By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the Business One-Stop Shop, which took place at the Bacolod City Government Center from January 2 to February 29, Bacolod City Permits and Licensing Division (PLD) head Stela Rose Rayos said the city recorded a seven percent increase in business registrations, rising to 20,953 from the 19,572 recorded during the same period last year.
The city official believes the closure of several business establishments for operating without the proper documentation may have triggered local business owners to seek a permit this year. In addition, she noted, nearly all of the businesses shuttered last year secured permits.
Meanwhile, with the one-stop shop over, Rayos said a 25 percent surcharge will be added for those unable to process their permits on time.
Additionally, the city will convene the Joint Inspection Team this month, who will conduct inspections on business establishments in the city./DGB, WDJ