BACOLOD City – Business owners in Bacolod City will soon be able to renew their business permits online as the city government prepares to launch its digital business registration system in the third week of November.
The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) conducted a live simulation of the Bacolod City eBusiness One Stop Shop portal on November 11, 2026, at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby to test the system’s functionality ahead of its official rollout.
Carrying the tagline “Simpler Transactions. A Stronger Bacolod,” the platform aims to streamline business permit applications and renewals by allowing taxpayers to submit requirements and secure regulatory clearances online, eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices.
Initially, the system will cater to existing businesses with valid 2026 Mayor’s Permits applying for renewal for 2027.
Under the new process, business owners can complete their applications and secure the necessary clearances online before the end of the year. They will only need to visit the BPLO office in January 2027 for final assessment, payment and release of their permits.
The simulation was conducted in coordination with the Management Information Technology and Computer Services (MITCS), with representatives from various regulatory offices and local businesses participating.
Among the participating offices were the Bureau of Fire Protection, City Health Office, Office of the Building Official, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department, Zoning Administration Division, and City Treasurer’s Office License Division.
BPLO head Stela Rose Rayos said the initiative supports Mayor Greg Gasataya’s push for transparent, efficient and business-friendly governance.
Rayos said the digital platform would allow business owners to process applications and monitor their status from their homes or offices, reducing repeated trips to government offices and minimizing opportunities for red tape and fixers.
She added that the system would provide taxpayers with greater convenience and transparency by allowing them to track the progress of their applications.
Business representatives who participated in the simulation also welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to make permit renewals faster and more convenient.
Leslie L. Argel of Minerva Lines described the platform as easy to navigate, particularly for businesses with complete documentary requirements.
Argel said the system would spare business owners from visiting several offices to complete their renewal requirements.
She also thanked the city government for recognizing the challenges businesses face during the annual renewal period.
Following the simulation, the BPLO and MITCS are incorporating participants’ feedback and making necessary adjustments before the scheduled launch.
The city government expects the digital platform to ease the annual business permit renewal process in January 2027 by reducing queues, minimizing face-to-face transactions and making government services more accessible to the local business community./PN
