Manjuyod: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has inaugurated a Negosyo Center in Manjuyod town, aiming to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), an official announced on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the inauguration took place on Tuesday, attended by DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Juliet Banogon and Manjuyod Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya. Krystle Jade Bato, spokesperson for DTI-Negros Oriental, noted that the Manjuyod center is the second of three planned Negosyo Centers to open this year, following the first in Zamboanguita. The third is scheduled to launch in Sta. Catalina later this year.

This new facility increases the number of Negosyo Centers in Negros Oriental to 20, including those in 19 local government units (LGUs) and the provincial office. However, six LGUs-Jimalalud, Tayasan, Vallehermoso, Basay, Bacong, and San Jose-have yet to establish their own centers.

Bato highlighted Banogon's message during the event, emphasizing the DTI's commitment to bringing services and business opportunities closer to Manjuyod's residents. Banogon expressed hopes that the center would become a hub where business ideas receive guidance, small enterprises find opportunities, and local entrepreneurs obtain the necessary support for growth.

The center offers a variety of services, including free business name registration, business advisory services, training programs, and assistance with financial resources for MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs. This initiative is a collaboration between the municipal government, which provides the space, and the DTI, which supplies the personnel to run the center.

Bato mentioned the possibility of opening three additional Negosyo Centers in the province this year, contingent on the availability of further funding. The Negosyo Center program is designed to enhance the ease of doing business and assist MSMEs in starting, growing, and sustaining their enterprises through accessible government services and support.