Iloilo City biz registration up 8 % in 2018

BUSINESSES in Iloilo City increased to almost eight percent in 2018 compared to the previous year.

The Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) issued a total of 15,558 business permits in 2018 which was higher by 7.73 percent compared to 14,442 permits in 2017.

There were 2,180 new businesses and 13,378 renewals last year.

“The City Government tried its best to become competitive in doing business by streamlining the processes in getting the permits,” BPLD head Norman Tabud said.

The BPLD offers three steps: filing of complete documents which includes submission of declaration of gross receipts along with the requirements to examiner’s desk at City Treasurer’s Office; claiming of Tax Order of Payment at the Examination and Inspection Division; and payment and claiming of business permit.

Businessmen can also transact the first two steps online through the city’s website.

Tabud added the establishment of Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) also aims to help clients easily get their business permits in one setting.

BOSS will be composed of personnel from City Engineer’s Office which releases the building permits and certificate of occupancy, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Assessor’s Office, City Zoning, and BPLD.

Tabud said the BOSS will hopefully be operational in the middle of the year once all equipment and furniture are procured.

BOSS establishment is a requirement of Republic Act 11032 or Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. (PIO)