ALABAT, QUEZON — DTI Negosyo Center Alabat participates in the annual Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) of the Local Government Unit of Alabat from January 3 to January 20, 2023.
Designated desks were provided for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Assessor, Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), and Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) at the LGU Main Lobby for the business owners’ convenience.
The Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMA) also put up an assistance desk at the mezzanine level to issue mandatory clearances related to agricultural and fishery business transactions.
LGU Alabat’s Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System (eBPLS) was introduced in November 2019 and has been implemented since then. With this in place, consistent and accurate business records were maintained.
The implementation of eBPLS is also expected to ensure an efficient, smooth, and faster turn-around time for all applications and transactions. However, this is not achieved due to interrupted and poor connectivity on the island.
As of the two-week mark, BOSS client turnout for new applications and renewals is significantly lower than in previous years. This is mainly attributed to the current weather conditions in the area. On January 9, 2023, NC Alabat joined the BOSS of LGU Perez, and the same scenario is noted.
Victoria T. Gonzales, NC Alabat Business Counselor, noted that 50% of the applicants are opening new businesses, while the other half are renewing their expiring business name certificates.
Aside from business name registration and renewal, other DTI programs and services were also availed of by some MSMEs. These include business counseling related to trainings or seminars and a few inquiries on loan programs, processes, and requirements needed to avail of the RISEUP Loan from the Small Business Corporation; seeking assistance in signing up for mobile banking or a mobile wallet; or the creation of an email address.
In general, MSMEs have varied feedback pertaining to the full digitalization of the application and renewal process.
Others appreciated the experience and convenience of having digital banking, GCash, or a mobile wallet where payment is done through their fingertips and personal mobile wallet.
Creating a personal email address and adapting to mobile banking, on the other hand, is a new and taxing experience for the majority of older MSMEs that will take them longer to learn. ♦
Date of Release: 7 February 2023