BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry–Cordillera administrative regional office (DTI-CAR) affirms its commitment to developing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region through its Negosyo Centers and Shared Service Facilities (SSFs).
DTI-CAR Director Raymond Panhon reported at the March 11 Bagong Pilipinas Kapihan media forum that 62 Negosyo Centers across the Cordillera Administrative Region are now operational, providing assistance to MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Negosyo Center Program, established under Republic Act No. 10644, the Go Negosyo Act, promotes ease of doing business and facilitates access to services for MSMEs.
“These centers are mini DTIs strategically placed in remote areas of the region, allowing us to reach more of our constituents who cannot travel to town but still want to learn about starting and running a business,” Panhon said.
In 2024, Negosyo Centers in the region assisted 23,389 clients.
“Assistance includes business advisory, facilitation of business registrations, particularly for business names and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises. It also covers various training programs conducted by the Negosyo Centers, tailored to the needs of the area and requested by local MSMEs,” Panhon said.
For product development programs, 218 SSFs have been established in the region, a 7% increase from 2023, creating 1,898 jobs for 2,168 MSME beneficiaries.
The SSF Project aims to enhance MSME competitiveness by providing shared access to machinery, equipment, tools, systems, accessories, and other auxiliary items, as well as skills and knowledge. These facilities are designed to help beneficiaries increase production capacity, improve product quality, and expand markets, sales, and job creation.
Panhon highlighted the Digital Entertainment Exchange Facility at the Cordillera School of Digital Arts Campus in Baguio City as a notable SSF for 2024.
“This 2 million peso facility provides state-of-the-art digital entertainment equipment, making it affordable for potential talents and service providers to start or upgrade their digital careers. It also enhances digital entertainment courses and offers co-working spaces for existing enterprises and talent,” he said.
He explained that this initiative supports the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which aims to promote a digital creative economy beyond Metro Manila and empower creatives in rural areas like Baguio City, positioning the country as a premier creative hub in the region by 2030.
Panhon joined other DTI regional officials nationwide in the Presidential Communications Office-led Kapihan media forum to showcase the agencies’ accomplishments under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas governance brand. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
