ZAMBOANGA CITY – Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV reiterated the government’s full support for the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to achieve the inclusive growth agenda as he inaugurated the Negosyo Center in the city last Thursday (July 30).
In his speech, Sen. Aquino said the economic gains that the country has been reaping the last five years will not be complete if it is not an inclusive one.
“We have the best economic growth in the last five years. But this is not complete if it is not inclusive. To achieve this, number one on the list is support for our MSMEs so that we can ensure that our economic growth reaches to the farthest places and where it is really needed”, the young legislator said.
He pointed that access to finance, access to improve their capacity, and access to larger markets are key to inclusive growth, thus, he authored Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act of 2014.
“We passed the law to be that support for our MSMEs so they can feel that the government is here to help them grow and expand their businesses. If our business owners are able to grow and thrive, they provide jobs, make local economy grow, and we create value for our countrymen, Whether you are an owner of a sari-sari store or a big factory, each one has a role to play, and if supported, can support our inclusive growth agenda”, Aquino said.
One of the biggest provisions of RA 10644 is the establishment of negosyo centers nationwide, aimed at assisting and guiding MSMEs to the right business direction.
“Negosyo Centers are our gift to our people; for our people who work hard for their families. Whether you are big or small business, you can go to our negosyo center and get the same amount of support and get the same type of respect. You will get all the support, information, care, and guidance that you need”, Aquino stressed.
With the Department of Trade and Industry as the implementer and oversee of negosyo centers, Sen. Aquino personally thanked DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo for making RA 10644 a reality.
“To Sec. Gregory Domingo, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. This law, without your support, and without your persistence and insistence, will only be a piece of paper. But because of your support and your action, it’s now a reality and it’s something that we can all be proud of”, he said.
DTI is tasked to establish 100 negosyo centers nationwide for 2015, but as it stands, the department is set to establish 140, 40% above the target, to the delight of Sen. Aquino.
“I was told by Usec. Zeny Maglaya that we are on our way to establishing 140 for this year with just a budget for a hundred. That means they are 40% above target and for businessmen, 40% above target is very good news! We are hoping that by outing up together these negosyo centers, creating the right support for our MSMEs, we’ll be able to contribute to our inclusive growth agenda for our country. Congratulations to all stakeholders! And as I love to say it, Zamboanga City Negosyo Center, now open for business”, he ended.
Among the dignitaries present during the inauguration of the Negosyo Center are DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo and DTI Usec. Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya, and Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle G. Climaco. It was also graced by the leaders of business chambers all over the region, and national line agencies officials and representatives.
Posted By: Lynne Pingoy
