The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to reach and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the country through its Negosyo Centers, now totaling to 252, after 40 additional centers were simultaneously launched in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino and Batanes recently.

The launching of these Negosyo Centers are in line with the Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promote ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and other equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs), ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.

                                                                      

Of the 40 Negosyo Centers launched in Region 2, 16 were established in Cagayan, 13 in Isabela, 6 in Nueva Vizcaya, 3 in Quirino and 2 in Batanes.

 

Atty. Ma. Esperanza C. Bañares, DTI-2 Regional Director said that the presence of the 40 additional Negosyo Centers in the region will bring in more business opportunities to communities and MSMEs, adding that it will also contribute in the rapid development of various municipalities in the region.

 

The presence of the Negosyo Center in each municipality and province aims to provide better and more efficient services to MSMEs.

 

As of June 30, there are 252 Negosyo Centers nationwide since its inception in 2014. Of the total number of centers, 162 are located in Luzon, while 46 and 44 centers are located in Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.

 

With the Negosyo Centers, the DTI has assisted 178,681 existing or new entrepreneurs and 61,678 potential entrepreneurs.

 

The DTI has already established 103 Negosyo Centers in the first half of 2016 after setting a 150 target Negosyo Centers by end of the year.