To help improve public services and encourage a focus on digital solutions in government, DILG XII led a training session on important national programs, including the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law, DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-177 about Barangay Clearance in city and municipal permits, PALENG-QR PH, and the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), for the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, on April 14-15, 2025. The coaching session was attended by DILG field officers and key LGU officials.
the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) law, which mandates all LGUs to simplify and automate government processes to minimize bureaucratic red tape. Participants were briefed on standardizing and streamlining the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) and Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy (BPCO), implementing unified application forms, and adopting the necessary ICT systems to enable a more efficient workflow.
Ms. Shylack C. Limao, the DILG XII EODB focal person, emphasized that "the goal is not just to comply with national directives but to transform how we provide business-friendly government transactions and other services to our clients faster, easier, and with full transparency."
Further, Outcome Manager Jermie A. Erie-Yeager of DILG Province of South Cotabato discussed the process of securing business and building-related permits and certificates, considering Sec. 7 of RA 11032 on the Adoption of Zero Contact Policy.
The DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-177, or Integration of the Issuance of Barangay Clearance in the Permitting Processes of Cities/Municipalities, was briefly discussed by Ms. Cheeza P. Mirasol-Cortero, the EODB Provincial Focal Person of DILG Sultan Kudarat, by emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of cities and municipalities as well as the roles and responsibilities of the barangays.
The spotlight then turned to PALENG-QR PH, a digital payment initiative designed to institutionalize the use of QR codes in public markets and local transport systems. As part of the BSP and DILG's joint program, LGUs are tasked with onboarding vendors and tricycle drivers into the digital finance ecosystem.
“With PALENG-QR PH, we empower our market vendors and transport workers to become part of the digital economy,” said Ms. Cristy Jane A. Buenaflor, the alternate DILG XII EODB Focal Person.
Rounding out the session was a presentation on the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), an online platform that facilitates the application, processing, and approval of permits for energy-related projects. “EVOSS aims to eliminate delays and increase transparency in the energy sector, positioning LGUs as enablers of infrastructure development and investment,” opined the EODB Focal Persons.
The LGUs reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring compliance with RA 11032 and implementing the digital systems. The coaching session is only the beginning, and they embraced the possible transition into the digital landscape. They are also working closely with local internet providers to boost connectivity in key service areas. Through this coaching initiative, LGUs are boldly embracing the digital era, demonstrating the synergy between good governance and innovation.
