CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) has reported a significant increase in early business permit renewals since the renewal period started on January 2, 2025.
BPLO head August Lizer Malate expressed satisfaction with the development, noting that in previous years, only one or two businesses would renew on the first day. This year, over a hundred businesses registered on the first day alone.
“Sauna duha ra on the first day, karon hundreds na so nalipay mi ana nga update,” Malate said.
The BPLO expects the number of registrants to grow further, as the renewal period extends until January 20.
Malate said the office will also assess whether an extension of the renewal period is necessary, particularly for payment purposes.
“Since we have observed that many have applied early, there might be no need to extend the timeline if it is manageable. However, an extension might be considered solely for payments, to give applicants a chance to avoid penalties,” he explained.
“So, part of the business friendly is to make adjustments to accommodate our businessmen kay di man ta ganahan nga magka-penalty na sila,” Malate added.
IMPROVED PROCESS
AND INTEGRATION
The BPLO head also highlighted improved processes that encourage early renewals. He said some entrepreneurs used to delay their renewal because they prioritized gathering requirements before submission. However, the BPLO now emphasizes that only the gross receipts declaration is mandatory for renewal.
Additionally, entrepreneurs in Brgy. Subangdaku can now enjoy a more seamless process as the Barangay Clearance has been integrated with the BPLO.
“Ang usa namo nga bag-o nga gi-introduce ron to further improve ang atoang business processing is we have integrated the barangay clearance,” Malate said.
Brgy. Subangdaku, the pilot barangay for this integration, is the largest contributor in terms of business tax collection. Entrepreneurs no longer need to visit the Barangay Hall to obtain their clearance; the process is fully integrated into the online system, allowing them to pay fees and secure the clearance in one step.
Malate added that three other barangays—Brgy. Bakilid, Brgy. Canduman, and Brgy. Centro—are set to adopt the integration within the first quarter of the year.
“Usa na sa dako nato nga transformation… Sauna mu visit sa city then adto sa barangay para magkuha og form, papirma sa barangay, balik diri para isubmit…So, karon wala nana,” Malate explained.
While other barangays in Mandaue City are expected to follow suit, they are waiting for their respective ordinances to be issued.
Business owners in Mandaue City can continue to renew their permits through the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) at the Mandaue City Sports Complex until January 20. – /FPL (FREEMAN)