As the city government gears up for next year’s business permit renewal period, the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) has stepped up monitoring efforts, reminding business operators to comply with all necessary requirements to avoid potential shutdowns.

Licensing Officer IV and Acting BPLD head, Gemafiel Gaspay, highlighted the office’s enforcement activities, which include tax mapping and saturation drives, to verify businesses comply with regulations. “Non-compliant businesses are issued three notices, followed by a cease-and-desist order, and ultimately a closure order if they fail to meet requirements,” Gaspay remarked.

Beyond business permits, other regulatory standards are assessed through routine joint operations with the City Health Office (CHO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), and City Engineer’s Office (CEO), among others, to ensure adherence to policies on sanitation practices, environmental measures, and operational guidelines.

“If you’re going to start a business, you have a responsibility to help maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and other aspects. The government wants to see a balanced approach—it’s not just about profit,” the official stated underscoring that business operators have obligations beyond financial gain.

From January to October 2024, the BPLD has served 141 closure orders to businesses that failed to meet permitting requirements despite being given a grace period.

Ahead of the renewal period, BPLD reminded operators to complete their renewals by the January 20, 2025, deadline to avoid penalties and surcharges, as stipulated in Ordinance 99-58. The ordinance mandates a 25% surcharge on the total amount due for non-renewed business permits, plus an additional two percent each month of delay until settled.

The number of registered businesses in Tacloban City has risen by about 50 percent since 2018, from over 6,000 to more than 9,000 now, indicating a significant rebound and growth in the local economy.

Encouraging early permit processing, Gaspay also mentioned that business owners have convenient options to renew online through the city‘s e-payment system or by visiting the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) at Tacloban City Hall, along with three (3) off-site registration centers situated at Robinsons Place Tacloban in Marasbaras, Robinsons North in Abucay, and Gaisano Real.