The DICT eLGU Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) has transformed the way local governments in Occidental Mindoro process business permits. The project aims to streamline operations, reduce delays, and eliminate corruption by adopting a digital, standardized, and transparent system. Before the implementation, business owners faced long processing times, inconsistent fees, and unclear requirements. By 2024, all Local Government Units (LGUs) in Occidental Mindoro had fully adopted the system, making it the first province in the MIMAROPA Region to achieve this milestone.
The impact has been significant. Business permit processing times have been reduced to as little as 10 minutes, while corruption has been curbed through uniform fees and transparent procedures. Economic growth has also been remarkable. In Sablayan, registered businesses increased from 1980 in 2022 to 2,904 in 2024, and revenue soared from PHP 15.6 million to PHP 23.1 million. Similarly, in the municipality of Rizal, businesses grew from 491 in 2022 to 578 in 2024, with revenue rising from PHP 1.3 million to PHP 2.2 million. This initiative has not only improved government efficiency but also fostered local economic growth, benefiting both businesses and the community.

https://dict.gov.ph/

• Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

The system adoption and implementation is replicable because it is built on a standardized, scalable framework that can be adapted by other local government units. Its reliance on joint memorandum circulars, supported by Republic Act 11032, ensures a consistent legal foundation applicable across the Philippines. The implementation process is well-documented, including steps for infrastructure readiness, training programs for personnel, and strategies to address political and administrative challenges. Additionally, the technology requirements are flexible, accommodating varied local conditions, such as using solutions like satellite-based internet connectivity in remote areas. This adaptability makes it suitable for different municipalities, regardless of size or resources. By demonstrating clear benefits such as reduced corruption, faster processing times, and increased revenues, the project has also built a compelling case for other regions to follow. The success in Occidental Mindoro serves as a blueprint, proving that the system can deliver tangible results when applied elsewhere.

The system adoption and implementation is replicable because it is built on a standardized, scalable framework that can be adapted by other local government units. Its reliance on joint memorandum circulars, supported by Republic Act 11032, ensures a consistent legal foundation applicable across the Philippines. The implementation process is well-documented, including steps for infrastructure readiness, training programs for personnel, and strategies to address political and administrative challenges. Additionally, the technology requirements are flexible, accommodating varied local conditions, such as using solutions like satellite-based internet connectivity in remote areas. This adaptability makes it suitable for different municipalities, regardless of size or resources. By demonstrating clear benefits such as reduced corruption, faster processing times, and increased revenues, the project has also built a compelling case for other regions to follow. The success in Occidental Mindoro serves as a blueprint, proving that the system can deliver tangible results when applied elsewhere.

This project promotes community values by fostering transparency, inclusivity, and innovation in local governance. Through the DICT eLGU Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS), the community now benefits from a fair, standardized process for securing business permits. By eliminating inconsistencies and favoritism, the system ensures equal treatment for all applicants, restoring public trust. The project empowers local businesses, particularly MSMEs, by streamlining processes and significantly reducing the time needed to obtain permits. Entrepreneurs can now focus on growth, confident in the system’s efficiency, which boosts economic development and job creation. Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the project. By ensuring all local government units in Occidental Mindoro adopted the system, it guarantees widespread access. Designed for both tech-savvy and less technologically skilled users, the system ensures no one is excluded from this digital transformation. Innovation drives progress, with tools like cloud-based systems and satellite internet enabling even remote municipalities to benefit. By bridging the digital divide, the system delivers efficient services across all communities. The reduction of corruption is a key outcome, with standardized fees and transparent processes leaving no room for unauthorized transactions. This enhances public confidence in ethical governance and fairness. Finally, the project fosters collaboration and shared responsibility among stakeholders. National agencies and local governments worked together to achieve a common goal, demonstrating how partnerships can drive sustainable progress. Through these values, the project transforms governance and improves life in Occidental Mindoro.