KALIBO, Aklan – Local officials here expressed optimism that the opening of the Negosyo Center here will help the smaller enterprises keep up with big businesses in the province.

“The establishment of a pioneering Negosyo Center in the province will empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as they compete with big businesses,” said Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores.

“As envisioned by Senator Bam Aquino, the Negosyo Center will also boost job generation and promote inclusive growth in Aklan,” he added.

Sen. Bam, author of Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, led the formal opening of the Negosyo Center here Friday together with Kalibo mayor William Lachica, other local officials, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other stakeholders.

The Negosyo Center, located at the ground floor of the DTI-Aklan office at Veterans Avenue, is the fourth in the country, next to Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City and Daet.

Last year, Kalibo ranked third in the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) list in terms of overall competitiveness. In terms of local economy, the municipality ranked 11^th and 1^st in government efficiency.

The province of Aklan earned some P43.78 billion from the tourism industry in 2014, mainly from local and foreign tourists who visited the world-class Boracay island.

“The Negosyo Center will help Aklan supplement its robust tourism industry with the establishment of new businesses,” said Sen. Bam.

The “Go Negosyo Act” provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities and municipalities in the country.

The Negosyo Center will provide access to linkages to bigger markets for businesses, and a unified and simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business.

“By making business registration simpler and more efficient, we hope to encourage more Filipinos to start their own small businesses to stimulate the local economy,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam said the Negosyo Center will also help link up entrepreneurs with microfinance institutions that provide financing without collateral.

In addition, the Negosyo Centers will provide courses and development programs, training, advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

Sen. Bam expects that around 100 Negosyo Centers will be established in different parts of the country this year.

“Walang Pilipino dapat na maiwan sa natatamasang kaunlaran ng bansa,” Sen. Bam emphasised.  “Kailangan, sama-sama tayong aangat.”