ILIGAN CITY (PIA) -- The city government here encouraged new business owners to acquire permits and those established businesses to renew their permits.

During the Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber, Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry Chairperson and Councilor Marlene Young shared about the recently passed resolution that extended the deadline for renewal and application of business permits from January 20 to February 29.

She said the resolution aims to provide businesses with ample time to comply with the necessary requirements.

Business owners may process their permits at City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) is also established, which provides central access to government agencies involved in the registration process.

Meanwhile, Permits and License Division Head Ma. Rhodora Omlero said they have expedited the business permit process to align with the ease of doing business initiative. The process now involves three steps: document submission, assessment and payment, and the release of the business permit. Unlike the previous year, where requirements like the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office certificate, sanitary permit, fire safety inspection certificate, and others were complied with in advance. 

“Karon among gibusab ang proseso, dili parehas last year nga  gipacomply daan ang requirements. Ipacomply namo after approval of business permit [Now, we have revised the process, unlike last year when we urged them to comply with the requirements in advance. For this year, we allow them to comply after the approval of the business permit]. They are given 90 days to comply. Otherwise, it will be revoked,” she said. 

It was also reported that from January 1-24,  more than 6,000 businesses have successfully applied for and renewed their permits. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)