The City Government of Koronadal, in its effort to create a more vibrant climate for business and investment, will implement the streamlined process for business permit application starting next year. With the new process, steps in securing business permits is trimmed down from 11 steps to 4 steps thus, business permits can now be issued within 1 day compared to 5 days previously.
The said reform is also in line with the Anti-Red Tape Act to combat bureaucracy in government transactions and the joint Memorandum Circular of DTI and DILG to speed up the issuance of business permits and licenses in cities and municipalities to improve business climate in the country.
Mr. Gilbert A. Gayosa, Licensing Officer III of the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) said that business establishments with “good standing” during the conduct of business mapping in the preceding calendar year may not be required to submit some documents during the renewal period but are given the privilege to comply with the same as post-requirements. The said documents are those being issued by other offices like the CPDO-Zoning Division, City Engineering, Bureau of Fire Protection and City Health Office. Moreover, a fast lane counter/window will also be set up to cater to these compliant business establishments.
The pre-printing of Unified Form for Business Permit Application that contains the basic profile/information of establishments with existing records at the BPLD plus the computerized Business Permits and Licensing System that links the offices involved in the process has contributed much to a faster and convenient flow of transaction.
In preparation for the implementation of the streamlined process next year, series of consultation dialogues and meetings with concerned stakeholders, including the Koronadal City Chamber of Commerce, barangay officials and bookkeepers, were conducted. The conduct of a strategic planning workshop participated in by representatives of the different offices involved in the process also paved the way for the realization of the said reform.
By: Wilyn Joy B. Nantes