The City of Biñan has been recognized as one of the four awardees in the Improving Business Climate category by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners. The ceremony took place at the Ceremonial Hall, Malacañang Palace.
This esteemed Presidential Award is the highest honor the President of the Philippines can bestow. Biñan City received this accolade for its exemplary BMBE Incentives Program, which emerged from the BMBE Ordinance authored by Councilor Christopher “Toppe” Alba. “This ordinance is a significant boon for start-up businesses with capital ranging from Php100,000 to Php200,000. It reduces registration expenses from Php10,000 to just Php1,000-2,000, encouraging small business owners to formally register their enterprises,” explained Councilor Alba.
“Thanks to this ordinance, 2,000 BMBE registrants were able to register for only Php1,000, marking the lowest fees in the Philippines. Consequently, our collection has increased from Php800,000 to Php1.1 million,” stated Atty. Edward Vange Arriba.
Mayor Walfredo “Arman” R. Dimaguila Jr. highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “This initiative significantly aids small business owners by providing them with greater opportunities for growth.” Registered business owners can avail themselves of the Financial Literacy Program, a collaborative effort with local banks that allows them to secure loans using only their business permit as collateral.
The City of Biñan’s commitment to fostering a supportive business environment for MSMEs has set a benchmark for other cities and showcases the effective collaboration between local government and the entrepreneurial community.
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