MANILA, Dec. 14 (PNA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with PLDT SME Nation, the small-and-medium-enterprises (SME) arm of leading telecommunications firm PLDT, to provide connectivity and video monitoring solutions in over 100 Negosyo Centers nationwide.
Under the partnership, PLDT SME Nation will provide Smart WiFi connection to 131 DTI Negosyo Centers which will be fitted with a video monitoring security solution.
The firm also collaborate with DTI to organize community trainings, specialized talks, and digital trainings to develop local SMEs, particularly start-ups.
“We have always been one with our partners in promoting entrepreneurial empowerment among Filipinos and fervently supporting the country’s thriving SMEs. With this Negosyo Center collaboration, PLDT Smart SME Nation can further help local entrepreneurs get started, grow, and contribute to the economic progress for our country,” said PLDT and Smart EVP and Head of Enterprise, International and Carrier Business Eric Alberto.
On the other hand, DTI-Bureau of SME Development Director Jerry Clavesillas has welcomed the department’s tie up with the PLDT SME Nation as it will enable the Negosyo Centers to provide faster online transaction and access to information.
Through the Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act authored by Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, it gave the mandate to DTI to establish Negosyo Centers to facilitate faster registration of micro businesses and SMEs in order to encourage more Filipinos to go into business.
The functions of these centers involve business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy and monitoring and evaluation of business processes for MSMEs. This aims to increase local job creation, production and trade in the country.
The government eyes some 1,200 Negosyo Centers in a span of five to seven years. (PNA)