Conference on permits, licensing successful, says group

The National Association of Business Permits and Licensing Officers (NABPLO) said its convention held in Baguio City was a “resounding success.”

NABPLO president Melanie S. Malaya said this year’s convention was one of the most important events in the group’s history since it served as a platform to recognize individual milestones of members.

The conference also allowed the group to widen its network of business permits and licensing officers, she said.

She added the convention was “a product of active collaboration among partners and stakeholders who work long and hard for the success of the event.”

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong meanwhile said he fully supports the group.

“Government is not about corruption, it’s about efficiency and effectiveness. It’s participatory government which is about inclusivity, authentic leadership, hope, and goodwill of understanding,” Magalong said.

Malaya cited the NABPLO’s relevance in national development as it continued to be an active partner of the national government in promoting business-friendly, investment-ready, and digitally-enabled local governments.

NABLO engaged key champions in the national government that would advance its interests.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) inspected some Metro Manila local government units for compliance with the electronic business one-stop shop (eBOSS) requirement and found that only Parañaque was fully compliant.

Parañaque was awarded a certificate of commendation by ARTA director general Ernesto Perez for fully setting up a functional eBOSS and streamlining their business permits and licensing procedures.

Parañaque BPLO collected P2.8 billion in business taxes and fees in the first two months of 2023.

Of the total P2.3 billion collection in 2022, business taxes reached P2.825 billion or bigger by P525 million for the month of January and February this year.

Malaya said the BPLO was able to raise its collection after the office started the application and renewal of business permits through online transactions during the administration of then mayor Edwin Olivarez and fully implemented by the incumbent Mayor Eric Olivarez.