DTI Region 3 - Central Luzon

09/10/2026

COULD YOUR BUSINESS BE THE NEXT BIG FRANCHISE?

You built the business. You have proven the concept. Now, are you ready to franchise?

Or maybe you are an aspiring entrepreneur wondering: “Is franchising the right business opportunity for me?”

These were exactly the questions explored during the Franchise Experts Talk: Smart Franchising 101, held on October 6, 2026, by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 and the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), in partnership with GMB Franchise Developers.

🎯 27 MSME representatives from the seven provinces of Central Luzon, together with 26 DTI representatives joined the webinar to learn how to approach franchising with the right mindset, knowledge and preparation.

💡 Participants learned about the pillars and benefits of franchising, franchise performance, red flags, franchise readiness, brand protection, investment considerations, and other key requirements.

🎤 Mr. Armando “Butz” Bartolome, Founder, and Mrs. Erlina S. Bartolome, Certified Franchise Executive and Managing Director of GMB Franchise Developers, shared their 35 years of combined experience in franchising and entrepreneurship, including practical lessons from established brands such as Mang Inasal and Potato Corner.

The webinar was generously offered free of charge by GMB Franchise Developers, giving MSMEs the opportunity to learn directly from experienced franchise practitioners.

As DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon reminded the webinar participants, “Entering into a franchise agreement is an important business decision.”

Thinking about franchising? Don’t just take the leap—take the SMART step.
Assess your readiness, ask the right questions, and connect with DTI Region 3 or your nearest DTI Negosyo Center for business development support to start you franchising journey.

Your business could be the next big franchise. Start exploring. Start preparing. Start smart! 🚀

08/10/2026

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Central Luzon expanded their reach and forged valuable business partnerships as 151 entrepreneurs brought their products to Metro Manila for the 28th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair, generating P58,491,489.35 in sales.

Read more: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-latest-news/dti-helps-central-luzon-msmes-surpass-sales-target-generate-p58-49m-likha-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawU0HGtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVpTazZWSjZmWFd0MXhhOWZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0-sqGSK2quZQw8SULRimXa0Hqf4Tgog-eaOvNL68qetZbPjYJUM7LPhPnmM_aem_2fkLaX7yMd3w_3rheZCdRw

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Central Luzon expanded their reach and forged valuable business partnerships as 151 entrepreneurs brought their products to Metro Manila for the 28th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair, generating P58,491,489.35 in sales.

Read full news: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-latest-news/dti-helps-central-luzon-msmes-surpass-sales-target-generate-p58-49m-likha-fair

08/10/2026

Ano? Tara, KAPE!

In celebration of International Coffee Day, DTI Bulacan proudly raises a cup to the rich flavors and entrepreneurial spirit of Bulakenyo coffee through three outstanding local brands: Highlands Coffee, Talbak Coffee, and Hinirang Coffee.

Let us continue to support local coffee products and the MSMEs behind them. By choosing Tatak Bulakenyo coffee, we help create sustainable livelihoods, strengthen local enterprises, and promote the unique flavors that make Bulacan proud.

Ano na? KAPE na tayo!

08/10/2026

SHOWCASING FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP ON THE GLOBAL STAGE!

From Paniqui, Tarlac to Frankfurt, Germany! BayongGracia brought the beauty of Filipino handwoven artistry to the international spotlight by participating in the prestigious Ambiente International Fair in February 2025. Known for their eco-friendly, handwoven, and hand-painted bags, owner Honey Tess Bartolome showcased her sustainable creations to buyers, designers, and fashion lovers from all over the world.

With mentorship and support from DTI Tarlac, the local Negosyo Center, and the Provincial Government of Tarlac, BayongGracia expanded its reach far beyond local shores. Reflecting on this huge milestone, Honey shared: "For some, success is measured solely by immediate sales, but for me, the very fact that I showcased my products at Ambiente is already a success." Let’s celebrate our local weavers and support sustainable Filipino fashion!

Bayong Gracia Plastic Bags Manufacturing page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064268223400

07/10/2026

On October 6, 2026, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, through its Consumer Protection Division, intensified price and supply monitoring activities across San Antonio, San Narciso, and Santa Cruz to safeguard consumers against the anticipated impacts of Super El Niño. The inspection teams deployed to local grocery stores and supermarkets verified that prevailing prices for basic necessities, prime commodities, and bottled water strictly adhered to Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) and featured proper price tag displays.

In terms of market stability, local retail owners confirmed robust inventory preparedness, with current stock levels projected to last for at least one month. DTI Zambales continues to sustain regular monitoring, proactive market validation, and timely reporting to ensure consumer protection and stable commercial supplies throughout the province.

07/10/2026

Highlighting the nationwide observance of Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) 2026 under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” DTI Bulacan detailed its robust calendar of October activities during an appearance on the City of Malolos Information Office's "Good Morning Malolos" program. The broadcast showcased major consumer protection initiatives, including price monitoring, complaints mediation, the Bagwis program, and marketplace modernization efforts like Paleng-QR Ph Plus and Huwarang Palengke 2026. Additionally, the agency issued practical “Habilin sa Konsyumer” guidance on mindful consumption and vigilance, reinforcing DTI's enduring mission to cultivate an empowered and well-informed public across the province.

07/10/2026

READ | DTI strengthens regulation on Ni****ne Pouches
The Department of Trade and Industry has officially released the Department Administrative Order No. 26-07 on the Implementing Guidelines Concerning the Mandatory Product Certification of Ni****ne Pouches.

This establishes the guidelines for mandatory product certification of ni****ne pouches, ensuring that the covered products comply with applicable Philippine standards and regulatory requirements before being made available in the market.

Scan the QR Code or click the link below to access the full DAO: https://dtiwebfiles.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/...

READ | DTI strengthens regulation on Ni****ne Pouches

The Department of Trade and Industry has officially released the Department Administrative Order No. 26-07 on the Implementing Guidelines Concerning the Mandatory Product Certification of Ni****ne Pouches.

This establishes the guidelines for mandatory product certification of ni****ne pouches, ensuring that the covered products comply with applicable Philippine standards and regulatory requirements before being made available in the market.

Scan the QR Code or click the link below to access the full DAO:https://dtiwebfiles.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/OSMV/Department+Administrative+Orders/Department+Administrative+Order+No+26-07+%5BCTC%5D.pdf

05/10/2026

On October 1, 2026, DTI Bataan, through Negosyo Center Hermosa, assisted the Parapal Cashew and Agri Producers Association, Inc. with its SEC online registration and provided business consultation to support its organizational and business development needs.

05/10/2026

Panoorin muli ang Ang Mamimiling Pinoy kasama sina DJ Gio at ang Department of Trade and Industry Region III! 🎧

05/10/2026

In a concerted effort to champion fair trade and bolster consumer protection, DTI Zambales and the Department of Science and Technology–Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) convened for a coordination meeting to outline collaborative programs centered on market modernization. The discussions highlighted the proposed DTI–DOST-ITDI Weights and Measures Accuracy and Project METRO, an initiative designed to train market personnel in the precise inspection, verification, and calibration of weighing scales. Through these unified partnerships involving LGUs and market stakeholders, the initiative paves the way for reliable public markets rooted in measurement accuracy, transparent business practices, and unwavering consumer trust.