More LGUs in CV support one-stop biz center project

More local government units (LGUs) in Cebu, and other areas in Central Visayas have agreed to implement business permit and licensing system (BPLS) to provide investors’ friendly environment in their respective areas.

The German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) and the Cebu City government, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) recently to start off the program.

Initially, for this year, the LGUs which will have their BPLS streamlined and supported by the project include Cebu City, Consolacion, Liloan, Danao,  Compostela, Cordova, Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, Carcar, San Fernando, and Moalboal.

In Bohol, the system will be implemented in towns like Tubigon, Talibon, Jagna, Ubay. While Dumaguete, Tanjay,Valencia, Bayawan in Negros Oriental, and Larena in Siquijor.

The goal of the project is to have a “Business One Stop Shop” operational in all of these LGUs by January 2009 where the business sector can apply for and renew their business permits with shorter and simpler process as the BPLS will have been streamlined already at this time.  

GTZ is an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations owned by the German Government. For 30 years, it has been providing forward looking contributions to political, economic, ecological and social development in partner countries.

GTZ supports reform and change processes in an increasingly globalized world, often working under difficult conditions. GTZ`s major approach to facilitate change is promoting capacity development of people and partner organizations as well as improving institutions and frame conditions in partner countries. The joint projects and programs are outcome and impact oriented. They contribute towards socioeconomic progress.

BPLS reforms are expected to bring in added own-source revenues for participating LGUs and improve the delivery of its mandated business regulatory services.

Since this process will provide a “glass table” or pave the way for transparency in getting necessary documents to start or renew business permits in every city or municipality, implementing this process could encourage more investors in a particular locality.

Thereby helping a particular town or city increase revenue stream from attracting more investments, because of a corruption-free process. – Ehda M. Dagooc