FOR the first time since it was conceptualized, the Business One-Stop-Shop (Boss) of Bacolod City for 2021 will be held outside of the Bacolod City Government Center.
To have a wider space conducive to observing the basic health protocols against Covid-19, Mayor Evelio Leonardia has decided to hold the Boss 2021 at the 4th Floor of the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
"Just as important as observing health protocols, we designed this system in line with our business-friendly policies which we had adhered to for so many years. This is an innovation to continuously create an environment conducive for business to rapidly grow. Our business community deserves a spacious, convenient, and accessible facility as they are a vital engine to our economic recovery program," Leonardia said.
Recently, the National Competitiveness Council and the United States Agency for International Development rated Bacolod as "The Most Competitive City in the Visayas."
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also consistently ranked Bacolod among the National Finalists in their annual "Most Business Friendly Cities" contest for the past four years straight.
The Boss caters to the application or renewal of Mayor's Permits (Business Permits) for next year. It will be held from January 4 to March 31, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Although the mall opens at 10 a.m., its management has agreed to allow the Boss operations to start as early as 9 a.m.
Within this period, applicants for business permits are entitled to avail of a 10-percent discount if they pay in advance their regulatory fees for the whole year, on or before March 31.
Participating agencies
Joining the Boss are various agencies, including the 61 barangays for clearances, City Health Office (CHO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)-Zoning Division, Office of the Building Official, Environment and Natural Resources Office (Enro), City Tourism Office, City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, City Department of Agriculture, City Veterinary Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
The national agencies are Pag-Ibig, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
New policy
In line with the application for or renewal of 2021 business permits and the conduct of Boss by the Bacolod City Government, the Business Permits and License Office (BPLO) will implement a "No Appointment, No Transaction" policy.
Clients must secure an appointment with BPLO prior to applying for or renewing their business permits.
The BPLO said this will allow them to limit the number of clients per day so they can ensure the strict observance of minimum health protocols against Covid-19, such as physical distancing and wearing of face mask and face shield.
For Online Appointment please click: https://ols3.bacolodcity.gov.ph/ For Offline/Walk-in Appointment, please visit the BPLO at the Ground Floor of the Bacolod City Government Center.
Booking for appointments with BPLO is ongoing. Or you may book an appointment at the BOSS at the 4th Floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central when it starts operating on January 4. (PR)