The Central Luzon Association of Business Permit and Licensing Officers, Inc. (CLAB) successfully launched its 6th Central Luzon Regional Convention on June 2-3, 2025, at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Conference Center in Tagaytay City.
The two-day convention themed “Business Without Borders: Simplifying Regulations”, gathered 215 participants from the seven provinces of Region 3, including Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officers (LEDIPOs), City Government of Tagaytay and representatives from key government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-3), Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the National Association of BPLOs.
To enhance the ease of doing business in the region, the convention served as a dynamic platform for strategic dialogue and knowledge exchange, reflecting Central Luzon’s commitment to sustainable development, digital transformation, and economic revitalization.
Gracing the event is Hon. Ernesto Perez, Secretary-General of ARTA. Sec. Perez emphasized that ARTA is a partner in empowerment, stating: “Our mandate is to capacitate. We enable businesses to thrive while enforcing the law. We are your partners in government service. We can also be your adversary, but do not fear. As long as you do your job and follow the law, make the Anti-Red Tape Authority your partner.”
Highlights of the event include presentations from government agencies and local government supporting the implementation of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018.
During the conference, Engr. Darryl Salvador, Assistant Division Chief of DILG-Region 3, presented “RA 11032 in Action: Building an Enabling Environment for Business-Friendly LGUs”. He outlined DILG’s support to Local Government Units through policies, guidelines, technology, and capability enhancement, detailing salient features of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. Following this, Dr. Karl Joseph Sanmocte, Regional Head of ARTA Southern Luzon, provided updates and led an in-depth discussion on the simplified processes for the issuance of Local Business Licenses, Clearances, Permits, certifications, or authorizations, aiming to make these crucial operations more efficient for local government units.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also showcased its Fire Safety Inspection System (FSIS), an online platform designed to streamline the application, processing, payment, and issuance of fire safety certificates and clearances. This system supports the government’s digitalization efforts by enhancing public service delivery, promoting a “zero-contact policy,” and ensuring timely remittance of Fire Code Fees, while also integrating with eBOSS and eLGU systems for improved efficiency in business permit processing.
The Tagaytay City presentation showcased its best practices in governance, emphasizing its comprehensive “Womb to Tomb” services for constituents, including free education and health programs. It also highlighted the city’s robust tourism sector, featuring its attractions, unique delicacies, and cultural festivals, along with statistics on growing tourist arrivals.
Collectively, these presentations highlighted significant advancements and ongoing efforts by various government agencies to foster a more business-friendly environment and digitalize government services in Central Luzon.
A significant highlight of the convention’s inaugural day was the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected CLAB officials for Fiscal Year 2025–2028, personally presided over by Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, Regional Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 3.
DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon expressed her support for the CLAB and the conference, recognizing its role in empowering MSMEs through innovation and collaboration.
“I commend CLAB for their continuing efforts in simplifying processes that help our MSMEs thrive. Let’s continue to build strong partnerships for a more resilient and sustainable Central Luzon,” Dir. Dizon said.
The convention concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue fostering a business-friendly environment across Central Luzon through enhanced collaboration and the unified implementation of Ease of Doing Business initiatives, paving the way for a more efficient and prosperous future for the region.
