MUNTINLUPA City deleted from the process those agencies that merely note down business’ basic data, thus reducing its 14-step business permit renewal process to just six steps.

By allowing businessmen to secure clearances from local units such as the fire department, health office and building office, and national government agencies (NGAs) like the Department of Trade and Industry, PhilHealth and Social Security System prior to the business renewal period, Ormoc City has implemented a preregistration and early certification system.

In Iligan City, business owners are given the option to submit their requirements from NGAs up to 60 days after the release of permit. This allows them to operate their businesses immediately.

In Surigao City, clearances from the City Health Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Zoning Office and City Engineer’s Office are waived during the business renewal period so the business owners can complete the registration process at the shortest possible time.

As a result of these efforts, local government units (LGUs) noted a steady increase in the number of registered businesses for the past few years. Correspondingly, a steady rise in business permits and local tax collection was observed during the period.

Beyond the local level, national government offices have also implemented measures to streamline and automate transactions with their respective clients.

The Department of  Trade and Industry (DTI) has made it easier for the public to access information and assistance on its services by opening a call center that can be reached through DTI Direct 751-3330.

DTI Direct serves as mechanism for adopting a no-wrong-door policy in order to provide fast, reliable and uniform customer support. It also save clients the time and frustration of being given the runaround by providing needed information or assistance at the soonest time possible.

Another is the DTI-National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC), which serves as a flagship “antired-tape” program. The center serves as an actual one-stop Action Center primarily for business registration not only of DTI but also of other government agencies in the same location. This includes the processing of permits, licenses and other documents for start-up businesses.

One more is on how the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board has cut down processing time in the application of contractor’s licenses from 60 days to 15 days by deleting irrelevant documentary requirements for renewal, and reducing transaction cost by as much as P2,500.

These examples clearly show the government’s commitment in ins-tituting reforms to eliminate complex regulations that weigh down on the growth and productivity of businesses.

Streamlining business registration and renewal processes reduce steps and signatures. It prevents long waiting time and difficulties in obtaining clearances from non-LGU entities, too many repetitious steps, lack of clear and standard systems, slow processing time due to manual procedures, proliferation of illegal fixers who charge exorbitant fees, use of connection and grease money to facilitate processing and lack of information on process flow and requirements.

The simplified process encourages formalization of businesses by offering an easy and stress-free means in acquiring permits and licenses. It prevents businesses from hiding in the shadows of the so-called informal economy, resulting in loss of revenues for the government.

Streamlining business registration and renewal is beneficial to business in terms of conserving precious time and resources. But amid all this, where do the benefits to consumers come in?

Cutting red tape gives companies more room to improve on their productivity. As a result, they are able to supply the market with quality yet reasonably priced goods and continuously enhance their services.

Moreover, simplified business entry procedures promote a larger formal economy where there is stricter compliance to government regulations such as product standards, health and sanitation laws, and taxation.

Efficiency in customs and trade procedures, in particular, helps to curb smuggling and the proliferation of cheap, substandard goods in the market.

Most important, cutting red tape is an effective means to fight poverty as it encourages investments, creates jobs, generates more money for infrastructure and social services, and deters corruption.

In summary, an environment that truly fosters business activity and consumer welfare can be best achieved by kicking red tape. Thus, the government has made this task a major priority in a bid to gain the country a global rank as one of the most competitive and successful nations.

AUSTRALIAN-based Nido Petroleum Corp. is looking forward to the start of production of the wells in an oil field in offshore Palawan following the completion of the drilling phase of the Galoc development.  

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is currently reviewing its processes and has already designated its Regional Development Offices (RDOs) and Neda Regional Offices (NROs) to become the lead evaluator for region-based proposals.

FOREIGN direct investments (FDIs) in the country increased by 8.1 percent in the third quarter of 2007, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), with approvals reaching P34.9 billion from P32.3 billion in the same quarter a year ago.

CEBU CITY—Officials from the Cebu City and Cebu provincial governments said Wednesday the stalled land-swap deal, which could affect 5,000 urban- poor families and some 50 hectares of prime commercial properties, could still push through if only Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia start talking again.

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is opening up new business-name registration centers in Metro Manila to accommodate the expected flood of applications for the first quarter of the year, which is the traditional peak season.

CLARK FREEPORT—The passenger volume at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here increased by 9.18 percent or by nearly 45,000 in 2007  over the 2006 figures, a development that further brightens the prospects of the Clark airport eventually becoming the country’s premier international gateway.

MUNTINLUPA City deleted from the process those agencies that merely note down business’ basic data, thus reducing its 14-step business permit renewal process to just six steps.