Construction regulator opens service window in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, March 20 (PNA) – The Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) has expanded its services to contractors in Eastern Visayas with the launching of its window in this city on Monday.

The CIAP desk, housed at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office in nearby Palo, Leyte town, is the 8th window in the country.

DTI Undersecretary for CIAP Ruth Castelo said the region is one of the priorities to have a field office with the operation of 350 accredited contractors from six provinces in Region 8 or Eastern Visayas. 

“We bring this window to the region for faster services to the contractors. We have to provide ease of doing business to all entrepreneurs,” Castelo told participants during the launching at the Ironwood Hotel here.

“The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is the golden age of infrastructure. The value of construction industry is highlighted and contractors play an important role because all the other sectors depend on the construction industry,” she added. 

The service window will accept and check applications from contractors before forwarding the documents to the DTI-CIAP main office. Castelo vowed to complete the processing within 20 days after receipt.

Among the services that contractors may avail are pre-screening and evaluation of applications for Categories “A” down to “Trade/E” under Contractors Licensing and Registration Program.

It also accepts construction contract claims or disputes for arbitration and other pleadings for ongoing arbitration cases before CIAC, logistic support/coordination for hearings/meetings, and orientation on mediation for small claims under Contract Dispute Resolution Program. 

The window will also disseminate information of Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF) online training application and promotion of manpower trainings and seminars under Construction Manpower Development Program.

“We have been waiting for this opportunity and we are happy that DTI-CIAP opened their doors to us. We will save a lot because we will no longer go to Manila to apply for registration and other transactions,” said Victorio L. Esperas, Philippine Contractors Association Leyte Chapter president. 

DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras vowed to support the operation of the service window. "Our mantra is to help entrepreneurs in all their concerns. This is a breakthrough for us and we are happy that contractors here feel the same.”

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

CIAP has five implementing boards - the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, the Philippine Overseas Construction Board, the Philippine Domestic Construction Board, the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, and CMDF.

CIAP service windows have been established in La Union, Pampanga, Legazpi, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. (PNA)
BS/SARWELL Q. MENIANO