Business name registrations with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) increased by 6.5 percent to 986,780 from January to October, up from 925,994 during the same period last year.
New registrations accounted for 848,694 filings, while the remaining 138,086 were renewals, with wholesale and retail trade leading by sector.
Calabarzon recorded the highest number of registrations at 180,055, followed by the National Capital Region with 142,842 and Central Luzon with 134,720.
In October alone, registrations rose one percent to 70,244, reversing two consecutive months of declines in August and September.
RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the rebound partly to improved weather and expected holiday spending, but warned that a strong El Niño could affect future business openings and operations.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 9, 2026
