PB okays Sugbo Negosyo Ordinance on first reading

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance seeking to adopt and institutionalize Sugbo Negosyo as one of the flagship programs of the Cebu Provincial Government.

Otherwise known as “an ordinance adopting and institutionalizing Sugbo Negosyo as one of the flagship programs of the provincial government, prescribing its guidelines, administration, provision of funds and other purposes,” the proposed measure of Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco aims to help uplift the lives of the Cebuanos.

Under the proposed ordinance, the provincial government shall be allocating P100,000,000 budget for every season or implementation of the program.

“It is the declared policy of the Province of Cebu to promote and provide programs and activities that shall support and assist Cebuanos in their livelihood and income-generation with the ultimate objective of poverty alleviation and socio-economic development,” read a portion of the draft ordinance.

It states that by institutionalizing Sugbo Negosyo, this shall improve its implementation and management, promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in the conduct of its activities.

“The program envisions to uplift the lives of the Sugbuanons by providing them opportunities to boost, enhance and re-purpose their existing business operations in order to pump prime the local economy,” it added.

This ordinance also aims to encourage the Cebuanos to create and formulate unique products which are only found in the province. The proposed measure was referred to the committee on commerce and industry.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry- 7 and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MCCI) will be the assisting arms of the provincial government in this program.

The DTI-7 shall assist in the evaluation of the applications under Sugbo Negosyo. The Negosyo Centers of the department shall provide the program beneficiaries, seminars, assistance in business registrations, and other services.

On the other hand, MCCI shall assist in the evaluation of forms, provide business coaching and mentoring services to the applicants. Sugbo Negosyo is a microenterprise assistance program of the provincial government aimed to promote SUGBO or the sustainable, upliftment and growth through business opportunities. — (FREEMAN)