The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) has called on contractors to renew their licenses soonest to avoid rush, delay and penalties.

Starting the first day of February, PCAB, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shall be accepting renewal applications for fiscal year 2017-2018.

To avoid the rush and delay in the filing/processing of renewal application, contractors holding licenses ending in 0-1 must already file by February; 2-3 by March; 4-5 by April; 6-7 by May; and 8-9 by June, including new applications approved from January to June this year.

PCAB will strictly enforce the schedule of renewal of licenses among contractors. Failure to file renewal applications within the designated months shall be assessed the payment of P5,000. Additional Processing Fee (APF) plus P5,000 Additional License Fee (ALF) will be collected if the renewal application is filed after June 30 this year.

Meanwhile, DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi encouraged all unlicensed contractors, subcontractors and specialty contractors to first secure a license before engaging or attempting into any construction activities to avoid sanctions.

R.A. 4566 (The Contractor’s License Law) provides that no contractor (including sub-contractor and specialty contractor) shall be into such business without first having secured a PCAB license.

Ambi emphasized that it is an offense to engage in contracting business without getting a license first.

“Once a contractor has a PCAB license, we are assured that they have passed the requirements relative to construction business. Through this way, we are also assured that they are aware of their responsibilities as contractors,” Ambi said.

The Contractor’s License Law protects public safety by ensuring that only qualified and reliable contractors are allowed to operate in the country. The law also aims to promote of the welfare of the public and private sectors as well as the national interest, orderly growth of the contracting sector and upgrading of construction capability.

For inquiries, contractors may reach PCAB-Davao staff Alex G. Domingo at (082) 224-0511 local 417 and 420. They may also visit its office at 4/F Mintrade Realty Building, Monteverde Avenue corner Sales Street, Davao City.