GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/16 September) — The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 is pushing for the adoption by all 50 local government units (LGUs) in the region of the enhanced business permit and licensing system (BPLS).
In a resolution, the council directed the region’s 45 municipalities and five cities to pursue the implementation of the Regulatory Simplification Program (RSP) for business permitting and licensing, which was introduced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Local Government Academy.
It said the move is anchored on the role of LGUs “to create policy environments where businesses start, grow, thrive and expand.”
Arturo Valero, acting RDC-12 chairperson, said the RSP mainly aims to make business processes simpler and efficient through the reduction or removal of specific elements and keeping only the essential steps in the process.
He said it will help enhance business climate and help LGUs in Region 12 become more business-friendly, attract more investments, generate much needed revenues and eventually create more jobs for the people.
Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
“Recognizing its importance towards increasing investments and improving competitiveness of industries and services in the region, the council deemed it necessary for all LGUs in the region to adopt a regulatory simplification process for business permitting and licensing,” Valero said.
Earlier this year, the DILG-12 adopted Polomolok town in South Cotabato and the cities of Koronadal and Tacurong as pilot areas for the implementation of the RSP, which it targets to roll out in the entire area within the next two years.
Reynaldo Bungubung, DILG Region 12 director, said the three LGUs are being assisted by experts from the National Competitiveness Council and RSP consultants regarding its implementation.
A project briefer said the RSP, which is the enhanced version of the BPLS, aims to assist LGUs in improving their regulatory environments in relation to starting a business.
It said the regulatory simplification involves an exhaustive review of the LGUs regulatory framework, with the objective of removing unnecessary requirements in registering a business.
The expected outcomes of the project, which was set to strengthen the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act, are reduced number of steps, lower average time, improved procedures, policies and practices in securing business licenses and other related permits, it said.
“It strikes a balance between the role of the LGUs in ensuring compliance with standards on safety, health, labor and environment with their role in encouraging private sector investments by reducing regulatory requirements,” it added. (MindaNews)
