by admin | Feb 12, 2018 | National News
The Department of Trade and Industry welcomed twenty (20) Philippine Honorary Consuls based in Europe through a Philippine Trade and Investment briefing, in support of the Honorary Consuls’ trade and investment promotional efforts in Europe, held on 8 February 2018 in BDO North Tower, Makati City.
The briefing, organized in collaboration with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Berlin, Board of Investments (BOI), DTI Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and supported by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), European Union Delegation to the Philippines, German Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc., (GPCCI) and EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN), provided an overview of Philippine economic landscape, including trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and Europe.
DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado together with Mr. Edward Wenceslao, Senior Vice President and Group Head for International Desks of BDO Unibank, welcomed the Honorary Consuls.
“Europe is a strong economic partner of the Philippines. In the first quarter of 2017, EU investment share in the Philippines stands at 45% of the total foreign approved investments. Philippine goods exported to EU also grew by 31% amounting to $8.4 billion in 2017,” shared DTI Undersecretary Terrado during her welcome remarks.
Among European countries, Germany is the Philippines’ largest trading partner, followed by Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Ireland and Austria.
The twenty (20) Philippine Honorary Consuls are in the Philippines to join the Familiarization Tour being organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and initiated by former Philippine Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, Philippine Ambassador to Paris, H.E. Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Philippine Embassy in Oslo.
In photo: The 20 Philippine Honorary Consuls from Europe (Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, France, Albania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria) with Philippine Ambassador Millie Sta. Maria-Thomeczek (seated, 4th from L), DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (5th from L), Board of Investments International Investments Promotion Service (IIPS) Director Angelica Cayas (6th from L), DTI-EMB Director Senen Perlada (3rd from R), EU Delegation to the Philippines Economic and Trade Section Head Mr. Walter Van Hattum (standing, 7th from R), PCCI President Alegria Sibal-Limjoco (seated, 2nd from right) and BDO Senior Vice-President and Group Head for International Desks Mr. Edward Wenceslao (seated, 2nd from left).
by admin | Feb 11, 2018 | Local News / Bohol Balita
By JUNE S. BLANCO
THE House has considered on second reading the bill seeking to increase the bed capacity and upgrading the services, facilities and professional health care of the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital (DEDVMH) in Ubay town.
Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol’s 2nd District, together with Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles of Davao City’s 1st District, authored the bill that also seeks the authorization of the corresponding increase in the number of hospital personnel and providing funds therefor.
Rep. Angelina Tan, chair of the Committee on Health, Aumentado and Nograles sponsored the bill that replaces the earlier bill that Aumentado filed as the latter had sought a bed capacity increase of only up to 200 beds.
Aumentado determined that 200 beds will not be enough to accommodate the growing number of patients, some of whom are already occupying extra beds along the aisles.
The unprecedented number of patients came when DEDVMH acquired new equipment with competent personnel to operate them – and continuing to do so – and with an International Standard Organization (ISO) certification to boot.
This made the hospital attractive to patients coming from nearby towns and even other districts, hospital records would show.
Aumentado said the upped bed capacity also aims to accommodate islanders who now come in at an average of 80 to 100 persons a week after he mobilized his sea ambulance to ferry them to and from Ubay free of charge to get medical attention.
Some are good to go after consultation in the Out-Patient Department. Others need to be confined. To marginalized islanders, the fare for patients plus watchers, their food and accommodations as only the patient gets a bed, can be prohibitive. The cost even skyrockets if they have to bring their patients to Tagbilaran or to Cebu.
Parallel to the increase in bed capacity, the hospital is also gearing up for the arrival, installation and operationalization of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine that is part of the P45-million allocation from the surplus budget of the Department of Health (DoH) that Aumentado bagged during the other year’s budget hearing.
The machine will be the first to be installed in a national government hospital in the province.
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan and five more dialysis machines round up the equipment procured with the P45 million.
The DEDVMH used to be only an extension of the now Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Regional Hospital in Tagbilaran City. The Aumentado bill gives it independence.
“There can be no development under a sick constituency,” Aumentado said, hence he is pushing for the upgrading and modernization of the health industry especially in Bohol’s northeastern part.
