More NCs for WV in 2017

DTI OIC Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon (4^th from left) and DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. (3^rd from left) with Lambunao Mayor Jason Gonzales (3^rd from right) and 3^rd District Rep. Arthur Defensor Jr. are joined by DTI Iloilo Provincial Office staff during the launching of Negosyo Center in Lambunao, Iloilo.

MSMEs, start-ups and budding entrepreneurs are expected to have a trouble-free access with DTI services as the DTI VI is set to establish more Negosyo Centers (NCs) this year – with 19 NCs all over the region.

The NCs provide services to micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs), including business mentoring services, information on market and access to funding. This facilities are expected to bring in business opportunities to communities and countryside development.

The DTI has likewise created a special lane for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at these facilities to provide them and/or their families the options of learning entrepreneurship and/or pursue business undertakings.

The 19 NCs will be distributed in the following provinces: Aklan and Antique with three centers each, Capiz with two, Guimaras with one, and Iloilo and Negros Occidental will have five centers each.

In 2016, DTI established 21 NCs in the region. At present, there already 31 NCs in the region.

The launching of NCs are in line with Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act which aims to help MSMEs, promote ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance to MSMEs and provide access to other facilities or equipment.

RA 10644 also indicates support for MSMEs through national government agencies, easier business registration, provision of management guidance, improved working conditions, and facilitation of market access and linkage services for entrepreneurs.