Puerto Princesa City improves processes for BPOSS

On June 28, Puerto Princesa City government created a management board, technical working group, and secretariat for its Building and Occupancy Permit One-Stop-Shop (BPOSS). City Mayor Lucilo Bayron signed Executive Order No. 2018-29 which defined the composition of the committees along with their functions, duties, and responsibilities. This includes their compliance with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 or the Guidelines in Streamlining the Processes for the Issuance of Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy. With this, the TWG recommended key improvements for the initial dry-run of the BPOSS such as revising the physical layout of the receiving and claiming areas, documenting guidelines and other requirements, disseminating information collaterals, and conducting orientation for frontliners, among others. The proposed new system can reduce the face-to-face interaction with clients, from 31 steps to four steps, thereby providing convenience in doing business in Puerto Princesa City. USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project supports the city government’s initiatives in streamlining processes for the issuance of business permits and certificates of occupancy.