CELEBRATING VICTORY. Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) and his seat neighbors in the House celebrate the consideration on 2nd reading of House Bill No. 7064 that seeks to increase the bed capacity of the Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital (DEDVMH) in Ubay, Bohol from 50 to 300, upgrading its services, facilities and professional health care, and increasing its number of personnel. Reps. Angelina Tan of Quezon’s 4th District who chairs the Committee on Health, Karlo Alexei Nograles of Davao City’s 1st District and Aumentado sponsored the bill authored by Aumentado and Nograles. Photo: Aris Aumentado’s Facebook Account
by admin | Feb 10, 2018 | Local News / Bohol Balita, Major Events
TAGBILARAN CITY, February 6 (PIA)–Investment authorities in Bohol see a shining 2018 as they foresee an investment capitalization soaring well above the predicted figures.
No less than the authorities at the Bohol Investment Promotion Center, an attached office of the Office of the Governor, bared this bright prospect at the weekly radio forum Kapihan sa PIA.
This too as the BIPC tracked the registered the investment capitalization of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in Bohol topping the P1.5 billion in 2017.
While the rise in capitalization has not surpassed the 2011 reported investments capitalization which zoomed from 800 thousand to P1.7 billion, BIPC Bohol head Maria Fe Dominese said investments have spiked again in 2016 on to nearing a full recovery surge in 2017.
Speaking at the Kapihan Thursday, February 1, Dominese however believed 2018 would be a huge spike with the completion of the Panglao Airport and the brood of businesses it carries.
The BIPC also pointed out that the Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCC) granted citation in 2017, would be an edge in attracting more and more investments, according to Imma Mylie Alo during the hour-long radio forum aired live over DyTR.
The PCC has handed to Bohol, who was then among the 14 provincial finalists in the search for Most Business Friendly LGU in 2017.
After PCC deliberations, it conferred to Bohol the Most Business Friendly LGU for Class 1 provinces, an acknowledgement of the ease of doing businesses here.
Dominese added that the office has pegged the annual investment capitalization target P1 billion for 2017, which has been surpassed.
The BIPC pointed to the devastating 2013 earthquake which was a low point in MSME growth with everyone scampering for a way to rebound and get Bohol back on its feet.
The BIPC, which has set up its Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) and its outreach program with partner agencies called Asenso Negosyo Caravans to the towns, also noted that from 2,545 new business registrants in 2014 or after the earthquake, they tracked 4,583 new business name registrants in 2017.
Along this, the BIPC, an office under the office of the governor, noted an increasing trend in the number of registered MSMEs as well as the employment these generated.
In the past five, years, while the office notes an increasing trend in the number of registered MSMEs, employment generation subsequently increased.
In 2017 for example, BIPC tracked some 5,372 registered MSMEs and nailed 11,962 new hires, the job generation now filling up the job slots that could also help circulate the capital infusing it into the economy as the paid worker starts to spend his pay. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
The BIPC led by Maria Fe Dominese sees a brighter future for Bohol investments as the Panglao Airport opens in 2018 and the PCC citation of Bohol as the most investment friendly province would attarch more and more investors. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Feb 10, 2018 | Local News / Bohol Balita, Sports
TAGBILARAN CITY, February 1 (PIA)–If Alicia had a trail run and an off-road bike race in two days, Antequera will do it in one: the Antequera Off-road Duathlon 2018.
Now asserting as a viable sports tourism destination, Bohol is at it again this summer, with another grueling race showcasing Antequera’s trails and immersion into locals in a rub-bike run event.
Set at 6:30 AM this March 18, the 5 kilometer (km) run, 25 km bike and 3 km run speeds off in the classic leave no trace race: participants who litter could lose, so they must provide for their race provisions while organizers put up aid stations where participants can refill water bottles or hydration packs.
“We want this with least environment impact, so participants are advised to pocket their litter and empty them at the aid stations, outside help from non-participants or spectator, like food, hydration, tools, or medical assistance from any person not directly involved in the event in the entire bike course is strictly prohibited,” one of the race organizers, Russel Villas said.
