The Department of Trade and Industry opened the new office of the Negosyo Center Tabuk City at the city hall’s legislative building to promote local entrepreneurship to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city and to provide further support to the micro entrepreneurs who are the prime movers of the local economy.
DTI-Cordillera Director Juliet Lucas and Mayor Darwin Estrañero led the event that was attended by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor Dick Bal-o, the city officials and department heads, and the DTI Kalinga headed by Provincial Director Renie Ramos.
Lucas emphasized the importance of the establishment of Negosyo Center as an office and a co-working space for all agencies or organizations supportive to MSME development and a provider of one-stop shop assistance.
The center can also facilitate local job creation, production, and trade in the city.
Estrañero expressed his commitment in improving the services for the MSMEs such as the upgrading of Negosyo Center into full-service type with complete facilities such as pasalubong center, training hall, and information desk.
The establishment of Negosyo Center is anchored in Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act for promoting ease of doing business and facilita-ting access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction.
The DTI also oriented local manufacturers on intellectual property to strengthen their knowledge in safeguarding the rights of ethnic woven products of Kalinga or other intangible assets and from exploitation and infringements.
DTI said participants were introduced to the registration processes with regard to patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs.
Participants have to learn how they can use the intellectual property (IP) system to build a strong business, protect their innovations and turn them into bankable IP assets. – Peter Balocnit
