IN BRIEF

QC, DTI ink accord to ease biz processing

THE Quezon City government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have partnered to integrate the latter’s business name registration system (BNRS) into the city’s online business permit application system (OBPAS) to allow a seamless verification process and further boost ease of doing business in the city. Mayor Joy Belmonte and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual forged a memorandum of agreement for the integration that would help streamline business processes, detect fraudulent submission of requirements and effectively monitor compliance of QC-based businesses.

“Since one of the requirements for processing the business permits of sole proprietors is the certificate of business name registration from DTI, we need to ensure compliance. Instead of manually verifying the authenticity of CBNRs, the integration will allow digital processing of data and documents, thereby speeding up the process,” Belmonte said.

DTI data showed that business name applications processed online grew from 35 percent to 75 percent based on payment collections received since the development and launch of the BNRS Next Gen in 2019, while Quezon City is home to over 65,000 businesses with almost half of them being DTI-registered.

“So we deem it imperative to track growth, regularly monitor compliance, and gather necessary data for policies and programs,” Belmonte said.

With the integration of DTI’s BNRS into QC’s digital platform, Business Permits and Licensing Department head Margarita Santos said concerns, such as the submission of fake BNRS, will be addressed.

“This will also pave the way for faster evaluation of permit applications through an automated, system-to-system verification,” she said.

Belmonte also entered into an agreement with Quezon City’s 142 barangays for the integration of barangay clearance and barangay business permit fees into the OBPAS.

“Apart from the BNRS, we are ensuring that businesses pay their dues. We are working hand-inhand with our barangays through the Suyod Buwis program to ensure that businesses operating in each barangay are compliant with both city and barangay regulations,” she said.

Belmonte expressed confidence that the two agreements will help transform the entrepreneurial landscape and foster a culture of innovation, competitiveness, and economic prosperity. Rio N. Araja

Angeles opens city pound, animal shelter

ANGELES City—The Angeles City government has inaugurated a newly constructed city pound and animal shelter here to house rescued pets.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. led its opening rites, with Vice Mayor Vicenta Vega-Cabigting, councilor Arvin Suller, chief adviser IC Calaguas, executive assistant Reina Manuel, city veterinarian Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla, and city engineer Donato Dizon in attendance.

The newly-built animal shelter was accredited by the Bureau of Animal Industry, granted on May 2023 — a first in the history of Angeles City and a first in Pampanga province.

The 103-capacity animal facility, which is located at the City Hall compound, will provide all the needs of the housed animals, including food, check-ups, vitamins and medicines, anti-rabies vaccinations, and spaying and neutering.

Lazatin said among his top priorities is to ensure the welfare of the animals in the city, by giving them the best and proper care and importance as well keeping them safe.

“Matagal na po nating pangarap ito para sa siyudad. We are happy that we have finally made it possible,” Lazatin said.

Calaguas and Manuel, both known animal lovers, will supervise the operation of the newest animal shelter with Dr. Arcilla.

“Sa pagbubukas po ng ating bagong dog pound and animal shelter, mas masisiguro po natin na mas marami tayong hayop na matutulungan at maaalagaan,” Calaguas shared.

For her part, Manuel is encouraging her kababayans to adopt rescued animals, and do not shop.

“Adopt, don’t shop! Let us give our rescued fur-babies their fur-ever home,” Manuel said.

Dr. Arcilla further said that queries for adoption and animal welfare programs will be entertained via walk-in or schedule, or through their official Facebook page, Angeles City Veterinary Office.

Dr. Arcilla also thanked the administration of Mayor Lazatin for putting animal welfare on top of his priority projects. Butch Gunio