“Even pacing from a non-competitor or vehicle is not allowed at any time on the bike course, participants may walk their bike if needed, but they can’t complete the bike course without their bikes,” he added.
Participants must complete the entire bike course unassisted, strictly following the designated track and specified as race course, or face disqualification, return to the transition area on the same mountain bike they started as a bike change would be ground for disqualification and immediate ejection from the race.
Open to participants 16 year old and above and who have at least trained or participated in an off road race, the Antequera Duathlon is still accepting registrations until Feb 28 at Bohol Bike Shop in Tagbilaran, for individuals at P600 and relay at 1,200, which includes race kit; finishers medal, jersey and post race meal.
Open for three categories, the race accepts 29 years and below, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and above for the male category and 35 years old and below and 35 years old and above for females.
Set to go, rain or shine, this March 18, at exactly 6:30am of March 18, race clock officially stops at 1:00pm of the same day, or 6 1/2 hours after gun start, according to Vice Mayor Simon Leo Jadulco, head of the organizing team.
“Duathletes who are still on the road by the cut-off may still finish the race beyond and still get their finisher’s medal and shirt, but they will not be included in the official list of finishers as the race provides no time extensions,” he added.
As to the off-road bike segment, organizers said only 26, 27.5, 29 inch wheels mountain and fat bikes are allowed with minimum 1.9 tire size for the race.
Those using a tire size 1.9 below, will be disqualified for a podium finish in all categories.
Concerned about safety, organizers also said “riders with bikes that have safety issues will be disqualified.”
With this, racers need to get their bikes checked-in at the transition area on March 17, Antequera Town Center from 3:00-5:30pm, when they can also claim their race kits.
Another bike check-in will and race kit claims is set 4:00am-5:30am on race day and upon mandatory 2 hours check in, race bibs, proper running and biking apparels, hydration bottle and helmets are also presented, personal audio devices, strictly prohibited.
All bikes must be checked-in and mounted on the racks at the transition area by 5:30 AM race day, no extensions or late check-in of bikes are allowed.
Before that, participants may still have full access to their bikes before these are hung in racks at the transition area, which would not be removed until the start of the bike leg.
Race briefing is set March 17 at 5:30pm at the transition area and a carbo-loading dinner will be served later.
For Tagbilaran City based-bikers, a truck for bikes will be available only at 3:00pm March 17, 2018 from the Rizal Park, Tagbilaran City, and will ferry the bikes back to Tagbilaran after the race on Sunday, according to duathlon organizers.
Campsite are provided at the plaza or at the Antequera Training Center for overnight stay. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
Even before the sores of Alicia Trail Run could be healed, runners would again hit the training regime for the Antequera Duathlon 2018 this March 18. Registrations are only until the end of February, according to Vice mayor Simon Leo Jadulco, duathlon organizer. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Feb 8, 2018 | Business, National News
THE Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) is leading Philippine exporters who underwent training and assistance under the Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) Plus program at one of the largest trade events in Germany, the Ambiente 2018, from February 9 to 13.
The Philippine country pavilion will highlight Lifestyle Philippines, the country’s umbrella brand featuring high-quality and world-class designed lifestyle products with the theme, “Sustainability through Design.” Philippine exhibitors are expected to feature aesthetically appealing yet sustainable products inspired by plants and other natural resources abundant in the country.
Participating RIPPLES Plus-assisted companies include Artisana Island Crafts, Silay Export, Marsse Tropical Timber Plantation, Red Slab Pottery and PumicUnlimited Ventures. These companies are among participating Filipino exhibitors that will showcase products under the trade fair’s three categories: Dining, Giving, and Living.
Marsse Tropical Timber Plantation and Celestial Arts were qualified for the Dining category. Meanwhile, GSG Paper is in the Giving category for their handmade and vibrant products that fit in the group’s varied gift selection.
Red Slab Pottery, Artisana Island Crafts, Silay Export, Tadeco Home Décor, PumiceUnlimited Ventures, 33 Point 3, Arden Classic, Chanalli, Finali Furniture & Home Accessories, Freden Export, Larone Crafts and Nature’s Legacy are all under the Living category’s home interiors and design collection.
