The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) held the DILG-NCR EODB Regional Initiatives: Pagpapatibay ng Sari-Buhay Serye at the Microtel, UP Technohub, Quezon City, on September 25 and 30, 2025. The two-day activity focused on the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Delivery (EODB-EGSD) Act of 2018. 

The program began with DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin CESO III, who emphasized the importance of the Ease of Doing Business reform in Metro Manila, stating that “the programs represent a vital step toward modernizing local markets”, affirming the DILG’s continuous support for MSMEs realizing their full potential and contributing to the nation’s development. 

As a new initiative, the Paleng-QR PH Plus Program was introduced, aiming to support businesses by integrating technology into their local ecnomic growth. The program offers benefits to customers and businesses by saving time and money through the use of QR Codes as a payment mode and streamlining mobile phone payments. 

The session also highlighted DTI’s MSME Development Plan 2023-2028, which provides a roadmap to help micro and small enterprises grow through capacity building, access to capital, and extensive market connections. The plan also emphasizes that MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine Economy, creating a large number of jobs and driving economic growth. Consequently, Quezon City shared its best practices on how it supports MSMEs, including programs that enhance access to markets, promotion to use technology, and provision of training. The LGUs saw a layout of various initiatives from Quezon City which will allow them to create suitable programs for their communities. 

Towards the end of the program, DILG-NCR PDMU Section Chief Dennis R. de Paz said that embracing EODB reforms is a step towards reducing barriers, promoting digital inclusion, and encouraging growth across local markets. The participants were also asked to continue their collaboration for the successful implementation and widespread adaptation, resulting in a more competitive Metro Manila with greater opportunities for everyone. 

The EODB-EGSD specifies ways to improve public services aimed at businesses and eliminate bureaucratic red tape. Emphasizing that proper enforcement of this law can attract revenue through investments, help businesses, and also enhance service efficiency. 

The DILG-NCR will continue to work hand-in-hand with LGUs, national agencies, and the private sector to ensure that MSMEs thrive in a competitive and dynamic market. Through the EODB, the DILG-NCR commits to provide initiatives to strengthen MSMEs and improve involvement opportunities to foster a more business conducive environment at the local level.