THE NEED TO SET-UP AND INSTITUTIONALIZE THE

SURIGAO DEL SUR INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS, ASSISTANCE

AND GROWTH CENTER (SIPAG)

Rationale:

The development of business enterprise for Surigao del Sur has the potential for
employment generation and a catalyzing agent for economic growth of the province. It is
for this reason that the province need to actively encourage, promote, support and
strengthen the growth and development of business enterprises that will fulfill this noble
objective. Particularly targeted are rural-based enterprises that are expected to bring
about countryside industrialization and encourage further rural entrepreneurship and thus
lead to a strong and self-sufficient industrial, commercial and agriculture foundation for
the province.

Objectives of the SIPAG:

As a catalyst promotions and assistance Center to spur economic growth and industrial
activity in Surigao del Sur, SIPAG seeks to attain the following objectives:

1. Designing and drafting, in consultation with the local executives and national
government agencies an effective, realistic and motivating incentives program to
encourage the setting-up of businesses in Surigao del Sur;
2. To create a business atmosphere conducive to the economic development of the
province and spur their growth using the resources available in the province, both
natural and human;
3. To create training programs in entrepreneurship and skills development for the
people of Surigao del Sur to support the manpower needs of these enterprises;
4. Under the guidance of the province, and assistance of national government
agencies, promote linkages and cooperation between large and small enterprises
by encouraging the establishment of common service facilities;
5. To advice the provincial government and LGUs on how government efficiency and
effectiveness may be further improved in support of these business enterprises;
6. To assist and facilitate the funding needs of these local enterprises by endorsing
their funding requirements to local funding institutions;
7. To create a feedback and evaluation system that will monitor how effective the
provincial government and LGUs in providing assistance to these business
enterprises and monitor their economic contribution to the countryside;
8. To spot bottlenecks as well as environmental issues related to these business
enterprises to enable timely provincial government intervention and guidance to
these rural business enterprises;
9. Provide business advisory services by extending one-on-one consultation, focus
group discussions, intenstive coaching/mentoring, and progress monitoring.
10. Promote efficient marketing of local products and services thru market matching,
trade fairs and exhibits participation.
11. Assist in packaging loans and links MSMEs to appropriate financing institutions.
12. Provide counseling, with the assistance of technical experts, for the development
and improvement of products and services;
13. Create an effective business matching program by match local proponents with
potential investors;
14. Assist in business registration assistance by facilitating the processing of investors
documentation of paper requirements necessary for establishment of their
proposed business in Surigao del Sur.
15. Facilitate the processing of registration for Business Names(BN) and Barangay
Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) and,
16. Coordinate with local government units(LGUs) and liaise with concerned
government agencies to process the duly accomplished forms submitted by the
MSMEs
17. Conduct regular trainings, seminars and dialogues related to entrepreneurial
management, marketing, productivity and government programs: and,
18. Provide economic, technical, market and investments related information through
publications.
SIPAG Immediate Action Areas

1. Hiring of a competent Business Consultant to spearhead the formation of SIPAG

and become the focal person to initiate formation activities of the Center and the
creation of the budgetary requirements relating to administration and technical
requirements of the Center to make it an effective and efficient running
organization;
2. Designate a SIPAG Headquarters to serve as base of operations of the Center
and point of contact;
3. Hiring of support staff to assist the designated SIPAG Head in running the affairs
of the Center;
4. Establishment of SIPAG Negosyo Centers in all cities and municipalities to
promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs
within its jurisdiction;
5. Establishment of a Provincial databank to serve as database of all business
enterprises in the province;
6. Draft a technology transfer, production and management training program, as
well as marketing assistance program for targeted primarily for micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSME) registered and operating in Surigao del Sur;
7. To convene a Surigao del Sur MSME Development Council backed by
experienced business consultants with actual exposure in business development;
8. Network with other national government agencies like the DTI, DOE, NEDA, DOT
and DOF and the various chambers of commerce about business prospects for
Surigao del Sur, business advisory assistance and other investor concerns.
9. Network with government financing institutions such as LBP and DBP and private
commercial banks in matters of available funding availabilities immediately
available for business enterprises wishing to operate in Surigao del Sur;
10. Network other branches of government as regards to providing training needs of
businesses at Surigao del Sur such as with TESDA, MIRDC, DOST, DTI, etc..
.