RIPPLES Plus is a program developed by DTI-EMB that assists emerging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in various export-related needs including development of their products and services through strategic interventions such as trainings and capacity building; investment, marketing and promotions, support for innovation, product development and design; and market access facilitation through Mutual Recognition Arrangements and certifications. These interventions or modes of assistance ensure competency of Philippine companies to become export-ready.
RIPPLES Plus also works toward increasing the number of internationally competitive Philippine product and services that will help in driving the country’s economic growth.
The Philippines’ Ambiente 2018 participation is organized by the DTI’s Center for International Trade Exhibition and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Berlin (PTIC-Berlin) and DTI-EMB.
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for consumer goods held in Messe Frankfurt, Germany. Table settings, kitchen accessories and household products take the spotlight in the show. Gifts, interior trends and home concepts are also showcased.
by admin | Feb 8, 2018 | DTI Updates, National News
08 February 2018 Manila – The Go Negosyo center of the Department of Trade and Industry and PLDT Enterprise partner to launch “A Growing Collaboration for the Filipino”, on February 12, 2018 at the Isabela Ballroom B & C, Makati Shangri-la Hotel. The event will promote the use of digital tools that will enable entrepreneurs to have a wider reach through a nationwide marketplace, providing wider market access for MSMEs across the country.
The event will also launch PLDT’s PayMaya, the first prepaid online payment app that enables the financially underserved to pay online without a credit card. Demonstrating how PayMaya works is a Go Lokal! pop up exhibit during the event where guests can buy Go Lokal! products via PayMaya.
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store which showcases high quality, innovative Philippine products designed, crafted and manufactured by the country’s MSMEs. The GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI is located at the Groundfloor, Trade and Industry Bldg, 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information on Go Lokal! and its store outlets, please visit golokal.dti.gov.ph.
by admin | Feb 2, 2018 | DTI Updates, National News
ILIGAN – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded 1,500 livelihood packages as well as 0%-interest microfinance loans to the internally displaced people (IDP) of the Marawi siege during the DTI Negosyo Seminar Para sa Marawi on 30 January 2018.
“We want to assure the IDPs that President Duterte’s administration continues to provide more business and livelihood opportunities through the DTI Negosyo Seminars being given to help them recover soon,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
There were 1,500 participants and beneficiaries who attended the Negosyo Seminar. One of them was Mr. Alikman Nata, who intends to share the benefits of the livelihood package to his group, the Lanao Muslim Youth Association.
As the head of Bangon Marawi’s Subcommittee in Business and Livelihood, DTI had earlier distributed 588 livelihood packages and conducted Negosyo trainings to 1,963 IDPs as of December 2017. There were also 240 beneficiaries who were linked to financial institutions.
The Department also allocated Php 50 million this year to fund the Shared Service Facilities (SSF), providing Maranao entrepreneurs with facilities and knowledge that match their business needs. This is apart from the budget provision to support other Bangon Marawi programs in providing mobile rice mills, tricycles, vehicles, and the construction of public markets.
DTI flew in different business experts to teach business preparedness, opportunities spotting, product development and marketing, financial literacy, and franchising.
by admin | Jan 30, 2018 | Photo Story
29 January 2018 Manila – The Ambassador of Hungary H.E. Dr. József Bencze, with Hungarian Deputy Chief of Mission Dávid Ambrus, paid Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, a courtesy visit on January 29, 2018 to discuss the Philippines’ delegation to the upcoming Hungary Roadshow in 2018. In photo L to R: DTI’s Industry Development and Trade Policy Group Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos, Trade Chief Ramon Lopez, Amb. József Bencze, Dep. Chief of Mission Dávid Ambrus and Board of Investments Director Angelica M. Cayas.
by admin | Jan 18, 2018 | National News
To continue the Department of Trade and Industry’s programs to develop Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government has set aside Php2 billion to aid entrepreneurs and create an entrepreneurial revolution in the country that will result in more jobs generated for Filipinos.
