More overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could venture into entrepreneurship through the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) Negosyo Centers launched the country this year.
DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said the agency plans to open at least two hundred Negosyo Centers to help OFWs and people in remote areas try their luck in businesses.
“At the start of 2017, we’ve targeted to open 200 more Negosyo Centers. But to be able to reach far-flung areas, we would open more, so we expect to surpass the 200 centers target,” SunStar quoted Maglaya as saying.
Maglaya said OFWs and returnees are among those who joined “entrepreneurship fever” and shown interest in starting a business through Negosyo Centers.
“This is a very welcome news for us that interest in entrepreneurship among Filipinos is growing. We highly encourage Filipinos, especially our OFWs to engage in business so we can help our Filipinos and the country’s economy,” Maglaya added.
Data from DTI showed at least 3,041 OFWs have been assisted by Negosyo Centers.
Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act mandates the establishment of at least one Negosyo Center in every cities and municipalities.
DTI has opened a total of 562 Negosyo Centers since the implementation of RA 10644.
Here’s what you need to know about Negosyo Centers (source: DTI website):
1. DTI’s Negosyo Centers helps provide “ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for micro and small and medium enterprises within its jurisdiction such as business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation.
2. DTI has set four types of Negosyo Centers with different features. These are:
- Model A: A facility ideal for provinces, cities, and first-class municipalities with 3 to 5 business counselors plus support staff. Facility includes a reception area (receiving counter, PBR kiosk, computers, lounge, and library), consultation and meeting room, working area, and a training room
- Model B: A facility ideal for second-class municipalities with 2 to 3 business counselors plus support staff. Facility includes a reception area, consultation and meeting room, and working area.
- Model C: A facility ideal for third- to fourth-class municipalities with 2 business counselors plus support staff. Facility includes reception area and 3 desks.
- Model D: A facility ideal for fifth to sixth class municipalities with 1 desk officer LGUs and the private sector are encouraged to assign personnel to support the Negosyo Centers. They are also allowed to host the facility should they have available space that is accessible to more entrepreneurs.
