LGUs Encouraged to Establish Business Permit and Licensing Offices to Attract More Investments
In a concerted effort to enhance local economies and attract increased investments, various government agencies in the Philippines are urging local government units (LGUs) to establish and digitalize their Business Permit and Licensing Systems (BPLS). This initiative aims to streamline business registration processes, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
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Advancements in Western Visayas
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has set an ambitious target for Western Visayas, aiming for full automation of BPLS across all LGUs in the region by 2028. As of July 2024, 104 out of 139 LGUs have adopted automated systems, with Pavia in Iloilo and Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental achieving full automation. DILG Western Visayas Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero emphasized that non-compliance with Republic Act 11032, known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, could deter investments and potentially foster corruption. He stated, “The lesser the face-to-face negotiation, the better, and there is the least corruption.”
Nationwide Efforts of Business Permit and Licensing
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been proactive in partnering with LGUs nationwide to simplify business permit processes. In November 2023, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed agreements with several cities, including Baguio, Balanga, Bislig, Butuan, San Pedro, Bacolod, Carmona, and Guiguinto, to integrate DTI’s Business Name Registration System (BNRS) with their online BPLS. This integration eliminates the need for manual submission of business name registration certificates, thereby expediting the registration process. Secretary Pascual remarked, “This partnership through system integration demonstrates our strong commitment to simplifying our registration procedures and requirements for the benefit of Filipino entrepreneurs, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises.”
Success Stories and Commendations
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has been instrumental in promoting electronic Business One-Stop Shops (eBOSS) to boost local economies. In April 2024, ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez commended Legazpi City for its effective implementation of eBOSS, which allows business permit applications, submissions, payments, and permit issuance to be conducted entirely online. Such digitalization has led to increased business registrations and revenue collections. Secretary Perez noted, “We have proven that the LGUs that set up and operationalized eBOSS increased their number of business registrations and revenue collections.”
Call to Action
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has also been providing free software systems to LGUs to advance their Business Permit and Licensing. As of October 2024, 84 out of 133 LGUs in Western Visayas have adopted DICT’s digital systems, facilitating online applications and permit releases. DICT Information Systems Researcher Michael Lagos highlighted the benefits, stating, “Our system is connected to PSA standard classification of businesses, which helps PSA consolidate data for business and economic data.”
The collective efforts of DILG, DTI, ARTA, and DICT underscore a national commitment to enhancing ease of doing business through digital transformation. LGUs are encouraged to adopt these digital systems promptly to attract investments, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and promote economic growth in their respective localities.
