San Fernando City, La Union- True to its commitment to ease of doing business and help MSMEs, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1 launched anew three Negosyo Centers (NC) in the region.

Regional Director Florante O. Leal led the launching programs of Negosyo Center Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on October 20, 2017 and the two NCs in Pangasinan; Negosyo Center-Calasiao and Negosyo Center Urdaneta last Octobern 19, 2017.

NC Bacarra and NC Calasiao are both launched in partnership with the local government units. Meanwhile, NC Urdaneta is located inside the CB Mall-Urdaneta, the first NC in the region to launch through partnership with a private enterprise.

To date, there are already 41 Negosyo Centers in the region. Additional Negosyo Centers are targeted to launch by DTI this 2017.

The enactment of Republic Act No. 10644, also known as the Go Negosyo 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.

According to Director Leal, one of the goals of the Negosyo Center is to bring national government services closer to the people. Aside from the “Ease in Doing Business”, Negosyo Centers aim to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to start their business and thereby create employment.

“The Negosyo Centers will help us identify business opportunities.” he 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.

The Negosyo Centers will provide the following basic services: business registration assistance; business advisory services; business information and advocacy; and monitoring and evaluation of business-process improvement. ♦