Negosyo Center launched in Zambales
IBA, ZAMBALES. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Zambales, Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Development Council (MSMEDC) and the Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU) recently launch the very first Negosyo Center in this province on March 3, 2016 aiming to streamline its process for local small entrepreneurs from business start-ups to expansion.
The champion and author of “GoNegosyo Act” Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Vice Governor Ramon G. Lacbain II and Judith P. Angeles, Regional Director of DTI grace the event highlighting the importance of linkage between small businesses and industries.
Senator Aquino said in his inspirational message that the center which is the 150th established all over the country should build ‘connectivity’ among various stakeholders to ensure inclusive growth.
“Connection should be strengthened between entrepreneurs and government agencies to further its coordination of support. There should also be connection between big enterprises and small enterprises. These big businesses can get their stable supplies to small business, while the MSMEs can assure their marketability” Aquino explained.
FULL PACK DEVELOPMENT
Vice Governor Ramon G. Lacbain II who is also the Provincial PESO Manager stresses points of this “connectivity”. He said that PESO Zambales, as a staunch partner extended its job generation and facilitation programs which also includes promotion of business enterprises.
“In connection with DTI the expansion of programs for MSMEs is seen to be tangible and ready to serve.” Vice Gov. Lacbain said.
The Negosyo Center is located at the Ground Floor, Estrada Building, Zone VI, Iba, Zambales. The building is formerly the Office of Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP). Through the initiative of Vice Gov. Lacbain as the Chairman of the Ramon Magsaysay Council and with the full support of Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., the building was transformed into Youth Development Center where the ground floor serves as offices for the Negosyo Center, Negosyo Training Center, DTI Provincial Office and Pasalubong Center. The 2nd floor serves as offices for BSP and GSP.
On hand also to give support to the program is the local government of Iba headed by Mayor Jun Rundstedt Ebdane and Vice Mayor Jun Farin.
Various industries were also present in the event including the Zambales Resorts’ Owners Association, Iba Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants, Zambrox Corporation, Zambales Food Specialty Manufacturers Association, Palauig Pastillas Producers Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC), Masinloc MPC, San Felipe Chicharon Longganisa Producers Association, Mother Community Center, Samahan ng Magmamangga in Zambales, Linasin Farmers Association, San Antonio Moringga Processors Association, Maloma MPC, Cerena Farms, banking industries and government agencies.
Moreover, the newly elected officers of MSMEs Development Council also take oath to further the development of the program.
INCLUSIVE GROWTH
The Negosyo Center is the result of RA 10644 “An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises” also known as the “Go Negosyo Act” principally authored by Senator Aquino.
The Negosyo Center shall be responsible for promoting programs for entrepreneurs with services such as Business Registration Assistance, Training and Financing, Advisory Services, Business Information and Advocacy, Monitoring and Evaluation.
The Philippines is composed of MSMEs which account for more than 99% of all establishments in the country. These MSMEs comprise 66% of total employment in the private sector. (Terence Palomer)