‘Sugbo Negosyo’ takes off

File photo
File photo

AFTER three months of planning and going over thousands of applicants, the Cebu Provincial Government is now finally ready for Sugbo Negosyo, an economic assistance program to fund new and existing businesses considered the first of its kind in the country.

From a list of 17,881 applicants, only 8,250 were qualified to receive assistance from the provincial government.

The applicants, all residents of Cebu province, were subjected to rigorous examination. The application process ended on Nov. 6, 2020.

On Monday, Dec. 14, Capitol entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with more than 30 suppliers that will help the Cebuanos in starting or restarting their businesses.

The Province will spend P100 million to fund Sugbo Negosyo, which aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, and overseas Filipino workers who returned home after losing their jobs.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who was present during the MOA signing with other officials, said Sugbo Negosyo was not a dole.

“Even though this is not a loan because they do not have to pay us in terms of cash, they have to make this grow. Small businesses that received help should flourish,” Garcia said in Cebuano.

The MOA signing was witnessed by Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Steven Yu, Department of Trade and Industry Cebu OIC Provincial Director Rose Mae Quiñanola, Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III, Provincial Board members and other officials.

“I know that indeed the Sugbo Negosyo will be a shining example of what people, when working together, can achieve. Busa, dinhi sa Sugbo, ipakita nato ang mga Sugboanon nagtinabangay alang sa mga Sugboanon (That’s why in Cebu, we must show that Cebuanos help fellow Cebuanos),” Garcia said.

Garcia said she was grateful that Cebu has become a model for other provinces on how to recover from losses in the local economy.

The MCCI thanked the Provincial Government for starting the program even amid the pandemic.

“This sends a very strong message to the business community that Cebu Province is pro-life and pro-livelihood as well. We are on our ninth month of lockdown. While we are conscious about the health situation, we should be really serious in reopening businesses and the economy,” Yu said.

The applications were divided into three categories: Category A for those who will receive assistance through raw materials and supplies worth P50,000; Category B for those who will receive P20,000 in assistance; and Category C for those who will receive P10,000.

Category A or “Negosyong Padayonon” is intended for established MSME operators that need recovery assistance and enhancement.

Category B or “Produktong Sugbuanon” is for new and existing MSME operators engaged in manufacturing or processing.

Finally, Category C or “Mga Serbisyo ug Gagmay’ng Patigayon” is for new and existing MSME operators engaged in trading and services. (KAL)

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