THE Mandaue City Government will implement a 24-hour processing and approval of all permits and other regulatory documents to attract investors.
Mayor Luigi Quisumbing, during his State of the City Address (Soca) yesterday, also announced that improvements on urban planning and infrastructure to address flooding problem and traffic concerns will be made.
The mayor said they’ve asked most departments and offices that process permits to hasten their approvals.
Most of the department and office heads committed to comply with the directive by the end of next week.
“We want to make sure the City of Mandaue continues to be the primary destination in the province of Cebu when it comes to doing business. Part of that is to make sure that transactions are faster,” he told reporters.
Equal opportunity
The longer the applications stay on the desk, the higher the tendency that corruption will be committed, he said.
The directive to reduce red tape, Quisumbing said, complies with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte. It will also allow the business sector to feel that the local government supports its members.
To make sure all will get a fair share, the mayor said the order does not only apply to big business investments, but also to small-time businesses.
Quisumbing also said that the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan has been adopted by the City Council and is already in the final stages of approval in the national level.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan will address the lack of proper urban planning in the city.
The City has also started the bidding process of its drainage, transport and traffic master plans.
The master plan will guide the City when it comes to implementing infrastructure projects and will ensure that funds spent for flood control and road repairs and improvements are properly spent.
Since traffic remains a big concern, Quisumbing said the City will hire 50 additional enforcers.
The City will also implement the automated no-contact traffic violation apprehension policy.
Assistance to police
Congestion on several roads, particularly near the two bridges that connect to Lapu-Lapu City, remains to be the challenge for traffic enforcers.
In the last three months, they’ve issued over 25,000 citation tickets.
As to the peace and order and safety, Quisumbing also announced that the City will continue to extend assistance to the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO).
The City will buy 20 rifles and bullet proof vests for the MCPO and vehicles for the Special Weapons and Tactics.
Some of MCPO personnel will undergo explosive ordnance detail training, which will calibrate their expertise in responding to bomb-related alarms.
To address flooding concerns, Quisumbing said the City will buy an amphibious dredger to clear waterways before the end of the year.
Finally, the mayor said he will continue to enforce several local ordinances, particularly the ban on the use of plastics.
