Iloilo City business up 5.5% in 2019

NEW businesses that opened in Iloilo City increased by 833 or 5.5 percent in 2019 compared to 2018.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the continued improvement in business climate reinforces the city's citation as the 2019 Most Business-Friendly Highly Urbanized City outside Metro Manila. The citation was given by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Treñas expects the growth momentum to continue, saying more investors are interested to settle or expand operations in the metropolis and provide employment and economic opportunities for the Ilonggos.

The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) issued a total of 16,391 business permits in 2019, and this was higher compared to 15,558 permits issued in 2018.

This year, there were 804 applications for new businesses received in February.

"We created Business One-Stop-Shop or Boss for the clients' convenience wherein they can process, submit, pay and claim their permits in one place. We have the joint inspection team to inspect new applications for the clearances, certificates and permits of City Engineer's Office, City Zoning Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection," BPLO head Norman Tabud said.

"We were able to streamline the processing of business permits -- and we only have three steps and that is to submit, to pay and claim your business permits," he added.

These are: 1.) filing of complete documents that includes submission of declaration of gross receipts along with the requirements to examiner's desk at City Treasurer's Office; 2.) claiming of tax order of payment at Examination and Inspection Division; and 3.) payment and claiming of business permit. (PR)