DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 Jan) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Davao Region is planning to establish 15 more Negosyo Centers this year in a bid to assist entrepreneurs start and manage their business, a trade official said.
“The opening of Negosyo Centers in Davao Region shall facilitate business entry and sustainability through provision of services to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs),” said DTI 11 director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi, in her presentation during the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 recently.
She said six Negosyo Centers were put up last year in the region – Davao City, Digos City in Davao del Sur, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, Mati and Cateel in Davao Oriental and Nabunturan in Compostela Valley.
She added that the establishment of these centers came following the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10644, also known as the Go Negosyo Act.
This, she said, promotes job generation and inclusive growth through the development of SMEs.
Under Sec. 3, it states that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council will supervise the Negosyo Centers.
It also states that the MSMED Council will encourage public-private partnerships in the establishment and management of Negosyo Centers.
“The Negosyo Centers shall be responsible for promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction,” it added.
According to Sec. 4 of RA 10644, the center also coordinates and facilitates processes of government related to the set-up and management of MSMEs; accept and facilitate all registration application of MSMEs; coordinate with the respective local government units (LGUs) and liaise with concerned government agencies to process the duly accomplished forms submitted by the MSMEs.
It will also integrate a unified business process system for MSMEs; monitor and recommend business-process improvement for MSMEs; encourage government institutions that are related to the business application process to help promulgate information regarding the Negosyo Center; provide information and services in training, financing and marketing; and support private sector activities relating to MSMEs development.
The center will also co-organize with the local chambers of commerce and other business organizations a mentoring program for prospective and current entrepreneurs and investors; build local support networks and establish market linkages for MSME development; coordinate with schools and organizations on the development of youth entrepreneurship program; and encourage women entrepreneurship by giving women access to information, support, training and credit facilities.
The first center was opened in Davao City on July 9, 2015 at Door 6-7, Davao City Investment and Promotion Center within the Magsaysay Park Complex.
The Negosyo Center Davao City has a reception and working areas, mini-library, product showcase, consultancy area and training room.
Institutions that will provide trainings to the SMEs include Mindanao Micro-Finance Council (MMFC), PhilExim, SB Corporation, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology City Science and Technology Center, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Cooperative Development Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Business Bureau, City Tourism Operations Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), Food Processors Association in Davao City (FPAD), ICT Davao Inc. (IDI), Chamber of Furniture Industry Development (CFID) – Davao City Chapter, Floriculture Industry Development, Inc. (FIDI), and Metalworking Industry Association in Philippine (MIAP) – Davao City Chapter and Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC).
