November 2009

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       As part of the Honorable Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II’s Seven-Point Agenda, the Butuan City Investment Promotion Center (BCIPC) is mandated to Support the Private Organization (PO’s), NGO’s and other sectors in their efforts to invite foreign and local investors.                                                                                                                    

         From January to November 2009, the Butuan City Investment Board have granteed Tax Holiday packages of up to five (5) years to JVV Farms and Las Casas Elena Subdivision. The Tax Incentives generated P56.5M investments, 565 jobs and P19,000.00 in filing & registration fees.

           There are also thirteen (13) Registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE), namely: True Copy Computer Center, Han's Noodles & Dimsum House, Big Boy's Kambingan, Butuan Mansion Chika-an, Pamilya Trading, D' Agusan Lechon Manok 1 & 2, Nanay's Special Bibingka, G. Sanchez Carenderia & Store, Ampayon Petron Gasoline Station & Ent., General Use Pharmacy, Best Option Diagnostic Ctr. & Hardrock Enterprises. BMBE registrations generated over P10.7M in assets, sustained 64 jobs and generated P13,000.00 in registration fees. BMBE grantees are provided Fiscal Incentives (Exemption from Personal Income Tax) & Non-Fiscal Incentives (Exemption from coverage of the minimum wage law and participation to trade fairs and skills/liveihood trainings).

           The Butuan City Investment Board and the Trade & Industry Development Division (TIDD-now BCIPC) initiated the revision of the City Investment Incentives Code (CIIC). SP Ordinance 3466-2009 provides up to 5 years of Tax Holiday, determined Major Preferred Investment Areas (Tourism, Aqua-Agribusiness & IT-Enabled Services & Other Strategic Investments), and established the

Butuan City Investment Board (BCIPC) vice the TIDD.

           Image-Building Sessions were also conducted by the BCIPC and the Asia Foundation under the Transparency and Accountability Governance (TAG) 3 Project. Consultations with concerned gov't agencies & business/private sector, which introduced the brand identity "Imagine Butuan:

Historic Trade City of Asia", depicting Butuan's historic & economic significance in Region.

            As part of image-building efforts and provision of easy access to information for the Butuanon businessman, the BCIPC Website was constructed. It features the revised CIIC, cost of doing business, skills/labor information, BCIPC programs, Tax Holiday grantees, downloadable forms and other useful information.

            Investment advocacies include Tax Holiday & BMBE briefings for Accountants during the PICPA Week and Tax Holiday & Business Climate briefing at the ICT investment Opportunities Forum which was attended by Ms. Gigi Virata, VP of BPAP and Ms. Nenette Abecia, Manager of CU Contact Center.

            Kukabildo sa Negosyo, a business forum and/or consultations was conducted during the City's 57th Charter Day Celebration. It was participated by Butuan City Investment Board (BCIB) members, concerned department heads of the LGU and businessmen operating in the City. The activity is designed to:

      ·   Deal with the widest possible range of issues including the slightest of concerns

      ·   Serve as a vehicle to interact with government officials in an informal or casual manner

      ·   Encourage “Private-Public Sector Partnerships (PPP) in addressing gaps between business a

nd the LGU and provide mutually-agreed solutions to issues and concerns raised during the activity.

           With the support of its constituents and the business sector, revision of the CIIC and the establishment of the BCIPC, the City Government of Butuan is looking forward to a more dynamic and progressive local economy.