Tacloban City (October 22) -– In line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s thrust to continue enhancing a business-friendly environment in the country, Tanauan, Leyte is willing to share its experience with any interested local government units.

Tanauan Mayor Roque A. Tiu who just received the award from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the Closing Rites of the 32nd Philippine Business Conference in Manila Hotel on October 20, expressed the readiness of the Municipality of Tanauan to any local government unit interested to learn from the Tanauan experience.

2006 MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY MUNICIPALITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo shares a light moment with Tanauan, Leyte Mayor cas she presents to him the plaque for Tanauan as the 2006 Most Business-Friendly Municipality of the Philippines. The awarding rites for the 2006 Most Friendly LGUs was done at Manila Hotel on October 20, 2006. Others in the photo are (right to left): PIA 8 Director Olive Tiu, FCCI president Richard Chua, PCCI past president Jimmy Tang and PCCI president Ambassador Donald Dee.

Mayor Tiu said that the system which Tanauan is now implementing is also a product of studies and observations made of the other previous business-friendly local government units.

Tanauan, Mayor Tiu revealed, bested other municipalities including last year’s winner and this he expressed gratitude to the employees and officials of the local government unit. He said that without the cooperation, support and commitment to excellent public service of all the employees, the system will not be successfully implemented.

He said that the local government of Tanauan bested other municipalities in the Search for the most business-friendly municipality for the year 2006, with its innovations in securing business licenses and other documents in the municipality. He bared that the local government unit streamlined the requirements in securing business licenses and building permits, paying of property tax and other business transactions. As an example, Mayor Tiu said that renewal of business permits has only one requirement and that mayor’s permit is obtained in one hour.

He added that the client is assisted by any staff by accompanying him or her to the office he or she wish to have business transaction. This will expedite the completion of the client’s business transaction. Mayor Tiu stressed that the staff are trained to be courteous and helpful with smile on their faces whenever they are dealing with the clients.

The award is an inspiration and challenge to work harder in enhancing the business-friendly environment of the municipality in order to encourage more job generating investments.

Mayor Tiu received the award together with Mrs. Olive Tiu and they were accompanied by the department heads of the LGU and the officers of the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Visayas Chamber governor Engr. Junie Andrade and president Orlando Uy.