FDA helping out Sugbo Negosyo program

CEBU, Philippines — In order to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cebu, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) committed to help and collaborate with the provincial government through its Sugbo Negosyo program.

FDA officials headed by Deputy Director General Jesusa Joyce Cirunay presented their strategy to simplify the FDA application process for entrepreneurs. They stressed the need for proper guidance for applicants during a meeting held at the Capitol last Thursday.

“We will bring to Cebu Province this program of FDA to help Cebuano entrepreneurs,” Cirunay told Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in a report by Sugbo News, Capitol’s official media arm.

During the meeting, Garcia emphasized the goals of Sugbo Negosyo, which aim to support Cebuano micro and small entrepreneurs by offering capability-building training and providing capital assistance to help them advance their businesses.

Additionally, as part of the Sugbo Negosyo Program, FDA officials sought the governor's support in involving Cebu's state universities.

Their goal is to assist student entrepreneurs by streamlining the FDA approval process for their products, fostering the growth of the next generation of innovators.

Sugbo Negosyo is in its third season with at least 500 beneficiaries with a budget allocation of ?100 million. The program is set to award its first millionaire, selecting the top entrepreneur-beneficiary from a pool of participants who have undergone a screening process.

In season one the Sugbo Negosyo benefited 9,853 Cebuanos while 9,936 were given livelihood opportunities during the second season.

To recall, the Sugbo Negosyo program was launched by the Cebu Provincial Government to address extensive job losses after COVID-19 pandemic hit Cebu.

Garcia emphasized the importance of establishing a "Cebu brand" under the Sugbo Negosyo program, highlighting its potential to boost the local economy and promote high-quality standards for Cebuano products. — (FREEMAN)