‘Negosyo Center’ to place MSMEs at the heart of economy

LAOAG CTIY, Nov. 28 (PIA) – To place the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the center stage of economic development, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has conducted a series of launching of the ‘Negosyo Centers’ (Business Centers) in Region 1.

DTI Regional Director Florante O. Leal said that all agencies were placed under one roof to provide the needed assistance for the small entrepreneurs in Ilocos Region who face inconvenience under the old system in the local government units.

“Through the establishment of the business centers, requirements for business permit applications in the local levels will be made faster and lesser,” Leal said.

The business centers will facilitate a more comprehensive and swifter process in the application of business permits, as well as, granting of business capital loans and available technologies for the entrepreneurs.

Known for being thrifty and risk-averse, Ilocanos were asked to invest in businesses rather than putting their money in the banks.

Based on the DTI record, MSME has about 99 percent role in the economy while 70 percent role in employment. It contributed as much as 32 percent the economy’s gross income.

“The program will bring the service closer to the public so as to encourage them to venture into business and to help in the development of employment,” said Leal.

Laoag City has unveiled its own business center, the first in Ilocos Norte and sixth to operate in the Ilocos Region, housed at the DTI provincial office on Nov. 19.

The DTI has established a total of 93 business centers in Region 1 since its first launching in 2014.

The establishment of Negosyo Centers is in line with the mandate of the Republic Act 10644 also known as ‘Go Negosyo Act’ with Sen. Bam Aquino as its main sponsor.

The law provides for the establishment of business centers in all provinces, cities and municipalities to promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs. (Cherry Joy D. Garma/PIA-1, Ilocos Norte)