21/10/2026
𝐃𝐓𝐈-𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬
NAVAL, BILIRAN—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Biliran Provincial Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Biliran, officially launched the Provincial Negosyo Center-Biliran on 20 October 2026 at the Local Economic Development, Investment, and Promotions Office (LEDIPO), Capitol Compound, Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran. The center is the fourth Provincial Negosyo Center established in Eastern Visayas, marking a significant milestone in strengthening support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.
DTI Biliran OIC-Provincial Director Rebecca Cormanes led the launching ceremony in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Biliran, through the leadership of Governor Rogelio Espina, represented by Hon. Brigido Caneja III, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member. The event highlighted the shared commitment of the national and local governments to advancing entrepreneurship, strengthening local enterprises, and promoting sustainable economic development in Biliran.
Representing DTI Region VIII Regional Director Celerina Bato, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist (STIDS) Ferreola Suzette Pablo, Officer-in-Charge of the Business Development Division (BDD), conveyed the Regional Director’s message during the event. RD Bato emphasized that the establishment of the Provincial Negosyo Center—Biliran goes beyond the opening of a facility; it reflects DTI’s sustained commitment to making essential business development services more accessible to MSMEs in the province.
She underscored the center’s role in providing accessible information, business assistance, and development opportunities to help entrepreneurs establish, sustain, and expand their enterprises, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and competitive local economy.
The Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), a key partner in advancing the province’s business sector, also expressed its support through the presence of Mr. Justien Nixon Tangpuz, who represented BCCI President Ritche Curso. The organization’s participation highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in creating a more enabling environment for local businesses.
The successful establishment of the Provincial Negosyo Center – Biliran was made possible through the strong partnership and support of Dr. Ryan Teofel Arpon, Local Economic Development, Investment, and Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) of the Provincial Government of Biliran. Dr. Arpon expressed the provincial government’s continued commitment to partnership and coordinated service delivery for MSMEs, emphasizing that the launch marks not the culmination of their efforts but the beginning of stronger collaboration to address the evolving needs of the province’s entrepreneurs.
The event was also attended by Dr. Marisel Leorna, Director of the National Coconut Research Center – Visayas, reflecting the collaborative efforts of DTI and the Provincial Government of Biliran in promoting the sustainable growth and development of the province’s coconut industry.
The launch of the center marks another step toward building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the province, one that empowers local businesses, encourages enterprise development, and creates greater opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic progress.
