DTI: Cebu now has 24 negosyo centers

CEBU, Philippines — There are now 24 negosyo centers across Cebu province where micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can register their businesses, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

The DTI said the establishment of negosyo centers was aimed to promote ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs.

Negosyo centers are now present in Madridejos, Bantayan, Sta. Fe, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Balamban, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Bogo City, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Pilar, Tudela, Poro, San Francisco, Consolacion, Lapu-Lapu City, Moalboal, Dalaguete, Carcar City, Cebu City and University of the Philippines Cebu.

Negosyo centers facilitates all new registration and renewal application of MSMEs, barangay micro-business enterprises (BMBE).

They also assist MSMEs in meeting regulatory requirements to start and maintain the business; facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial aid, shared service facilities and equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national state agencies; and conduct other programs for entrepreneurial development aligned with the MSMEs development plan.

In an earlier interview, DTI regional director Asteria Caberte urged MSMEs to take advantage of services of negosyo centers.

She said it's now more accessible to register their enterprises.

Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act mandates the creation of negosyo centers across the country to help grow the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector which accounts for around 99 percent of registered businesses in the Philippines.

The law says that negosyo centers must facilitate ease of doing business in the country and access to services for MSMEs.

Aside from accounting for most registered businesses, MSMEs also make up for most jobs created in the country.

MSMEs are considered to be an important economic growth driver, as they stimulate domestic demand through job creation, innovation and competition.

With that, prioritizing MSME development is critical in achieving inclusive growth.