The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) yesterday strongly urged local government units (LGUs) to adopt the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS), a software developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that would enable their processes and constituents to apply and process building permits and occupancy permits electronically.

The iBPLS also allows for the electronic processing of business permits which is being covered by the previous Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System or eBPLS of DICT. In a recent meeting with ARTA, the DICT reported a six-step process flow from the application up to the issuance of the business permit using the iBPLS.

“As part of our strong push towards e-governance, we want to remind all LGUs that RA 11032

requires them to automate their Business Permitting Systems until 2021. Those who are not yet automated may already use the IBPLS software and system of DICT that incorporates the Business Permits and the Building Permits Registration Systems. However, for LGUs who have already automated their permits systems, they should now work towards linking their systems with the Central Business Portal that ARTA and DICT will be rolling out by November this year.

Rest assured that ARTA will help you in this transition – from streamlining to automation – to ensure a red tape-free and more convenient service to the public”, Director General Jeremiah Belgica said.

To be able to utilize the iBPLS, the LGUs need to submit a Letter of Intent to and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DICT. As for the implementation, the LGUs need only have a stable internet connection and an Information Technology Office/staff. An official website or Facebook page is also required to host the software.

Prior to launch and implementation, the LGUs will undergo capacity-building through a series of training from DICT. At present, four LGUs have started have started users training yesterday. An additional 12 LGUs are also scheduled to start users training in October.

The development of the iBPLS is pursuant to Section 26 of R.A. 11032 which mandates DICT, incoordination with other concerned agencies, to automate business-related transactions by developing the necessary software and technology-neutral platforms and secure infrastructure that is web-based and accessible to the public. It is initially made available to 3rd to 6th class cities or municipalities to assist them in complying with the law, as cited in the same section.

A MOA among DICT, ARTA, and DILG is also in the works to be able to integrate the online processing of application for Barangay Clearance in the software.