The Iloilo City Government and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the City Hall’s mobile payment system through Scaling Innovations in Mobile Money (SIMM) Project during a program at Amigo Hotel December 4.
“We again embark on something path breaking. Thanks to the tireless and generous partnership of USAID,” stressed Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog.
With the new mobile service, taxpayers can now pay their business tax using their cellular phones. The system offers an innovative, secure, and cost-effective means to create high impact development that benefits the people.
“Enhancing the delivery of frontline services especially the business licensing system will make services faster, more efficient, more convenient, with greater transparency and accountability,” Mabilog said.
“While the initiative is by no means a completion of our governance agenda, this will definitely show our sincerity, resolve and determination to provide the best for our city; because Ilonggos deserve the best, no more, no less,” he added.
The mayor credited partners of the successful endeavor including USAID, University of Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City Trade and Investment Promotions Board, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Trade and Industry.
“USAID provided the framework. The team took the challenge, got immersed in the requisite details and the results are here – we will eliminate or reduce to the barest minimum the need for paperwork, make paying taxes less cumbersome,” said Mabilog.
He added it will be cost effective for both City Government and businessmen and doable right at the comfort of one’s home.
Mabilog thanked USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele represented by Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and INVEST officials John Avila, Ofie Templo and Deana Lijauco who worked with the City Government to improve Business Permits and Licensing System by successfully streamlining procedures to encourage more investors to do business here. [via Source]
