The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is set to facilitate the establishment of Negosyo Centers in three of the province’s six remaining local government units (LGUs) that have yet to set up the business assistance hubs, an official said Monday.

Krystle Jade Bato, spokesperson and officer-in-charge of the DTI-Negros Oriental Consumer Protection Division, said the agency will work with the municipalities of Tayasan, Manjuyod and Jimalalud to establish their respective Negosyo Centers this year.

In an interview, Bato said Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, mandates all cities and municipalities to establish Negosyo Centers in partnership with the DTI to support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.

Under the law, the DTI provides personnel for the centers, while LGUs are responsible for identifying and providing a building or office space where the facility can operate.

“The Negosyo Center serves as a one-stop shop for individuals planning to start a business and for entrepreneurs seeking assistance in managing and expanding their enterprises,” Bato said.

She added that the centers provide services that help entrepreneurs establish, manage and grow micro, small and medium enterprises.

The six LGUs in Negros Oriental that still do not have Negosyo Centers are Tayasan, Manjuyod, Vallehermoso, Jimalalud, Basay and Bacong.

Bato said residents of municipalities without Negosyo Centers may still access services through nearby towns or cities where the facilities are already operational.

Among the services offered are business registration assistance, free business advisory services, and facilitation of financing programs, including loan assistance through the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), the DTI’s financing arm.

Earlier this year, the DTI inaugurated Negosyo Centers in the municipalities of Sta. Catalina and Zamboanguita. (PNA)