[ Manila Bulletin Online ] November 3, 2008
By MAR T. SUPNAD
BALANGA City, Bataan -- The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry cited Balanga City as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit ( LGU) in 2008 in the level 2 of the city category during the 34th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held recently at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.
Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique "Joet" S. Garcia III received the award for the city government from PCCI "in recognition of its commendable efforts in adopting and institutionalizing innovative and best practices in good governance in partnership with the private sector that significantly benefited its business community and citizenry."
President Arroyo handed over the award to Mayor Garcia. She was assisted by PCCI President Edgardo G. Lacson, PCCI Chairman Miguel B. Varela, and Alfredo M. Yao, chairman of the 34th PBC committee.
Balanga City Vice Mayor Noel Valdecañas was also present at the awarding ceremony together with City Councilors Vianca Venzon, Liza Vasquez, Jojie Molo, Vic Malibiran, Randy Cruz, and Dante Manalaysay.
At a press conference held at the Lou-is restaurant in Balanga, Garcia told media people that "the city was nominated for the award by the Bataan Chamber of Commerce and Industry because of the concerted efforts by city government officials.
He said the city government has developed a system that fast-tracks transactions such as the issuance of business permits through the One-Stop Shop.
He said One-Stop Shop, which was the initiative of then Mayor Abet S. Garcia, now congressman (2nd district, Bataan), causes the release of business permits and licenses in just 30 seconds.