To improve services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMsE) in the country side, the Department of Trade and Industry- Region 1 (DTI-R1), opened additional 16 Negosyo Centers (NCs) in the region for this year. From the 64 existing NCs in 2020, DTI Ilocos Norte has established 19 additional NCs; DTI Ilocos Sur- 20 NCs; DTI La Union- 15 NCs; and DTI Pangasinan-26 NCs, making it a total of 80 NCs in the whole region for 2021.

All the NCs launched are model B facilities that have a reception area, consultation and meeting rooms. The enactment of Republic Act No. 10644, also known as the GoNegosyo Act, fortified the policy of the State to foster national development, promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty by encouraging the development of MSMEs. This law provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers under the supervision of the MSME Development Council, which shall encourage public-private partnerships in the establishment and management of said centers.

On her message, Dir. Baluyan reiterated that one of the goals of the Negosyo Center is to bring the government services closer to the people. “The establishment of Negosyo Center will encourage more enterprises to register or scale-up their businesses. As we create more businesses, there will be more employment opportunities for the people, thereby, leading to economic prosperity in said municipalities.” she added.

As the core of DTI’s thrust towards promoting MSME growth and development, NCs will be established in every province, city and municipality nationwide. To date, there are already 1,305 NCs nationwide. The NCs provide the following basic services: business registration assistance; business advisory services; business information and advocacy; and monitoring and evaluation of business-process improvement. ♦

Date of Release: 29 December 2021