BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is targeting the establishment of at least four more Negosyo Centers in Negros Occidental province for 2018.
Lea Gonzales, provincial director of DTI-Negros Occidental, said Friday Negosyo Centers enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and help generate more local employment.
So far, there are 16 Negosyo Centers in the province, eight of which were inaugurated last year – the one in Isabela town, which opened last December 21; and those in Hinoba-an, La Castellana, Cauayan, EB Magalona, Himamaylan, Bago City, and Sipalay City.
The year before, five Negosyo Centers were unveiled in the province, located in Hinigaran town, and in the cities of Bacolod, San Carlos, Victorias, and La Carlota.
The Negros First Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Bacolod City was opened in 2015 along with those in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay.
Gonzales said the establishment of Negosyo Centers has contributed to the creation of employment in the province, pointing out that at least one job is created in each micro enterprise assisted by Negosyo Center.
“This is on top of additional employment created by existing MSMEs as they expand,” she added.
Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act mandates the establishment of Negosyo Centers.
Through the facility, MSMEs have ease of doing business, and access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, and shared service facilities, among others.
RA 10644 seeks to ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of enterprises, and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.
The Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Bacolod alone has been assisting thousands of MSMEs mainly through the provision of entrepreneurship and other business development interventions. (/PNA)
