Around 140,076 Business Names (BNs) were registered from January to December 2025 in Central Luzon, showing sustained entrepreneurial activity across Central Luzon.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3), the number of registered business names in the region has a slight 1.92% decrease compared to 2024.

At the provincial level, Aurora registered 3,053 BNs, posting a 3.35% increase, while Bataan recorded 10,658 registrations, up by 6.06%. Zambales also showed growth with 12,826 registrations, a 6.03% increase year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Bulacan (47,593), Nueva Ecija (20,336), Pampanga (32,535), and Tarlac (13,075) registered marginal declines in total BN applications, largely driven by fewer new registrations.

Notably, BN renewals across Region 3 increased by 11.73%, from 15,388 in 2024 to 17,193 in 2025, indicating stronger business continuity and enterprise sustainability

DTI-3 also observed a growing preference for hybrid processing, which rose by 18%, with significant increases recorded in Aurora (155.15%), Nueva Ecija (20.57%), and Zambales (195.28%), highlighting the increasing demand for flexible and assisted registration options alongside digital services.

Hybrid processing refers to applications where clients lodge their business name registration online through the BNRS system and subsequently visit DTI offices or Negosyo Centers solely for payment, reflecting growing client confidence in digital platforms while still availing in-person transaction support.

According to Regional Director Edna D. Dizon, despite the decline in new registrations, the notable rise in renewals tells a positive story. She added that the numbers show that Central Luzon MSMEs MSMEs are sustaining their operations and growing.

“DTI remains committed to making business registration accessible, responsive, and supportive, not only for startups, but for enterprises that aim to thrive long-term.”

DTI-3 continues to strengthen Negosyo Center services, improve digital platforms, and promote business formalization as part of its ongoing efforts to support MSME development and economic resilience across Central Luzon.