“We are committed in our goal of providing job opportunities for all Filipinos, and uplifting the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid by strengthening the MSME sector in the country,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida Maglaya said the agency will tap Php1 billion to continue funding the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) micro loan program and another Php1 billion for the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) equipment-sharing project.
“For the Pondo sa Pagbago at Pag-asenso program or P3, we were able to get another Php1 billion this year on top of the Php1 billion last year. We hope to increase the loan packages that we were able to generate,” Maglaya said during the DTI-wide press conference on Monday.
According to Maglaya, the loan released nationwide under the P3 program reached Php 1 billion, funding 38,425 beneficiaries with almost 100% re-payment rate.
DTI has funded Php 820 million worth of loans through the P3 program and assisted 20, 425 micro entrepreneurs. In addition, the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), a partner of the government in the program, released Php 230 million loans from its funds for 18,000 micro enterprises.
The flagship micro loan program aims to provide alternative micro financing to entrepreneurs, who usually borrow from usurious loan sharks. The program will help negate the 5-6 lending scheme.
Maglaya said that the agency is looking to cover all provinces in the country, adding that there are still 20 provinces in the country that have to be reached by the program due to lack of local conduits.
P1-B for SSF
On the other hand, the agency will also fund Php1 billion for its equipment-sharing facility program SSF to provide MSMEs access to technology, machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.
Maglaya said the Php1 billion will be allocated to the following: Php400 million for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Php50 million for the Marawi rehabilitation. The remaining fund will help put up more SSFs and maintain other equipment.
Maglaya also noted that the agency has tapped SUCs, through Fabrication Laboratories or Fablabs, to develop more MSMEs and help young entrepreneurs in terms of innovation and prototyping technologies and software for their products and design.
“We’re looking at how SUCs, academe can help in developing and assisting our MSMEs as well as be able to develop young entrepreneurs in schools,” she explained.
Fablabs aim to enhance the core competencies of existing manufacturers and emerging entrepreneurs in digitally-enabled manufacturing workflows guided by art and design principles.
Likewise, to hasten the rehabilitation and recovery of war-torn Marawi City, the agency will provide equipment and machinery to affected internally displaced persons (IDPs) to expand the market-reach of Maranao products.
“We’re looking at reviving the industries like weaving, wood working and brassware. We will provide SSFs for our brothers and sisters in Marawi,” Maglaya said.
So far, the agency has established 2,222 SSFs worth Php1.188 billion throughout the country, benefitting 215,628 existing and potential MSMEs and providing 111,747 jobs to Filipinos.
With access to better technology and more sophisticated equipment, MSMEs will have higher productivity, better and efficient products, higher levels of innovation and creativity, and improved market access to address the gaps and bottle necks in the global value chain being faced by MSMEs.
Philippine MSMEs account for 99.5% of the total number of established businesses and employ 62.8% of the country’s workforce, contributing substantially to the country’s manufacturing output and total employment and making it critical engines of economic growth and development.
by admin | Jan 15, 2018 | Business, DTI Updates
The Government’s Inter-agency Task Force on Ease of Doing Business (EODB) is speeding up reforms to improve the country’s competitiveness.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez reported that the strategy is to pursue a whole of government approach where all instrumentalities of government involved in business regulations are taking unified action in simplifying government processes and making them more business-friendly.
“Remember that Competitiveness and Ease of doing business is number 3 in the President’s socio-economic agenda. The executive branch, both National government agencies, and Local Government Units, and the legislative branch are working double time so that businesses could benefit from these reform initiatives.” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
The DTI Secretary reported on the latest reforms initiated by the Executive Branch
- In November 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission implemented the Company Registration System (CRS) which significantly reduced the processing time and procedures in company verification and registration. The system also integrates the issuance of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and employer numbers from Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philhealth.
- In December 2017, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista issued an order establishing One-Stop Shops (OSS) for business permits which will facilitate registration of new businesses. The OSS is now operational at the QC Hall.
- To speed up the issuance of construction permits, the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and the DTI issued a joint circular which prescribed standards and procedures in the issuance of building permits, certificates of occupancy and other construction-related permits.
