BACOLOD City – The city government has begun accepting the early processing of business and mayor’s permits effective November 17, in preparation for the 2026 renewal cycle.
Mayor Greg Gasataya issued Memorandum No. 195 on November 13 directing all concerned departments and office heads to accommodate early processing for calendar year 2026 permits.
“This move is part of the city’s preparation for the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) and aims to ensure faster, smoother, and hassle-free transactions while avoiding long lines and congestion during the usual renewal rush in January,” Gasataya said.
As part of the early processing, applicants may begin securing required clearances ahead of time. By January 2026, those who have completed all clearances may immediately proceed to assessment, payment, and the issuance of their Mayor’s Permit.
Every start of the year, the city government conducts the BOSS at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby to streamline new and renewal business registrations by gathering all concerned offices and agencies in one location.
Under City Ordinance 565, or the Revised Revenue Code of Bacolod City, businesses that complete their registration on or before the January 20 deadline are entitled to a 10 percent discount.
Frank Carbon, vice president for Government Affairs of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), welcomed the mayor’s directive, saying it aligns with the Ease of Doing Business Law.
He noted that MBCCI has long been advocating for a digital Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS). Of the 32 local government units in Negros Occidental, only five have fully adopted digital BPLS—and Bacolod is not yet among them, Carbon said.
He urged city officials to pursue digitalization not only for BPLS but also for other processes and systems, emphasizing that automation will help eliminate opportunities for corruption.
In line with the push for faster and more efficient services, the Office of the Building Official (OBO) launched an e-Kiosk for digital permit applications on September 18, a move the city considers an initial step toward broader digitalization./PN
