Negosyo Center to boost entrepreneurial culture in Basilan

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421503584777/negosyo-center-to-boost-entrepreneurial-culture-in-basilan
• Friday, August 25, 2017

By Rene V. Carbayas (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The launching of the Negosyo Center in Lamitan City, Basilan is seen boost entrepreneurial culture in Basilan.

This was the statement of Mayor Rose Furigay as she thanked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for establishing the center at the heart of the city, which will pave the way to improve and give more opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises in Basilan, most especially in Lamitan City.

“As your partner with this project, we wish to assure that Lamitan City shall actively promote entrepreneurship among our people here and in the neighboring municipalities, as well. So we shall be the central hub for new business ideas, innovation, and best business practices; of course with the support and involvement of the DTI and our people,” she said.

In her message, the mayor pointed out how this event may help achieve the entrepreneurial culture that would benefit not only the people of Lamitan but the province and the nation’s economic development as well.

Lamiteños were anticipating the arrival of honored guest, Senator Bam Aquino, but were frustrated that he sent his staff instead.

Norman Cualteros, policy officer, office of Sen Bam Aquino apologized for the absence of the Senator citing equally important engagement in Manila. He assured, however, that the Senator is proud that the Negosyo Center is now fully operational.

“Malaki po ang potential ng Lamitan, lalung-lalo po sa pagbukas ng negosyo center. Ngayon po mabilis na ang ating pag-unlad dahil sa panunungkulan ng ating local leaders. Lalo pa po itong mapapabilis dahil may partnership na ng negosyo center, ng local government, and of course the local people, the local entrepreneurs who really want to push for an enterprise development in this area. So tulung-tulong po tayo,” he said.

Cualteros recalled that in 2013, Senator Bam has instructed them to propose a bill that will make it easy for entrepreneurs to put up a business and improve their quality of life. And thus, Republic Act 10644 was born as the first ever law of the senator.

Nonito Manuel, OIC DTI provincial director said that Negosyo Centers (NC) shall promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction.

“With the establishment of NC in Lamitan, we are expecting more businesses to grow, more people to go entrepreneurial, and avail of the center’s services not only those who are in the city but also those from neighboring municipalities, which we also intend to replicate in the next few days,” he said.

The DTI ensures management guidance assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs in Lamitan with the support and cooperation of the people and partner agencies.

The NC will be managed by the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council of Lamitan which was established on April 11, 2017.