(Tagbilaran City, December)–After the opening of the Negosyo Center (NC) at Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) now targets to establish more NCs in the towns.

DTI intends to put up NCs in Tagbilaran City, Tubigon, Loon, Talibon, Jagna, Carmen and Ubay.

The Law mandates that DTI shall implement the establishment, management, and personnel assignments of NCs.

NCs promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME) services.

Its functions include but not limited to facilitating business registration and providing free one-on-one advisory services to MSMEs including access to financing, market promotion, training and mentorship, and other business development services.

Meanwhile, the LGUs shall coordinate with the DTI in the processing of different permits and licenses and for other business development services to support MSMEs.

Contrary to the public perception, the NCs do not provide any form of capital or financing, including those in the form of grants, equity, or loan financing.

However, they are expected to help MSMEs get access to financial service providers relevant to their needs.

Also, NCs do not provide manpower pooling or deployment services as it caters to entrepreneurs and not job seekers.

Establishment of NCs is mandated by “Go Negosyo Act” or RA 10644 which was authored by Sen. Bam Aquino and was signed into law by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III on July 15, 2014. (BIPC/Jing Rara)