DTI-12, LGU activate `pro-poor' Negosyo Center in Cotabato City

COTABATO CITY -- The Department of Trade and the city government launched here Wednesday a Negosyo Center” as a service conduit for local entrepreneurs and merchants.The activation of the center is in compliance with the Go Negosyo Act authored by Senator Paolo Benigno Bam” Aquino.The center, located along Sinsuat Avenue here, was opened to the public during a simple inaugural rite led by officials of the DTI office in Region 12 and local officials led by physician Danda Juanday, the appointed city administrator.The event was also attended by DTI personnel from Koronadal City and the neighboring Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato provinces, both in Region 12, and Anecito Rasalan, secretary of the newly-reelected Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr.DTI officials present in the event told reporters the center will provide local entrepreneurs with free services, among them business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation of functional businesses, including traditional crafts.Carlito Nuñez, officer-in-charge of DTI’s office in Cotabato City, said prospective entrepreneurs and traders and those already operating local businesses are free to visit the center during working hours for advisory assistance.Juanday said he is thankful to the DTI for opening a Negosyo Center in the city, where small and medium enterprise activities have been booming lately, as shown by applications for local business permits. We will support the operation of this center, which we know can help boost the local economy,” Juanday said.He said he is confident the newly-elected Cotabato City Vice Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi will focus on legislating business-friendly” ordinances needed to boost the city’s investment atmosphere.Juanday said among the recent conspicuous improvements in the city’s trading climate is the rise of malls in strategic areas, now generating revenues and employment for local folks.