Senator Bam Aquino believes that the Go Negosyo Act will help rebuild lives and businesses destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda once it is enacted into law.

“The measure contains several provisions that can help Yolanda-stricken communities more quickly get back up on their feet,” said Aquino, the bill’s author and chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.

The Go Negosyo Act seeks to support entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their micro,small, or medium enterprises (MSMEs), which is the main source of income and livelihood of many Filipinos.

The bill was approved Last Monday, the Senate approved the bill on the third and final reading.

The measure also aims to provide access to sources of financing, which is badly needed by entrepreneurs who have lost their livelihood to Yolanda.

“Without access to capital and other forms of support and assistance, I think it will take a very long time before communities get back on their feet,” Aquino said.

Aside from access to financing, the Go Negosyo Act mandates the creation of Negosyo Centers that will serve as hubs for business registration and processing, to facilitate easeof doing business.

The Negosyo Centers will also offer services on business conceptualization and feasibility,capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

“The Go Negosyo Act provides for everything that an entrepreneur will need to start or expand their business,” Aquino added.

A few months ago,Aquino visited several areas devastated by the super typhoon and personally witnessed its effects to businesses, especially in Tacloban, considered as the center of business in Leyte.

Sen. Aquino is also currently in Coron, Palawan to meet with local business leaders and fund managers.

“By jumpstarting business operations in devastated areas, we will be able to provide livelihood to residents, strengthen the local economy, and boost the recovery of devastated areas,” Aquino said.

Earlier, the senator called on the rehabilitation commission to provide financial help to entrepreneurs who lost their livelihood to the super typhoon.

Sen. Aquino also urged government financial institutions, such as Land Bank of the Philippines,to give loans to business owners at a low interest rate.

Photo source: http://www.tzuchi.org.ph