To improve and speed up the issuance of business permits and licenses in cities and municipalities of the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the Local Government Academy conducted the Training of Trainers on Streamlining of BPLS in August 9-12, 2010 at the Coastal View Beach Resort, Sto. Domingo, Albay.

A  priority project under the Strengthening of Local Governments in the Philippines (SLGP) funded by the Spanish government thru the AECID , forty-four (44) participants from DILG and DTI field personnel and Business Permits and Licensing Officer/staff from ten (10) local government units coming from three (3) capital towns and seven (7) cities in the Bicol Region attended the 3-day activity.  This activity is being pilot tested in the Bicol region for the 10 LGUs, with a roll-out activity for more LGUs in the next few months.

During the opening program, DILG RD Blandino Maceda stressed the need for a more business-friendly climate in the local government units.  “Our concern is to reduce Red Tape in LGUs and that is the reason why we required the LGUs to come up with a Citizen’s Charter.”  This undertaking will reduce the number of steps and days in processing their business licenses.  He also acknowledged RD Jocelyn Blanco’s initiative to harmonize and unify the projects that both the DILG and DTI are providing and implementing for the local government units.

DTI, Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco said that  BPLS Upscaling must be given a priority by the local government units.  “The Bicol Region, despite the calamities that we have experienced, has conquered business.”   She added that Region V is a “growing region” and is now globally competitive.  We shall work altogether not only to plan. . . what is important is to begin truly. . .  and BPLS will not only be growing but growing faster.”

Participating LGUs expressed their eagerness and commitment to implement the project in their respective level. Priority LGUs in the Bicol Region for the National BPLS Streamlining Project for CY 2010 are Legazpi City, Naga City, Daet, Camarines Norte, Virac, Catanduanes, Sorsogon City and Masbate City.  The cities of Iriga and Tabaco for CY 2012 and the City of Ligao in 2013.

To pursue the BPLS Reform Project for local government units (LGUs), a joint Memorandum Circular by DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo was signed at the DTI Office in Makati City last August 6, 2010.  The Signing of the JMC was witnessed by representatives of the different LGU Leagues and other local and international partners.

As the legal basis for the BPLS Project, the LGUs will be guided by RA 9485, An Act to Improve the Efficiency in the Delivery of Government Service to public by Reducing bureaucratic Red tape Preventing Graft and Corruption and Providing Penalties Therefore” or (Anti Red tape Act) and the JMC on “Guidelines in Implementing the Standards in Processing Business Permits and Licenses in all cities and municipalities. —  (LGOO V Bem Rosal)