Traders told to submit requirements before fire bureau

BUSINESS establishment owners who fail to submit their requirements before the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) this year face non-renewal of their permits in 2014, the Business bureau warned Thursday.

Business bureau chief lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo said this policy will be in effect, and that they already issued the notice Thursday afternoon.

"It is the recommendation of the City Government of Davao, through the Business Bureau," Domingo told Sun.Star Davao Thursday.

Domingo said their office imposed the strict implementation of this policy after learning that some of the business establishment owners continue to fail from fully complying with the BFP requirements.

"For those who have not fully complied with the BFP requirements, proceed to your nearest fire station, otherwise you may be barred from renewing your permit next year," read the notice from the Business bureau.

The annual renewal of business permits of all the business establishments in the city started on Wednesday and will end on January 21.

Though he is not aware whether the rate of fire incidents increased or decreased in 2012, Domingo said the method is for the safety of the business establishments.

Domingo did not identify what type of business establishments particularly comprises the highest number of those who do not submit complete requirements before the BFP, but said there are many.

During the first day of renewal of permits, which started on Wednesday, January 2, Domingo said they recorded a total of 911 business establishments.

Though the number decreased compared to January 2 last year with 1,600 trades, he said it should not be given much stress since rain poured last Wednesday.

"Weather is one factor," he said.

At the same time, Domingo reminded people who transacts in their office to watch out for fixers.

If in case an employer sends a proxy to process their renewal of business permits, Domingo reminded them to choose their most "trustworthy" employee.

"Ang uban man gud ginabulsa ang kwarta pang renew, ginakupit. Unya muabot ang panahon nga paninglon kay naay penalty tungod kay wala kabayad, matingala ang employer (Others take the money intended for the renewal. Then when the time comes a penalty is charged because of non-payment, the employer will be confused)," Domingo said.

The requirements for business permit renewal for this year are original 2012 business permit; original 2012 computerized official receipts; original barangay clearance; certified list of employees and their corresponding positions; market clearance/certificate for public market stall holders and its equivalent for DCOTT stall holders; copy of authority to transact with the Business Bureau together with valid I.Ds of all signatures; community tax certification (cedula); gross sales certification form; and fire safety inspection certificate 2012.

The office hours for business permit renewals at the lobby of the City Council is from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on January 2 to 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from January 5 to 6, January 12 to 13 and January 19 to 20 being Saturdays and Sundays, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from January 7 to 11, January 14 to 18 and January 21.

For those who will renew their permits at the Kadayawan Hall of NCCC Mall, the office hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 3 to 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 5 to 6, January 12 to 13 and January 19 to 20.

The office hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 7 to 11, January 14 to 18 and January 21.