Businessmen who were renewing their business permits flocked at the SM City Event Centre yesterday where the ONE STOP SHOP services of the Licensing Division, City Treasurer’s Office is rendered.

Ardis Jaculina, head, Licensing Division said, the businessmen fund the area comfortable although they were jampacked because it is cool and they can do other businesses while waiting for their turn.

They encountered no problem because it were well organized, and the workplace was very conducive to the public.

The only bottleneck was at the Treasurer’s Office because the space was limited and the place was hot due to the absence of an air conditioner.

Everyday, the SM One Stop Shop can process documents of close to 2,000 applicants, but the Treasurer’s Office can finish less than 1,000 despite it is computerized already. Thousands are applying for assessment and willing to pay at the collection office but only up to a maximum of 500 or more can be accommodated or processed there.

At SM City ONE STOP SHOP, services rendered are data information, filling up the business permit application, then complying the requirements with the City Health office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the City’s licensing division are at hand to serv to the max.

Jaculina is calling the businessmen to grab the opportunity to apply soonest possible to avail of the privilege without being penalized. Due to the long line of business applicants, some of them just go shopping first at SM then back to their line at the ONE STOP SHOP. The process includes: from the information, getting the OR, business name application, then clearance, the last is at the old city hall where the bottle neck is exceeding.

Considering that there are still lots of businessmen applying for permit and licenses, Jaculina is throwing back to the administration whether or not to extend for the second time. Actually, Jaculina said, the city council has already approved the request of Mayor Leonardia to extend until January 31 the business renewal without surcharge.*