The Bacolod City Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) successfully conducted a live simulation of its new online business registration system at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby on Wednesday, November 11.
The dry run, led by the BPLO in coordination with the Management Information Technology and Computer Services (MITCS), brought together representatives from key regulatory offices and local taxpayers to test the platform’s full functionality, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Wednesday.
Participating agencies included the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Health Office (CHO), Office of the Building Official (OBO), Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), Zoning Administration Division, and the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) License Division.
Known as the “Bacolod City eBusiness One Stop Shop” portal, with the tagline “Simpler Transactions. A Stronger Bacolod,” the platform is targeted for official launch in the third week of November 2026. Initially, it will open advance online processing for existing businesses with valid 2026 Mayor’s Permits renewing for 2027.
Through the new portal, business owners can submit renewal applications and complete all required regulatory clearances digitally. By finishing these steps online before year-end, taxpayers will only need to visit the BPLO office in January 2027 for final assessment, payment, and claiming their permit — significantly cutting queues and wait times during the busy renewal period.
BPLO Head Stela Rose Joquiño-Rayos said the initiative reflects Mayor Greg Gasataya’s push for transparent, efficient, and business-friendly governance.
“This new online system gives business owners the freedom to process their applications and track their status from the comfort of their homes or offices. It eliminates the hassle of going back and forth between different offices just to secure requirements and permits. By allowing taxpayers to monitor their progress directly, we are promoting transparency, curbing red tape, and eliminating fixers,” Rayos said.
During the simulation, business representatives tested the system alongside technical and regulatory teams. Early feedback highlighted the platform’s ease of use and time-saving benefits.
“It is very easy to navigate, especially if you already have all your requirements on hand, because you only need to encode the details. It is very convenient because, in our case, we normally have to visit multiple offices before we can complete and renew our permits. We would like to thank Mayor Greg because he truly observed the struggles businesses face in processing permits, and this online system makes the process much easier for us,” said Leslie L. Argel of Minerva Lines.
With insights gathered from the simulation, the BPLO and MITCS are fine-tuning the platform ahead of its official launch, paving the way for a faster, more convenient 2027 business permit renewal season, the press release said.*
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