Amid pandemic, biz permits issued by BPLO exceeds last year’s tally

The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) issued over 5,000 business permits as businesses in the metro slowly recover from the effects of Covid-19.

A total of 5,294 business permits were issued by the BPLO as of January 15, 2021 exceeding the last year’s total which is at 4,799 in the same period.

The 5,294 business permits comprised 33% of the total target of the Iloilo City government which is 16,136 business permits to be issued by Jan. 20.

The increase of the permits can be attributed to the business one-stop shop stations established in the malls in the metro providing more accessibility for the renewal of business permits.

BPLO chief Norman Tabud has said in previous interviews that the one-stop shops will help prevent the overcrowding of the public and hasten the processing of the permits to limit their exposure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The off-site venues are located at the 3rd floor of Robinsons Place City Proper, 3rd floor of the Festive Mall, second floor at the north wing of SM City Iloilo, and second floor of the Gaisano Iloilo City Center.

As of January 15, a total of 2,105 business permits were issued at the Iloilo City Hall; Robinson’s Iloilo (1084); SM City (938); Festive Mall (755); ad Gaisano (420).

Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas said the increase of the business permits renewed reflects the reliability and the recovery of businesses in the metro amid the pandemic.

“The issuance of these permits shows the reliability of businesses in the city, and ensures that safety is prioritized by the owners. I encourage business holders to secure these permits as we try to revive the economy,” he said. (ERS)