Ordinance No. 2021-057

Summary/Additional Info:

This ordinance establishes the Naga City Digital Innovation and Startup Development Program (NCDISDP) to foster a thriving startup ecosystem and promote innovation-driven economic growth. It provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to eligible startups and startup enablers, encourages local and international linkages, and institutionalizes support through a Digital Innovation Fund (DIF).

Program features include:

• Grants, loans, or investments for eligible startups, particularly at the idea and launch stages
• Mentorship and linkage to national and global startup networks
• Subsidies for shared use of facilities, travel grants, tax relief, and permit facilitation
• Registration criteria requiring startups to operate in or plan operations in Naga City, with 50% local workforce in tech development
• Structured support for startup enablers, including access to registered startup rosters and fiscal perks

The ordinance mandates a Startup Development Committee (SDC) and tasks the Naga City Investment Board (NCIB) and Investment and Trade Promotion Office (ITPO) to implement and monitor progress under the program. The DIF is managed as a trust fund, with quarterly reporting to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The measure builds on RA 11337 (Innovative Startup Act) and Ordinance No. 2020-016 (Naga City Digital Innovation Hub).