Zamboanga City – On its second year now, the BOSS or Business One Stop Shop system by the City Government of Zamboanga has already started on Monday, 4th of January and will end on the 20th.
Through this systematic processing of business registration and renewal, business owners save a lot of time, money and effort for they do not have to go from one agency to the other as all offices involved in the renewal and registration for all business types were put all together at the second floor of the city hall.
All 13 agencies and offices are located on the same floor for quick and ease of business processing including–
- Social Security System (SSS)
- PAG IBIG Mutual Fund
- Philippine Health Insurance or Philhealth
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- City Agriculturist Office (CAO)
- Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (OCENR)
- City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)
- City Engineers Office (CEO)
- City Health Office (CHO)
- City Veterinarian Office
- City Tourism Office
Meanwhile, two other offices are just one floor apart — the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and the Business and Permits Licensing Office (BPLO).
For business renewals, business owners simply secure first a barangay clearance before heading on to the very first procedure, according to Belen Sheila Covarrubias, City Hall Information Officer. They must bring with them all permits or licenses of the previous year for faster transaction.
There are 4 quick steps to take for renewing business permits:
- Presentation of 2014 business permit at the BPLO
- Securing clearances done all in one floor
- Assessment and payment at the CTO
- Acquiring the 2015 permit at the BPLO office
Meanwhile, for new business owners or applicants, they are required to bring with them SEC registration or DTI registration, valid ID, 2×2 pictures, proof of ownership and other pertinent papers.
To guide for first timers on new business registration, there are 3 steps to take:
- Fill out and submit an application form to BPLO
- Assessment and payment at the CTO
- Get the TPO or temporary permit to operate
Business owners with TPO can operate the business but the issuance of the actual business permit will be within the 30 day period.
The BOSS proved to be an effective and better system that has helped a number of businessmen for a more convenient and easier way of renewing or registering their business permits. This concept has also resulted to a higher number of business registration and an increase in tax collections and business fees. However, late filers who could not make it up to the 20th will have to pay an additional 25 percent surcharge per quarter and additional 2 percent per month.
Source: Manila Bulletin, Sunstar, Zamboanga Today
