PLDT powers up Negosyo centers with WiFI connectivity

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has tapped telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. to aid micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSME) in starting their business and open opportunities for potential expansion.

PLDT, through its small-and-medium enterprise arm PLDT Smart SME Nation, signed a joint project with the DTI to power the government’s more than 100 Negosyo Centers nationwide.

Through the partnership, PLDT said the 131 existing DTI Negosyo Centers would have Smart WiFI connectivity available for all its guests and would be fitted with a video monitoring security solution.

DTI-Bureau of SME Development director Jerry Clavesillas said PLDT’s assistance in providing WiFI connectivity in the Negosyo Centers is critical in providing fast services to MSMEs through online transactions and access to information.

“We have always been one with our partners in promoting entrepreneurial empowerment among Filipinos and fervently supporting the country’s thriving SMEs. With this Negosyo Center collaboration, PLDT Smart SME Nation can further help local entrepreneurs get started, grow, and contribute to the economic progress for our country,” PLDT and Smart EVP and head of enterprise, international and carrier business Eric Alberto said.

The DTI is opening Negosyo Centers in different parts of the country to implement the Go Negosyo Act signed into law by President Aquino in July last year.

Republic Act 10644, otherwise known as the Go Negosyo Act, mandates the establishment of the Negosyo Centers to enable MSMEs to grow and create more job opportunities leading to the country’s economic growth and development.

As more than 90 percent of the total registered businesses in the country are MSMEs, the Negosyo Centers aim to provide services to support their growth by making it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to start and register their businesses at the local level.

The DTI recently announced a separate partnership with property giant Megaworld Corp. and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the establishment of a Negosyo Center at the Lucky Chinatown mall in Binondo, Manila.

With more than a hundred Negosyo Centers already catering to 35,000 entrepreneurs, the DTI is targeting to expand its facilities to 150 by next year.