CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Business activity in Central Luzon remained steady in 2024, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 registering 140,076 business names in 2025.
Despite a 1.92-percent decline in new registrations compared to 2024, business renewals significantly rise by 11.73 percent from 15,388 renewals in 2024 to 17,193 in 2025, signaling improved enterprise stability and confidence among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Business name registration data from DTI showed growth in three provinces including Bataan with 10,658 registrations or 6.06 percent increase; Zambales—12,826 registrations or 6.03 percent increase; and Aurora—3,053 registrations or 3.35 percent increase.
Meanwhile, the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac recorded marginal declines largely attributed to fewer startup registrations.
DTI also recorded a significant shift toward hybrid business name registration, which increased by 18 percent across the region.
The agency noted that substantial growth in Aurora, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales reflects rising client trust in digital systems, complemented by in-person transactions at DTI offices or Negosyo Centers.
“While we saw a slight dip in new registrations, the notable rise in renewals tells a positive story. It shows that our MSMEs are sustaining their operations and growing,” DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon said.
She also assured that DTI remains committed to making business registration accessible, responsive, and supportive, not only for startups, but for enterprises that aim to thrive long-term. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco)
