BACOLOD City — The city government has taken a major step toward faster public service delivery with the launch of a Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) fast lane, reducing the issuance of permits to as little as 30 minutes.
Mayor Greg G. Gasataya announced that the pilot dry run of the BPLO fast lane began on April 19, aiming to streamline transactions and improve efficiency for local businesses.
“We implemented this to speed up services for our constituents,” the mayor said.
The fast lane initially caters to low-risk businesses, particularly those applying for permit renewals. It also seeks to assist applicants who were unable to complete their requirements earlier.
Under the new system, qualified applicants may be issued a provisional business permit valid for 15 days while completing any remaining requirements.
To be classified as low-risk, applicants must have held a business permit in the previous year and must not be flagged in the negative lists of regulatory offices such as the Zoning Office, the Office of the Building Official, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The initiative forms part of the city’s broader push to improve the ease of doing business, with a focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Gasataya emphasized.
Through the electronic Business Permits and Licensing System (eBPLS), eligible applicants can submit their documents online and have their permits processed in significantly less time.
Early results from the pilot run have been promising. Antonio Escaler, a local eatery owner operating since 2015, was among the first to benefit from the system, receiving his provisional Mayor’s Permit in just 15 to 20 minutes.
“Honestly, it was really fast. In total, it only took around 15 to 20 minutes,” Escaler said, noting that previous applications took up to three days and required multiple visits to different offices.
City officials said the reform is expected to accelerate business transactions, reduce red tape, and create a more business-friendly environment in Bacolod./PN
