Hundreds of business establishment owners flock to the “One-Stop-Shop” at Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym) on the first day of the business permit renewal on Thursday.

Business Bureau chief Marissa Marasigan-Torentera, however, said her office has started receiving applications for a business permit renewal as early as December 16.

Torentera said at least 3,000 business permit renewal application forms were distributed to business owners since December 16.

“Those who already have their business permit application forms will now pay the corresponding fees,” she said.

She said that early printing has been the practice of the city government for the last two years to fast-track the renewal process.

Torentera said she expects the same number of businesses recorded last year for this year.

“As of December 31, we have recorded 41,296. Hopefully, we will have the same figure,” she said. She also expects some businesses will be retired.

Aside from the renewal of permits, Torentera said her office is also processing new business permit applications.

The city government has reminded that the requirements for renewal of business permits are:previous Mayor’s and Business Permits, previous receipts, notarized list of employees, and authority to transact the renewal of the Mayor’s Permit with the Business Bureau- a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for sole proprietorship, Secretary Certificate for Corporations and Partnership Resolution for Partnership and service industry such as food chain, a certificate of compliance from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for their conduct of random drug test to their employees. CIO