The seventh Negosyo Center in the province opened in Mexico, Pampanga today (March 27) as the Department of Trade and Industry Pampanga Provincial Office and the Municipality of Mexico signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the operation of the center. The Mexico Negosyo Center is also the 33rd center to be opened in the region.

The blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Mexico Negosyo Center was led by Mayor Teddy Tumang of Mexico, DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles, DTI Pampanga OIC Provincial Director Elenita R. Ordonio and Pampanga Chamber of Commerce President Jess Nicdao.

During the opening program, Director Angeles shared that the Negosyo Center will help in the growth of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in the municipality, especially since Mexico is located strategically in the province. She also noted that the town is home to big malls, warehouses and residential subdivisions, all of which are conducive to creating small businesses that will cater to these developments. She urged the people of Mexico to take advantage of the services of the Negosyo Center to improve on their businesses.

Mayor Tumang expressed his gratitude to DTI for establishing a Negosyo Center at the Municipal Hall of Mexico. He said that this will be a big help for potential and existing businesses in the town to formalize their registration, especially since the municipality has a One Stop Shop for business registration.

Jess Nicdao also shared that there are micro entrepreneurs who have made it big because they were able to link with bigger markets. He noted that with the strategic position of Mexico, and with the services of the Negosyo Center now available, businesses in Mexico and nearby areas will be able to improve. He also noted that the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce provides business matching activities for small businesses to meet with big businesses for them to have the opportunity to trade and be part of the bigger market.

OIC Director Elenita Ordonio of the DTI Pampanga Office gave a summary of the services of the Negosyo Center as provided by RA 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act. She also urged the registration of businesses in the area under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) category. She further said that micro businesses can avail of the incentives like income tax exemption for two years once they are registered as BMBEs.