Bacolod City officials are meeting today with owners of establishments that have been shut down for operating without the necessary permits, a move the city says is designed to help businesses, not just punish them.
The meeting, to be led by City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, was initially scheduled for Monday but was postponed due to the suspension of government work.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city’s approach is shifting from “solely punitive to collaborative,” with the goal of assisting business owners in becoming compliant with city regulations.
Last week, the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) closed at least six establishments in the city center. Gasataya said the city wants to be “proactive,” adding, “The city government can help and assist them to be compliant.”
Among the businesses shut down were a department store managed by Novo, Purple Cake, Chicken House, a dressed chicken plant, a salon, and a boarding house. All were found to be in violation of Section 65, Article 20 of City Ordinance No. 565, the Revised Revenue Code of Bacolod City.
The dialogue will allow owners to present their issues directly to city officials, who will guide them through the requirements needed to secure their permits and reopen their businesses.
