Regional Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) Focal Persons of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Local Government Finance, convened for a BPLS Coaches’ Meeting last 24 January 2017 at the NERBAC Conference Room, DTI Regional Office No. 02, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The highlight of the meeting was the discussion of the DILG – DTI – DICT Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2016, which prescribes the “Revised Standards in Processing Business Permits and Licenses in all Cities and Municipalities”.

One of the major revisions in the JMC is the streamlining of standard steps from five (5) steps to three (3) steps. The standard processing time was also trimmed down to just one (1) to two (2) days for new business permit applications and one (1) day for business permit renewals. In addition, the standard unified form was revised to include a separate section for the City/ Municipal Fire Station. The maximum number signatories remains unchanged.

To ensure a common understanding of all Local Government Units of the JMC, Provincial Advocacy and Orientations on the Revised BPLS Standards are scheduled on the following dates:

1. 08 February 2017 – LGUs in the Province of Cagayan

2. 15 February 2017 – LGUs in the Province of Isabela

3. 23 February 2017 – LGUs in the Province of Batanes

4. 02 March 2017 – LGUs in the Provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino

These orientations will be participated in by City/ Municipal Treasurers, Business Permits and Licensing Officers, City/ Municipal Fire Marshals, DTI Municipal Trade and Industry Officers, Negosyo Center Coordinators, DILG Local Government Operations Officers, and Representatives from DTI, DILG, DICT, BFP, and BLGF.