Capitol, DTI to help rebuild small, medium businesses

CEBU, Philippines —   As a way to help poor families and struggling micro-entrepreneurs in Cebu Province who were affected by the pandemic, the provincial government has launched its “pioneering micro-enterprise assistance program.”

Dubbed as “Sugbo Negosyo,” the program provides assistance to poor families and struggling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) aiming to promote sustainable business opportunities.  The program is in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In the program, only one applicant per household is allowed. He/she must be a registered voter of Cebu Province and at least 18 years old and above at the day of application. The business must be established within the jurisdiction of Cebu Province.

Existing micro-entrepreneurs who has been affected by COVID-19 pandemic are welcome to apply for as long as their business is located within Cebu Province.

For those who will engage in trading, only products made in Cebu are allowed to be sold under the program while imported new and used clothing (ukay-ukay), food, houseware among others that are purchased outside the province and outside the country are not allowed.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia described the months as “worst six months in living memory” after the whole island was put under community quarantine that affected many industries.

“We cannot afford that the economy continues to be in a comatose because of COVID-19. Mas daghan pa unya ang mamatay sa gutom kaysa COVID-19. Mao na gawas sa atong pagbukas sa turismo, gibukas usab nato karon ang kahigayonan nga ang atong mga kaigsuonan sa Lalawigan sa Sugbo makabalik sa pagbarog sa ilang duha ka tiil. To regain the dignity of helping themselves by encouraging entrepreneurship throughout the entire province,” Garcia said as quoted by Sugbo news, the capitol-ran news information portal.

Garcia led the program’s launching last September 30 along with Vice Governor Hilario Davide III and the provincial board members.

“Sugbo Negosyo is a way to help turnaround that gloomy vision and to keep alive the Cebuano’s hope. That hope is anchored on the fundamental belief that if the government and the people faithfully work together, we can survive this storm,” Davide said.

The offices of the vice governor and the board members were allocated P15 million and P5 million each, respectively, for the program.

Applications will be coursed through their respective offices.

Sugbo Negosyo is composed of three categories - “Negosyo Padayonon” as category A, “Produktong Sugboanon” as category B and “Mga Serbisyo ug Ginagmayng Patigayon” as category C.

Applicants who will be accepted for Category A will be given P50,000 worth of materials. P20,000 worth of materials will also be given those who will engage in manufacturing or processing of products to receive goods, equipment or raw materials. While P10, 000 will be granted for those engaging in Category C.

Application forms can be downloaded through the Facebook pages of the vice governor and the board members. It is also available at the City or Municipal Social Welfare Offices or at the barangays halls. Forms can be filled out also through the link cpg.wepay.ph.

The application started yesterday and will last until October 31. — GAN (FREEMAN)