The DENR IVA CALABARZON joined the First Imus City Business Cliniquing on August 17, 2019, at CityMall-Anabu, Imus, Cavite. The said event was launched by the Imus City Local Government, through the Imus Economic Investment Promotion Unit. The one-day event provided a platform for one on one consultations between potential and existing entrepreneurs and the various National Government Agencies (NGA).

Mr. Marx Nicholai Delmo, Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer, disclosed that one of the main concerns of business owners is the lack of knowledge about the regulatory requirements of various agencies. They conducted the event to help small business owners start their businesses.

Ms. Teresita Llabres, Area Vice President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Imus is a finalist for the most business-friendly Local Government Unit (LGU). She added that business owners should not fear the government agencies, but instead work with them.  and that it is easy to comply with the requirements of business owners follow the right protocols of owning a business. She urges other LGUs to replicate this kind of project because 99.6% out of 100% is comprised of small businesses.

Representatives from the DENR CALABARZON includes personnel from License, Patent and Deeds Division, Planning Management Division, and Regional Public Affairs Office, as well as personnel from Mines and Geosciences Bureau. LPDD Chief, Engr. Olivia Bejo shared that the DENR participated to offer assistance to the entrepreneurs. City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Imus reminded that it is a requirement for all potential and existing business owners to attend a Solid Waste Management (SWM) seminar when applying for a business permit. It is important that the business owners know about proper waste disposal and that they comply with environmental laws, rules, and regulation. CENRO also offers livelihood programs, such as making charcoal briquettes, composting, and recycling.

There are a total of 22 participating NGAs, which are Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Health, DENR, Department of Science and Technology, Agricultural Training Institute, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Import Services, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Small Business Corporation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Labor and Employment, Pag-IBIG, Social Security Systems, PhilHealth, Intellectual Property Office, Business Permit and Licensing Office, CENRO, Zoning/Building, Bureau of Fire Protection, and City Health Office.

City Vice Mayor, Hon. Arnel Cantimbuhan expresses his gratitude to the 250 entrepreneurs and NGAs who attended the First Imus City Business Cliniquing. ###