To ensure a smooth start to 2025, Iloilo City has streamlined the process for business permit renewal even more with barangay business clearance application now included in the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS).
“In the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System, you apply online, you are assessed online, you are endorsed online, you pay online, and you can print your certificates online,” said Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) head Velma Jane Lao.
The LEDIP officer added that Mayor Jerry Treñas has mandated not just online data encoding but an end-to-end ease of doing business.
With 140 of Iloilo City’s 180 barangays already in the system, clients no longer need to visit their respective barangay halls. Barangay business clearances can be secured online, unless blacklisted.
Once the barangay business clearance is secured, it will be attached to Iloilo City’s Electronic Business One-Stop Shop along with other requirements. An assessment will follow, and payment can then be made either over the counter or online.
“This is under the ease of doing business where the national government wants zero contact policy implemented to curb delays and corruption,” Lao said.
The iBPLS is a software developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and utilized by the city government to expedite government processes for clients.
Lao mentioned that the DICT is still fine-tuning the program to address certain nuances, particularly in the computation of business taxes.
However, she assured that preparations are underway to handle the surge of clients during the business renewal season.
Business permits can be viewed online once the entire process is completed.
The city government encourages business owners to display the original copies, which are checked during regular inspections.
Collaboration with a courier service is also being considered to deliver original business permits directly to establishments.
Lao said they are still waiting for the DICT’s system enhancements.
For clients who are less technologically inclined, the city assured that they can seek assistance from barangay accountants and bookkeepers, who have undergone proper training. (Pearl Socias/Iloilo City PIO)
