Sheilla Cajayon Ysug-Lee, R.N.
As the economic hub of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City is home to a thriving business community that drives growth and development in the region. However, one of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs and business owners face in the city is the often cumbersome and time-consuming process of renewing business permits.
Every year, thousands of businesses in Zamboanga City go through the process of renewing their permits, which is a vital requirement for them to continue operating legally. However, the current system is often marred by delays, inefficiencies, and bureaucratic red tape, causing undue stress and inconvenience to business owners.
The process in previous years, typically involves multiple trips to city hall, long lines, and endless paperwork, taking up valuable time and resources that could be better spent on running and growing their businesses. This not only hampers the competitiveness of local businesses but also discourages potential investors and entrepreneurs from setting up shop in the city.
This year, the city government to streamline the business permits renewal process, making it more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly. The city now introduced and implemented a digital platform that allows businesses to renew their permits online, reducing the need for physical visits to city hall and minimizing the risk of errors and delays.
Additionally, the city government can consider implementing a single-window system, where all necessary documents and payments can be submitted and processed in one place, reducing the need for multiple trips and interactions with different government agencies. Which will cater from application to printing of the hard copy of the Mayor’s Permit.
The benefits of a streamlined business permits renewal process are numerous. It will not only make it easier for businesses to operate in the city but also increase compliance and reduce corruption. It will also send a strong signal to potential investors that Zamboanga City is open for business and committed to creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and growth.
Moreover, a more efficient business permits renewal process will also generate more revenue for the city government, as businesses will be more likely to renew their permits on time, reducing the likelihood of penalties and fines.
The city government of Zamboanga City’s immediate action to streamline the business permits renewal process, making it more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly. By doing so, the city can unlock the full potential of its business community, attract more investments, and drive growth and development in the region. It is time for Zamboanga City to become a model for business-friendly governance, and we urge the city government to take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality.
