More microentrepreneurs in Cebu province will benefit from the microenterprise mentoring program, institutionalized through an ordinance, an official said on Tuesday.

Glenn Anthony Soco, Cebu’s sixth district representative to the Provincial Board, said the number of microentrepreneurs now reaching 20,000 who have availed of the Sugbo Negosyo program are expected to double, with the infusion of more funds and passage of the ordinance.

He said the provincial board on Monday approved on its third and final reading the Sugbo Negosyo Ordinance.

“The ordinance was originally crafted to provide business opportunities to Cebuanos during the Covid-19 pandemic. But Gov. (Gwendolyn) Garcia expanded its implementation and committed to infuse more funds to help our micro business industry,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

During the first season alone, the program helped 9,853 microentrepreneurs, while 9,936 availed of the mentoring and livelihood program during the second season.

The program has a PHP100 million fund for every season.

Soco said the program is now in its third season, registering 500 individuals who wish to learn basic business principles through mentorship with successful business people.

“The program has remarkably helped countless enterprising individuals and businesses. Each season produced impressive businesses, creating innovative products using creative business ideas,” he said.

As partners, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) agreed to provide mentoring sessions to help Cebuano entrepreneurs develop effective ways to improve their sales and expand their market.

The DTI is in charged of validating and evaluating applicants. (PNA)