BOSS program runs Jan 2 to 20

The Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) of the Bacolod City government, which caters to the renewal of business permits and registration of new businesses for 2020, opened Thursday [Jan. 2] at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), and will run until Jan. 20.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the objective of setting up a BOSS is to make the renewal or registration of business permits easier, faster, and more convenient. The mayor said the BOSS is in line with their vision of making Bacolod very business-friendly.

Assistant City Treasurer Arlene Memoria said the BOSS is open from Mondays to Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no noon break.

Business owners who pay their taxes in full within the period of January 2 to 20 can avail of a 10-percent discount, she added.

All government agencies and City Hall offices that are needed to sign the business permits are required to set up their booths at the Government Center premises.

Leonardia had issued an executive order requiring all barangays to set up desks at the Government Center so business owners can just get their barangay clearances at the BOSS.

As of Friday, 23 barangays have set up assistance desks at the second floor of the Government Center – 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, 23, 29, 38, 40, 41, Alangilan, Alijis, Bata, Cabug, Estefania, Mandalagan, Mansilingan, Montevista, Punta Taytay, Pahanocoy, Singcang-Airport, Taculing, and Villamonte.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Health Office (CHO), and Office of the Building Official (OBO) have set up booths at the Annex Building.

Agencies and offices such as the Permits and Licensing Division, City Treasurer’s Office, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), Environmental and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), City Tourism Office, and Zoning of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), and City Administrator’s Office (for the three major markets) are in the Lobby.

Permits and Licensing Division head Stela Rose Rayos said that through the BOSS, business owners can fast-track their permits and save time and money in going to these offices.