by Thiago Santos September 12, 2021 BATANGAS CITY - Aiming to expedite the process of obtaining building and occupancy permits in Batangas C...
September 12, 2021
BATANGAS CITY - Aiming to expedite the process of obtaining building and occupancy permits in Batangas City, the One-Stop Shop for Construction Permitting (OSCP) Online Application System was launched on September 7.
According to City Engineer Adela Hernandez, this is a big step to fulfill the city government's desire to make all government transactions fully automated.
In 2014, he said, former Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha started streamlining the processes for obtaining business and occupancy permits with the help of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Sa pamamagitan ng EO No.16 S. 2014, nabuo ang Batangas City Building Permit and Occupancy Permit One-Stop-Shop (BPOSS) upang mapaikli ang processing time mula 20 araw hanggang 7 araw na lamang para sa building permit at 20 araw hanggang 5 araw sa occupancy permit,” Hernandez said.
He also informed that in 2018 the said executive order was amended and the One Stop Shop for Construction Permit (OSCP) replaced BPOSS to further expedite the process of securing the said permits.
“Ilan sa mga improvements ay ang pagdadagdag ng dalawang departamento sa original na team composition ng BPOSS kabilang na ang City Assessor’s Office at City Treasurer’s Office. Ipinatutupad na din ang one-time payment na malaking alwan sa mga aplikante, bukod pa sa paglipat ng BPOSS sa mas maganda at mas malaking opisina,” he said.
In addition, there were unified application forms used by the applicants.
Hernandez stressed that in the processing of building and occupancy permits, from 7 days it became only 5 days for simple transactions, 7 days for complex transactions and 21 days for highly technical transactions.
At the launch, Information Communication Officer Raymond Sadiwa presented the actual demonstration on how to apply online for permits.
There are links that the applicant needs to click to download the application forms and they also need to have their own email account. He said just follow the step by step application until you get to the payment and releasing.
The implementation of the automated building permit and certificate of occupancy system also aims to eliminate red tape in government agencies.
In this regard, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Jeremiah Belgica expressed his admiration for the resolve and political will of the leaders in Batangas City.
He said it is not easy to do and he hopes the city will be a good example not only in the region but also in the whole country.
“You cannot automate unless you streamline your processes. Kung hindi ito gagawin, mapapasok ng red tape ang automation. At dito ako hanga sa Batangas City dahil ipinakita ninyo ang transparency ng inyong pamumuno,” Belgica said.
Mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha is very grateful to USAID which she said has been a partner of the local government for 10 years and is tireless in providing technical assistance for effective public service.
“Halos naging tourist destination ang BPLO dahil sa dami ng mga naglalakbay aral upang gayahin ang ating mga ginagawa at ipatupad din sa kanilang mga LGU’s. Maraming salamat sa USAID gayundin sa lahat ng bumubuo ng team dahil kung hindi sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ninyo, hindi magiging posible ang araw na ito,” Mayor said.
The launch was spearheaded by the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO).
Aside from Belgica, the launching was also attended by DILG Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, USAID SURGE Chief of Party Sergio Andal Jr., and Deanna Lijauco Component 2 Lead of USAID.
(PIO Batangas City)
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