In 2020, business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants convened virtually for a business forum. For this year, and now that in-person gatherings are already allowed, another meeting of the same kind was done. It was called the 5th Business Forum, featuring face-to-face engagement, which was held at the Cogon Gymnasium on Nov. 19, 2021.
Moreover, the face-to-face gathering is a positive indication that things are slowly easing into the new normal.
This year’s forum highlighted the e-permitting system, which is being implemented by the City Government of Tagbilaran, a report from the City Media Bureau says.
Joel Buena, the programmer from the Information Technology (IT) Office of the City Government gave a detailed explanation of how the new e-permitting platform works.
Alexander Fiel from the City Treasurer’s Office reported that there was a surge in online transactions with the said office this year.
City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha reminded the attendees of the business forum to ensure that all employees should be fully vaccinated.
Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) President Reginald Ong said that support from the BCCI will be constant and future partnerships with the city government will be established.
Ong also thanked Mayor Yap for the latter’s innovations in handling the pandemic.
Several panelists were present to provide answers to questions from the business community. The panellists included the following: Rhex Casas from the City Treasurer’s Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office Head Atty. Colleen Guantero, License Inspector Antonio Hontanosas, City Legal Officer Atty. Kathy Blanche Borja-Jamila, Torremocha, City Assessor Fe Almine, Acting City Treasurer Mary Christine Bitoy, City Health Office staffer Ralph Albert Bernaldez, Economic Enterprises head Beben Inting, City Engineer Teodoro Estoque, Office of the Building Official Engr. Gina Inting, Social Security System Account Officer Fidel Bagtasos, City Fire Dept. Senior Fire Officer 1 Lord Pacheco, PAG-IBIG’s Marketing Specialist Louie Rey Villa, and Department of Trade and Industry’s Jude Guieb.
In the said event, City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II assured the business owners that the City Government will support their welfare and safety in the midst of this health crisis. Mayor Yap also recognized the importance of automation in these trying times.
Furthermore, Mayor Yap stressed that contactless transaction is the key towards achieving a balance between sustainable economy and health. The Local Chief Executive also thanked the unwavering support of the business community to the City Government.