The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) hub, which will rise on a Capitol-owned property here, is expected to be completed in March next year.

The provincial government allowed the ANP to use the land adjacent to the Capitol building on the South Capitol Road through a 25-year usufruct agreement signed by both parties earlier this year.

After the groundbreaking rites on Wednesday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he hopes the hub will serve as a venue for the ANP to help MSMEs in the province showcase their products.

“The provincial government is just happy to tie-up with the ANP. I believe in your group. I trust your group. This (project) will have a far-reaching effect,” he said.

The association is using a 1,000-square meter area for the ANP MSME hub.

The provincial government also provided PHP5 million to fund the construction of the building that will house a business and training center, showroom, office, and the Bugana Market.

ANP president Arlene Infante said the facility will serve as the newest tourism hub in the province and the city.

“This hub is a manifestation of three decades of prayers of all the board of directors and members of the ANP. For the longest time, we have been praying for this. We cannot afford it on our own, but under the administration of Governor Bong, we are able to have this lot and structure,” she added.

The soon-to-rise ANP MSME hub will be built beside the area of wildlife conservation group Talarak Foundation, which also entered into a usufruct agreement with the province for the use of the Capitol property. (PNA)