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STEP BY STEP. The infographic shows the step-by-step process for the e-permitting system of Tagbilaran City
LGU-Tagb sets up online biz permitting application
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran is now ready to implement the online business permit application also known as the e-permitting system.
The business forum held on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, in Tagbilaran City Hall, focused on the e-permitting system.
Joel Buena, the computer programmer from the Information Technology of LGU Tagbilaran, gave a detailed explanation of the system to the business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants through a virtual orientation on how to use the system to apply for business permits.
The new platform will push for “contactless transactions” with City Hall, the report of the City Media Bureau says.
During the business forum regarding this matter, several panelists were present. These panelists assisted in providing clarifications and answers questions coming from the business community.
Among the panelists present were acting city administrator Cathelyn Torremocha, city legal officer Kathy Blanche Borja-Jamila, acting business permit and licensing Officer Thea Ivory Parras, city assessor Fe Almine, city treasurer Christine Bitoy, city financial adviser Primitiva Ontong, enterprise affairs head Bebiano Inting, city tourism officer May Hope Arcenal, city health officer Jeia Pondoc, sanitary inspector Myla Sumampong, city fire chief Marlyn Macatangay, social security system Tagbilaran branch manager Engr. Alieta Basubas, PAG-IBIG head Felix Garan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Ma. Soledad Balistoy, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Tagbilaran branch manager Mona Lisa De Vera, joint inspection team representatives Fermin Lumantas and Cresenciano Salvaleon, city engineers Teodoro Estoque and Gina Inting.
In the said forum, City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap 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. “Contactless transaction” is the key towards achieving a balance between sustainable economy and health. It should be remembered that automation played a big role in Tagbilaran City’s sound fiscal management.
Three years ago, the business permitting system in Tagbilaran City was a long and tedious process where business establishments got accustomed to the month-long processing and long queues.
But this scenario dramatically changed when the Business Permits and Licensing Office, City Treasurer Office, and the Information Technology Department merged and came up with a streamlined system which is harnessing the power of information technology dubbed as e-TAGB. The Enhanced Tracking and Assessment for Business or e-TAGB is a platform which integrates the e-TRACS with the streamlined business permitting process.
After the e-TAGB was put in place, the collection of business taxes in Tagbilaran City rose by 30% or Php59 million worth of local income. Tagbilaran City surpassed the collection targets given by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) a feat which gave the city the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping award where it won the Most Business Friendly LGU award in 2018 and 2020, and exponentially increased its ranking in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI). But, the most impressing impact of the e-TAGB was the increase of the City’s local income which paved the way for local projects to be funded.
With the e-permitting system in 2021, the City Government looks forward to maintaining and strengthening its sound fiscal management.
The online business permitting platform is supported by the United States Agency for International Development-Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth and Equity (USAID-SURGE) through program coordinator Dr. Rosalinda Paredes.
Tagb’s plastic bag ordinance helps reduce plastic waste
The local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran reports that the amount of plastic waste generated by city residents is considerably reduced and this is due to the implementation of the plastic bag ordinance. This statement is released by LGU Tagbilran based on initial findings from the March 2020 study. The final findings of the study are expected within Dec. 2020, city reports say.
Since the city began to enforce the plastic bag ordinance in 2018, major business establishments in the city, especially the malls, have been strictly implementing the ban on the use of plastic bags to pack dry merchandise.
City garbage collectors are also strictly following the “no segregation, no collection” policy which means that only residual wastes are brought to the final disposal facility in Alburquerque town.
Prior to the implementation of the plastic bag ban, Tagbilaran City was generating an average of 6,000 kilograms or six (6) tons of residual waste per day.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office under the City Planning and Development Office is currently reviewing the results of the Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) conducted in March 2020 for proper monitoring and evaluation of the solid waste management program in the City.
The City Solid Waste Management Board Technical Working Team hopes to complete the final evaluation within the month of December this year.
The City Government is continuously working to improve its waste disposal by strengthening its solid waste management. (by Teofilita T. Tayona, CPDO)
ProsecutorAdolfo Doroy of the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC) delivers the welcome message during Tagbilaran City’s Children’s Month Culmination Program
City celebrates Children’s Month
The Tagbilaran City government culminated the celebration of Children’s Month with an activity in the City Hall Atrium which was led by the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC).
During the activity, City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II delivered his State of the Children’s Address where he highlighted the effects on children brought about by the Covid 19 challenges.
The Mayor said the City Government has been focused on upholding the rights of the children amidst the health crisis. He said: “Celebrating the month of the children this year is challenging for all of us. Our situation right now is far from the usual. The COVID-19 pandemic has totally changed the way we live. More so, the environment where we nurture and care for our children have also shifted dramatically. But even amidst the health crisis, we will continuously nurture our people especially our children so that they can reach their best potential. The work that we are doing for children is always directed towards the following: First, for our children to have a better quality and improved way of life; second, that Tagbilaran City children are well nourished, have healthy lives and are active learners with good quality education; third, for our children to be safe and free from violence, abuse and exploitation; and lastly, to give children the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making processes affecting their lives and according to their evolving capacities”.
A motorcade kicked off the week-long celebration of Children’s Month, followed by a webinar about sexual exploitation of children. The webinar is in partnership with End Child Prostitution and Trafficking or ECPAT participated in by the teachers from the City Department of Education (DepEd) and the officers, daycare teachers, and the officers and members of the Federated Parents and Teachers Association (FPTA).
In a related development, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation members also gave away toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes to children. They went from house to house visiting kids residing in Tagbilaran.
The Children’s Month celebration in the city is a wonderful opportunity to educate and raise awareness of folks on the four (4) fundamental rights of children: the Right to Life, the Right to Development, the Right to Protection, and the Right to Participation.