A unified employee enrollment form and system will soon be implemented by the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG and Philhealth for new corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission that will consolidate enrollment of new employees at a single portal or at any one of the social security agencies.
The DTI Secretary expressed confidence that Congress will soon pass the Expanded ARTA/EODB bill which will significantly address red tape, and expedite business related transactions in the country. Secretary Lopez mentioned other important legislation such as the amendment of the Corporation Code, the passage of the Secured Transactions Act, which will improve Philippines ranking in Starting a business and Getting Credit indicators in the Doing Business Survey, respectively.
DTI also noted reforms in the judicial branch. The full implementation of the e-Court system by the Supreme Court is seen to enhance the Philippines’ Enforcing Contracts scores. We are looking forward to the issuance by the Supreme Court of the guidelines on e-notarization also expected to create positive results in the competitiveness ranking.
Last year, the Philippines slipped 14 notches to 113th rank in the Doing Business report published by World Bank-International Finance Corporation. It measures the ease of doing business across ten processes which a firm must undertake over its typical life cycle.
“Reforms must happen across government to achieve our goal to become top 20% in world rankings by 2020”, according to Secretary Lopez, Chair of the Doing Business Task Force.
by admin | Jan 15, 2018 | DTI Updates, National News
The Department of Trade and Industry sees improvement in the ease of doing business in the country, with the implementation of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) directing local government units (LGUs) to streamline the issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy.
For the first time, the JMC 2018-01, which was issued by the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and DTI, sets service standards for processing simple applications for construction-related permits. This is in response to President Duterte’s call to simplify the issuance of permits by LGUs in support of the Build Build Build! Program of the government. The JMC covers single dwelling residential buildings of not more than three floors, commercial buildings of not more than two storeys, renovation within a mall with issued building permits and warehouses storing non-hazardous substances.
As prescribed in the circular, LGUs are enjoined to set up a processing system that will ensure that applicants follow a four-step procedure in securing building permits – submission of application with complete documentation, receipt of the order of payment, payment of fees and claiming of the permits. Processing time by LGUs is reduced to five (5) working days maximum, while that for BFP permits is limited to not more than three (3) days for building permit applications. The same number of steps and processing time are prescribed for applications for certificates of occupancy. The JMC also recommended a pre-formatted form and a uniform set of documentary requirements, and a one-time assessment and one-time payment of fees, with the latter eliminating the current practice of separately paying for different construction-related documentary clearances in different LGU offices and the BFP.
To be able to comply with the service standards, the government is mandating LGUs to establish one-stop shops that will consolidate the processing of clearances issued by LGUs related to construction permits, such as building permits, certificates of occupancy, locational clearances, tax declaration, tax clearances, certificates of final electrical inspection as well as those required by the Bureau of Fire protection – the Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance and the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate. To be able to do this, representatives from the Office of the Building Official (OBO), Treasury Office, Zoning Office, Assessor’s Office of the LGU, and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be co-located in one area at the LGU. Joint inspection teams will also be organized to ease the burden of applicants in accommodating multiple inspections by different offices before their certificates of occupancy are released.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, who chairs the National Competitiveness Council and Doing Business Task Force, is confident that the recently signed circular will bring significant results in the Philippines’ ranking in Doing Business Report.
“We fervently support the implementation of this circular, as it strengthens our previous efforts to eliminate red tape. Now that JMC 2018-01 is in place, we look forward to improved ease of doing business and better performance in Doing Business rankings.” Secretary Lopez said.
Last year, Philippines dropped 14 notches to No. 113 in Doing Business Report published by World Bank-International Finance Corp. Particularly, the country ranked No. 101 in Dealing with Construction Permits.
Following the drastic process re-engineering that LGUs will be undertaking as a result of the JMC, the Secretary is also persuading the cities, especially those in highly urbanized areas, to start developing a web-based system for online submission and processing of construction-permits similar to the processes already being implemented by some ASEAN countries. This is also in line with the JMC which enjoins LGUs to automate procedures, including the mode of payment, with the support of DICT.
