BONTOC, Mt. Province -- The first Electronic Business Processing and Licensing System (eBPLS) in the Mountain Province was successfully launched in the Municipality of Bontoc last July 1, 2021.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology – Luzon Cluster 1 led the said launching, in partnership with the Department of the Interior Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR).

“As part of our digital transformation efforts in the new normal, your DICT aspires to automate and modernize our local government units. To do this, we are tirelessly working to provide eBPLS to localities nationwide, especially those classified as third to sixth class municipalities,” DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” B. Honasan II said.

eBPLS is a cloud-based software that enables local government units to process applications for new business permits and applications for renewal of business permits electronically. End users registering through the system need only to fill out the application form and upload documentary requirements. Payment for the permit is also embedded in the software. Once done, permits can be released to the applicant on the same day.

DICT LC1 Regional Director Nestor S. Bongato extended his congratulations to the local government unit of Bontoc for being the first in the province to avail of the said program. He said he is confident that the system will be able to streamline regulatory processes in business registration in the municipality.

Meanwhile, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey added that “since business process and licensing is the major revenue generating unit of every municipality, Bontoc will be maximizing the use of the program because of the benefits it will provide, especially in systematizing processes.” The eBPLS is also seen as an answered prayer to the municipality as stated by Business Process Licensing Officer Karen Lumiwes. 

Other agencies likewise expressed their gratitude and optimism on the launching of eBPLS in Bontoc. DILG-CAR Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Claire Peel stated that with the use of eBPLS, the municipality is able to add to its standard of excellence as a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) recipient, which has encouraged them to put the system to good use. DTI Head of the SME Development Division Gloria Bagayas, on the other hand, said that Bontoc is now able to reinvent its governance through digital trends brought about by eBPLS, making it a model and influencer for other municipalities to follow.

Prior to the said launching, DICT LC1 conducted a hands-on users’ training aimed at developing technical skills on automating/computerizing business permits and licensing system using the eBPLS software last June 28 to 30, 2021 in Samoki, Bontoc. A total of16 representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Health Office, Business Process and Licensing Office, Office of the Treasury and Engineering participated in the event. (DICT)