SM to host Bacolod's one-stop-shop
BACOLOD CITY -- For convenience and comfort, SM City Bacolod will be the venue of the city's one-stop-shop this year, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said.
The mayor said he is very happy of the full cooperation of the mall in this kind of public service endeavor.
"This is another innovation of the city for its taxpayers and SM is the best venue because of its location, cool ambience and bigger parking spaces," Leonardia added.
He noted that the one-stop-shop of Bacolod was already acknowledged and featured in various local government units, publications and entities as one of the best practices of the city, and the reason why it was awarded as the Most Business Friendly City in the Philippines.
"The program earned a very positive feedback from our people who apply for their business registration and renewal that's why every year we are making innovations for better service," he stressed.
SM Mall Manager George Jardiolin said it's their privilege also in helping the city with their activity.
"Actually the city government and SM has been partners in so many events now, for example the Department of Foreign Affairs passport processing and even the Jobs Fair of Public Employment and Services Office (PESO)," Jardiolin added.
Permits and Licensing head Ardis Jaculina said they will start on Wednesday until February 26, 2009.
"The original schedule is until January 31, no surcharge will be imposed on the late applicants but Mayor Evelio Leonardia extended it until February 13 which means that from February 14 until February 26, the surcharge will now be collected from them,” Jaculina said.
The city government in support of the one-stop-shop in improving its collection efficiency, has purchased two years ago the wireless antenna or router that would connect the system from the designated area to City Treasurer's Office and Permits and Licensing Division at Bacolod City Hall.
Jaculina said they are on the process of considering Saturdays and Sundays in accepting applicants for encoding purposes but today's idea are weekdays at 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
"We would like to thank SM for providing us a venue which is more convenient to our taxpayers," she added.
Meanwhile, Jardiolin said they will build two one-storey classrooms with two rooms and toilet for Vista Alegre Granada Relocation Elementary School and Alangilan National High School.
"The project is spearheaded by SM Foundation Inc. through Mr. Henry Sy Sr. for the youth in the respective areas," he added.