More Negosyo Centers to rise in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, June 29 (PNA) -- Eastern Visayas will conclude the year with 42 operating Negosyo Centers, a facility that will raise the capability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create more job opportunities.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that since last year 18 Negosyo centers have been launched in different province of the region. Some 24 centers are up for opening in the second half of 2016, bringing the total to 42 by the end of the year.

“The centers will be responsible for promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction such as business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation,” said DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras.

Operating Negosyo Centers are located in Tacloban City, Ormoc City, Baybay City, Palo, Tanauan, Palompon, Abuyog, San Isidro, Hilongos, and Carigara; Borongan City and Guiuan in Eastern Samar; Catbalogan City and Calbayog City in Samar; Laoang and Catarman, Northern Samar; Maasin City, Southern Leyte; and Naval, Biliran.

Future centers will rise in more urbanized areas, especially in provinces outside Leyte, according to DTI.

Setting up of one stop shop business center is in compliance to Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act. The law seeks to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create more job opportunities in the country.

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the law on July 15, 2014, which took effect on Jan. 13, 2015.

The MSME Development Council though the DTI is the coordinating and supervising body for all the agencies involved in the establishment and operation of the Negosyo Centers. It performs oversight functions and assigns personnel to fulfill the functions of the center. (PNA)

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