To improve services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country side, the Department of Trade and Industry- Region 1 (DTI-R1), thru its provincial office in La Union opened additional Negosyo Centers (NCs) in the municipalities of Sudipen, Pugo and Sto. Tomas.

All the NCs launched are model B facilities that have a reception area, consultation and meeting rooms. The launching programs were graced by Regional Director (RD) Grace Falgui-Baluyan, Provincial Director (PD) Merlie D. Membrere and the respective local government unit (LGU) Local Chief Executives.

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, Negosyo Centers will be established in every province, city and municipality nationwide. To date, there are already 1,263 Negosyo Centers nationwide. 75 of which is in Region 1. A total of 17 additional NCs are targeted to open in the region for this year.

The Negosyo Centers 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: 4 November 2021