By Michelle Ducut
Over 50% of local government units (LGUs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are set to implement the electronic Business Permit and Licensing System (e-BPLS) by 2025. At least 45 out of 77 LGUs in the region are expected to roll out the system, which aims to streamline business permits and licenses processing.
During a media forum, Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cordillera (DICT-Cordillera) Regional Director Reynaldo Sy revealed that 25 LGUs are already prepared to implement the system in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, five localities are in the process of data collection and are expected to be ready for the upcoming renewal season. Another 15 LGUs have expressed intent to provide the service and are preparing their infrastructure for the transition.
Sy noted that some municipalities, like Baguio City, have their own systems in place and do not require assistance from DICT for internet connectivity. In other areas, municipalities are using alternative services like Starlink, especially in remote regions where national broadband infrastructure has yet to reach.
The department is also working on expanding the region’s internet connectivity. Sy stated that the Cordillera broadband project, which will boost the region’s bandwidth by 10 megabits, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The challenging mountainous terrain has made progress slow, but the project’s implementation in areas like Mt. Pulag and other peaks is already providing better access to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
By 2025, the system is expected to enhance business operations and facilitate the processing of permits more efficiently across the region.