DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lea Gonzales (center) and Councilor Thomas Maynard Ledesma (right) lead the inauguration of the Negosyo Center in Silay City on Thursday (December 30, 2018). (Photo courtesy of DTI-Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY -- Another Negosyo Center was inaugurated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental this year, this time in Silay City, on Thursday.
Engiemar Tupas, senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said the facility will bring the agency’s services closer to entrepreneurs in Silay City.
Located at the Puericulture Center building within the City Hall complex, it is the 23rd Negosyo Center opened in the province since 2015.
Tupas, who is also the province’s coordinator for Negosyo Center, said since the northern Negros city is known for its native delicacies, the facility could provide various training courses for producers, particularly in product development.
“Silay City is starting to attract investments due to its proximity to the airport. Hence, the Negosyo Center could assist the local government in its investment promotion initiatives,” Tupas added.
Like most of the other Negosyo Centers, the local government provided the area while the DTI took charge of the signage, furniture and other equipment.
Also this year, the DTI opened six Negosyo Centers in Negros Occidental, including those in the cities of Cadiz, Escalante, Talisay and the towns of Binalbagan, San Enrique, and Pontevedra.
The rest are located in the municipalities of Isabela, Hinoba-an, La Castellana, Cauayan, EB Magalona, and cities of Himamaylan, Bago, and Sipalay.
Other Negosyo Centers in the province are those in Hinigaran town and the cities of Bacolod, San Carlos, Victorias, and La Carlota.
The Negros First Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Bacolod City was opened in 2015, along with those in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay.
The establishment of Negosyo Centers is provided under Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, which aims to provide micro, small and medium enterprises the ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, and shared service facilities, among others. (PNA)
