DTI lines up anti-red tape measures

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies are undertaking several anti-red tape measures in line with President Arroyo’s order to reduce government bureaucracy.

The Board of Investments (BOI), for instance, has reduced the processing days and waived the fees for the application of cement and copper export clearances.

It has also put up a help desk to accommodate queries and complaints.

The DTI-National Capital Region has discarded its previous requirement for business registration applicants to submit two passport-size photos and other government agencies’ requirements such as a Professional Regulation Commission ID and Bureau of Food and Drugs permit.

The DTI has also put up a call center to handle clients’ queries and request for assistance on DTI services.

"DTI Direct," which can be reached through telephone number 751-3330, is the DTI’s mechanism for adopting a no-wrong-door policy in order to provide fast, reliable and uniform customer support.

According to DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Cuison Maglaya, the DTI call center will "save our clients the time and frustration of being given the run-around by providing their needed information or assistance at the soonest time possible."

Another attached agency of the DTI, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board has reduced its documentary requirements for renewal of contractors’ licenses which would cut transaction cost by as much as P2,500 and processing time from 68 days to just 15 days.

The DTI’s International Coffee Organization certifying agency has also cut its processing time for coffee export clearances by 80 percent and accreditation of coffee exporters by 60 percent and is no longer collecting fees.

The DTI and all its attached agencies are also adopting a "no noon break" policy to provide uninterrupted service.