KALIBO, Aklan – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kalibo, officially opened the 19th Negosyo Center in the province, marking a significant milestone in Aklan’s push for inclusive local economic development.
Located at the ground floor of the old Kalibo municipal hall building in Barangay Poblacion, the new Negosyo Center aims to simplify business processes and expand support services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This facility offers assistance in business registration, technology transfer, entrepreneurship training, production management, and marketing support — all in one accessible location.
In his speech, delivered by Kalibo’s Vice Mayor Phillip Yerro Kimpo, Mayor Juris B. Sucro underscored the center’s role in economic empowerment.
“This center stands as a symbol of hope and empowerment. It is a place where aspiring business owners can access vital support — from business registration assistance to training to market linkage — all under one roof. It is a space where ideas will be nurtured, talents will be developed, and local enterprises will flourish,” Sucro said.
He also emphasized that the Negosyo Center is more than just a facility: “It represents a partnership between the national government, the local government, and the people, carrying a strong message to every Kalibonhon that they can start, grow, and succeed in their own community.”
DTI-Aklan director Romel Amihan provided an overview of the steady growth of Negosyo Centers in the province. The first was established in Kalibo in April 2015; followed by Ibajay, Altavas, Numancia, and Lezo in 2016; Makato, Libacao, Malinao, and Boracay (Malay) in 2017, with Buruanga added later that year; Banga, New Washington, Nabas, and Tangalan in 2018; and additional centers in Batan, Balete, and Madalag by year-end.
In 2022, Malay established its second Negosyo Center in Caticlan. With this launch, Kalibo now hosts two Negosyo Centers, bringing the total to 19 across Aklan.
“These centers are not only streamlining processes. They are fueling the growth of local businesses and strengthening the province’s economy from the ground up,” Amihan noted.
Also in attendance was Jun Aguirre, corporate secretary of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Aklan, who spoke on behalf of PCCI-Aklan president Ramel V. Buncalan, reaffirming the business sector’s support.
“We always support Kalibo because we want more investors to come,” Aguirre said.
The program concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by Vice Mayor Kimpo and Amihan, joined by partner agencies and members of the Aklan Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (PMSMED) Council.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also signed between DTI-Aklan and LGU-Kalibo, reinforcing their joint commitment to enterprise development.
Negosyo Centers are established under the Republic Act No. 10644 (Go Negosyo Act), which seeks to bring essential government services closer to entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth nationwide. (PIA)
