MANILA, Philippines - A local business group congratulated yesterday the government for making it easier for businessmen to conduct their business by simplifying the process of obtaining business permits.
PCCI (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry) South Luzon lauded the Business Permit and Licensing Systems (BPLS) program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The streamlining of BPLS is a sought-after reform that the business community called on in the past years.
PCCI vice president for South Luzon Apolinar Aure said, “the private sector should support the initiative of DILG and DTI in increasing the ease of doing business in the country to attract more investors and enlarge our share of foreign direct investments in the Asian region. In the end, this program will mutually benefit Local Government Units (LGUs) and the private sector because of the projected increase in revenues can be used to improve public services; and on the other hand, increase business efficiency, savings, and opportunities for expansion.“
DILG identified 480 LGUs across the country that will undergo the BPLS streamlining from 2010 until 2014. Five criteria were used to identify priority LGUs under this program: most number of establishments; inclusion in the commitments to the Millennium Challenge Corporation; Investment Potential; existence of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) projects; and willingness of the LGU to reform. Commitment of the private sector to participate in the reform process was added as an additional criterion in the second phase of the program which commenced this year.
South Luzon with 156 LGUs has the highest number of LGUs that will undergo reforms in five years.
Aure reaffirmed the chamber movement’s support in the area since Calabarzon region remains to be a strategic investment hub for many foreign and local companies. He further commended the efforts of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo in pro-actively encouraging private sector participation in the program.
He added that government and business should work together because they have the highest stake and they have the resources to make the system work for the common good of the people and of the country.