  • Frozen/processed marine products
  • Organic and natural products
  • Other food products
 
It also features the Philippine food industries and regional & provincial food products/delicacies. The BDT is also planning to develop an On-line Philippine Food Product Catalogue, which is a web-based info system with facilities to search food products by company, brand name and/or location of the company. Details on the company will be updated every year.
Philippine Subcontractors/Contractors Directory aims to introduce and match SMEs with new markets, specifically big and institutional buyers who are in need of suppliers and subcontractors of raw materials, products parts, components, and services essential to their production. The Directory includes garments/textile, footwear, canes, vines, fiber weaving, ceramics, stoneware, earthenware, Christmas and other holiday decors, processed food, paper and paper products, toys, furniture and furnishings, packaging, toll packing, fashion accessories, and handicrafts sectors.
Product Development/ Tech Services

The Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) promotes design as a tool for improving the quality and competitiveness of Philippine products. It services the design needs and requirements of SMEs.

Programs and Services:

  • Product Design and Development. Design, development, or improvement of products and labels responsive to market needs and requirements and manufacturer’s production capabilities
  • Design Research. Acquisition and dissemination of relevant design and market data and conduct of applied research projects to support product development activities of both designer and industry
  • Design Promotion. Increases awareness and appreciation of design and its use through exhibitions, seminars, dialogues, and publications.
  • Product Design. Design of a new product, product adaptation, product diversification, or expansion of existing product or product line
  • Technology Updating Workshops. Hands-on learning and application of skills on techniques such as finishing to complement product development activities
  • Design and Technical Information. Information dissemination activities such as seminars on product development, design trends, and related topics
  • Library. Access to design and related information from local and foreign sources for designers and industry.
Who may avail of these services? Open to everybody but priority given to manufacturers and would-be manufacturers.
Directory of Common Service Facilities
This directory provides vital information on existing common service facilities nationwide which SMEs may tap to help increase their output and boost their competitiveness.  The scope of services covered includes:

 

  • Machinery and equipment;
  • Raw materials procurement;
  • Product research development and quality control;
  • Storage/warehousing;
  • Trade consolidation and provision of display centers;
  • Business incubation services;
  • Skills training; and
  • Other services.

Particularly, this directory contains the name of the facility, its location, the name of its owner/contact person, the services offered, equipment provided by the facility, and sectors serviced.

Download the 2006 Directory of Common Service Facilities Handbook.

Visit the DCP Website for more information.

Export Trade (Tradeline)
The Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) is the export promotion arm of the DTI. It provides frontline assistance, information, and specialized consultancy services to all exporters (both potential and established) as well as the public in general. As the lead agency tasked to develop, promote, and expand export trade, the BETP seeks to enable Philippine exporters to compete with world-class products and services in the international market.

 

Programs and Services

1. Frontline Services

  • The Trade Information and Assistance Group through the Export Trade Facilitation Division, serves as the customer/exporter relations personnel of the BETP for all export trade-related inquiries. This frontline team provides real, immediate, and substantial assistance to existing and potential exporters.
  • Export Assistance Network (EXPONET). To minimize the uncertainties of getting started in the export business, the EXPONET provides assistance on all export-related matters including export procedures and documentation, trade complaints, and others.
  • Business Matching Center. Foreign buyers and local exporters find commonality through this special information service. The center receives inquiries regularly and directly from international importers and the Philippine Foreign Trade Posts abroad. These inquiries are made available to legitimate local exporters for free.
  • On-Line Trade Information System. Tradeline Philippines provides trade information through an interactive on-line system. Among other things, this unique service contains export and import statistics, exporters’ directory, product and market profiles, and other valuable industry links.
  • International Trade Resource Center.  A wealth of trade information is available in this specialized library. Ideal for businesspeople and the academe, the center holds a comprehensive collection of printed and electronic materials such as books and journals on international trade with emphasis on product and market information.
  • Communications Division. BETP clients, particularly members of Business Selling Missions for dispatch to various target markets, may seek the creative and technical assistance of this group for the preparation of promotional materials in print or electronic format. Also available for sale are copies of the Exporters Manual and Handy Guide to Export.
  • Export Trade Complaints Committee. Should disputes arise between local suppliers/exporters and foreign buyers, complaint cases may be filed with the BETP through the Export Trade Complaints Committee. BETP has a pool of personnel who trained with the Makati Regional Trial Court and the Supreme Court of the Philippines to mediate on export-related complaints.
2. Specialized Consultancy Services

 

  • Market Consultancy. Through the Market Strategy and Consultancy Group, exporters who intend to penetrate specific markets such as the Americas, Europe, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia, Australia, and the Middle East may seek the expertise of Country Desk Officers. These officers assist in formulating marketing strategies and provide exporters with updated information and other valuable tools to increase export sales in identified markets.
  • Product Consultancy. Trade policy issues, as well as updates on research and development for specific products are discussed during consultative meetings with the Product Officers. The team of Product Officers at the Product Research and Strategy Group provides assistance to exporters based on the following product categories of expertise:a. Resource-based commoditiesFood and food preparations
    b. Herbal and natural products
    c. Industrial manufactures
    d. Consumer goods
    e. International services
    f.  Others
  • Business Missions. Exporters wanting to visit a particular target market either for exploratory purpose or direct sales promotion may join BETP business missions. The Market Officers and the Product Officers specialize in organizing Business Missions for dispatch to specific markets.