The Baguio City Permits and Licensing Division organized a meeting on March 15 at the Baguio Convention Center with the business sector regarding the processing of business permits.
The dialogue on March 12 was held to identify and address issues and concerns related to business permit processing, ensuring compliance with Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act, and other laws.
The meeting also provided a platform for the Baguio Water District and the City Environment and Parks Management Office to update the public about water shortage.
Abayao reported as of Dec. 31, 2023, there are 24,426 re-gistered businesses in the city.
The largest sector is wholesale, retail, and repairs of motor vehicles and motorcycles, followed by accommodation and food services, and real estate activities.
As of March, there are 501 new businesses granted regular permits and 15,615 renewals.
As for special permits, there are 94 newly issued and 445 renewals.
Because of the increasing number of businesses and reports of unpermitted operations, PLD head Allan Abayao reite-rated the application process for business permits.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the process, highlighting the “3Ps” – present, pay, and print for the new business permits application.
First, business owners are urged to ensure they have all the necessary documents, including the application form, re-gistrations from the Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, lease contract or proof of ownership, authorization to process, clearances from the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office, City Health Services Office, Baguio Fire Station, Cepmo, City Buildings and Architecture Office, and barangay business clearance.
These documents should be presented to the Business Permit and Licensing Division, a step that typically takes about 10 minutes.
Payment should be made at the City Treasurer’s Office then the business owner may return to the Business Permit and Licensing Division to print the permit.
For renewal, the process is similarly sped up.
The Treasury Department assesses fees to be paid then applicants will proceed to make payments at the Treasury.
To enhance convenience, applicants are also encouraged to use the Baguio In My Pocket app.
For special transactions such as change of location, change of management, alteration of trade name, addition of a new business, and partial retirement, applicants can make requests directly at the City Hall.
Abayao said all transactions and applications can be efficiently completed as long as all requirements are provided. – Krizia Mae Pagusan
