Cotabato City LGUand Business license application and renewal is now open

COTABATO CITY -- An effective mechanism in business licensing and renewal here have started through its Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) that is open to all owners and operators of business establishments.The BOSS, a multi-agency convergence located at the People’s Palace’s lobby, targets to accommodate 8,000 business permits application and renewal until Jan. 20, Aniceto Rasalan, secretary to the city mayor, said in a statement.With the BOSS, clients do not have to go to each office which are located in different areas to comply with requirements. The BOSS is operating every year during the application and renewal of business permits. We have already asked all the concerned agencies to have their representatives ready for the convenience of our clients, Rasalan said.Different agencies that are involved in the business license application are the Bureau of Fire and Protection, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, City Health Office, City Treasury Office and the City Engineering Office and are present from Monday through Friday to attend to clients.There are also required accreditation or certifications for specific lines of business like, hotels and restaurants, hospitals, schools, banking institutions and other businesses.Representatives from PAG-IBIG Fund are also present in the one-stop shop for the compliance with the Amendment PAG-IBIG Fund Law which states that all business owners and operators are required to also register.Cotabato City records show that in 2015, the city government acquired a total income of Php120 million from the business permits alone and another Php400 million from business taxes.This year, the city government aims to generate Php150 million from the business permits and another Php500 million from the business taxes. Nowadays, many investors are investing in the city. It’s a great opportunity because it helps to uplift the economic status of the Cotabato City,” Rasalan said in a statement.Rasalan said the fees collected will be added to the savings of the city that will be used in implementing infrastructure projects, buildings, widening of roads, community services and other plans.