By: Robert Maico
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Nov. 27 (PNA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Calabarzon (IV-A) Regional Office inaugurated Friday a “Negosyo Center” at the ground floor of its regional office building along the national highway in Barangay (village) here.
The DTI regional office has upgraded its National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) with the complete facilities of a business hub that offers one-stop-shop services for fledgling entrepreneurs.
DTI Calabarzon Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said the “Negosyo Center” serves as DTI’s venue in helping Micro-Small Entrepreneurs (MSE) start their businesses while assisting existing MSEs in pursuing their expansion plans.
Toledo said the Negosyo Center provides marketing strategies, production development, financial literacy and accounting system.
He also said that that through DTI partners, the center serves as a “one-stop-shop” in processing documentary requirements for their Social Security System (SSS), Pag-Ibig Fund, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Local Government Unit (LGU).
The establishment of “Negosyo Centers” is pursuant to the “Go Negosyo Act” (Republic Act 10644) authored by Senator Bam Aquino and signed into law in 2014 by President Benigno S. Aquino III.
The centers were put up to facilitate business registration; provide business registration and business information; and render advisory and mentoring services for the SME’s.
The law was meant to foster national development, promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty by encouraging the establishment of MSME’s that facilitate local job creation, production and trade in the country.
The DTI is mandated as the coordinating and supervising body that will perform oversight function for all the agencies involved in the establishment and operation of the “Negosyo Center” like the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Departments of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Science and Technology (DOST), Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the participation of the academe.
The negosyo center established in Calamba City will be the 12th in the Calabarzon region and 117th in the country. (PNA)