Sugbo Negosyo beneficiaries given a week to use P30K aid

CEBU, Philippines — Beneficiaries of the Sugbo Negosyo program—a micro-entrepreneur assistance initiative of the Cebu Provincial Government—have been given one week by the Capitol to use the P30,000 worth of material assistance for the improvement of their business stores.

This directive follows the Capitol’s release of funds through QR-coded cards, which are to be used to purchase pre-approved equipment and supplies from accredited partner merchants.

During a meeting held on June 4, outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia assured beneficiaries that they would receive the second and final (third) tranche of financial assistance before the end of her term on June 30.

With this, the Capitol has set a timeline for the beneficiaries to make their purchases and apply the materials for physical store enhancements.

“Ang challenge nila is hutdon nila og palit og itaod hangtod Dominggo, that is the 15th of June,” Garcia said.

Store inspections will take place on June 16 and 17. On June 18, Garcia, along with the technical working group and other assessment stakeholders, will meet to select the qualifiers for the third tranche of financial assistance.

“Amo na ipost inigka 19 (June) sa Sugbo News, at the same time irelease na namo ang kadtong P150,000 sa kadtong mga niqualify for that day. So after that, dili kinahanglan nga kutob June 30 atong iaward. Pwede ra si Glenn ana ang mo-award,” Garcia told The Freeman.

Garcia also addressed concerns raised by the beneficiaries regarding the continuity of the program once she steps down from office. Many feared they would not receive the remaining tranches under the incoming administration.

“Wala na baya si Gwendolyn, madayon pa ba kaha, tinud-on pa ba kaha, yeah I can see, I can see the hesistance… The reason that you are here is that I gave you my promise, nasayod na mo nako.. I’m still here because this is my term and I took an oath that I shall serve faithfully until the end of my term, not for myself but for Cebu,” she told the beneficiaries.

During the meeting at the Capitol Social Hall, the beneficiaries were briefed on the guidelines for the P30,000 assistance.

Among the requirements is the submission of “before” and “after” photos of the physical store enhancements. Failure to make the recommended improvements to the storefront, as agreed upon between mentors and beneficiaries, will result in automatic disqualification.

Beneficiaries must also install signage—either a business name or logo—placed strategically to attract customers. Those with existing signage are required to make improvements. A Sugbo Negosyo solar-powered sign will also be provided, not charged against the second tranche.

For liquidation, only original sales invoices, duplicate originals, or certified true copies will be accepted. Photocopies are not allowed, and the submission of fake receipts will be grounds for disqualification.

Officials from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), including President Mark Anthony Ynoc, past president Steven Yu, and Kelie Ko, attended the meeting. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu Director Marivic Aguilar was also present.

Among the 281 beneficiaries for the third season of the program, only one will be selected as the overall winner and will receive P1 million worth of financial assistance, which will also be downloaded to their QR-coded card.

Sugbo Negosyo is a flagship livelihood assistance program under Governor Garcia’s administration, with the Capitol allocating P100 million for its implementation. — (FREEMAN)