CIAP opening to cut cost of doing business in CV

CEBU, Philippines - In its effort to fulfill the government’s thrust to curb corruption and cut the cost of doing business in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) formed Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) in Cebu to serve the Central Visayas region.

In coordination with the Philippine Constructors Association Inc. (PCA) and its local chapter, the Cebu Contractors Association (CCA), the CIAP Window opening here in the region would serve several services which previously processed by contractors from Cebu and other areas in Central Visayas to Manila.

This way, players are seen to save cost of at least P25 thousand for travel and accommodation expenses going to Manila for processing of licenses and registration, construction dispute resolution, overseas registration and promotion, contractors’ performance evaluation system, among others.

The CIAP Window, located at the DTI-7 regional office in Cebu, aims to enhance the access and delivery of CIAP services in the region towards ensuring a more effective and efficient CIAP decentralization program.

Also the availability of the facility here, promises contractors of shortened processing time, from one month average, to 10 days, said DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte.

According to Caberte the active construction industry in Cebu and in the region, should be complemented with faster services from the government, and that opening of the facility will promote further growth of the sector.

Also, this would spouse interest from the unlicensed Contractors to avail of the “Amnesty Program” as indicated by the Republic Act 4566, calling practicing contractors without license to avail of the offer.

The amnesty program started on July 1 this year to Construction firms with capital of not less than P45 thousand.

Legitimate Contractor Firms are required to renew their licences every year.

The CIAP is an attached agency of DTI which accelerates, promotes and regulates the growth of the construction industry.

It has four implementing arms namely; the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board ({CAB), the Philippine Overseas Construction Board (PDCB) and the Construction Industry Arbitration Board (CIAC). (FREEMAN)