Bacolod rolls out doing business data validation

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion conducted the Doing Business in Bacolod roll-out and data validation on March 9, bringing together city offices and national government agencies to review draft guidance, validate consolidated data, and refine regulatory and procedural information intended to strengthen the city’s investment narrative

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Negros Occidental Provincial Statistical Office said PSA representatives Ligaya M. Gillesania and Resty John M. Bancruz, both statistical analysts, joined the activity conducted by D-LEDIP in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The press release was dated March 10, 2026, and carried Reference No. PR2026-03-1845-36.

The session sought to formally present the draft guide and validate the consolidated data, procedures, regulatory requirements, and related information submitted by each participating office.

The event was led by keynote speaker Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas, PhD, D-LEDIP department head. Bacolod City’s official website identifies D-LEDIP as the department in charge of investment facilitation and promotion, local enterprise development, support mechanisms for micro, small, and medium enterprises, and business retention and expansion efforts meant to attract investments and generate jobs.

During the activity, participants were divided into three specialized breakout groups to support collaborative brainstorming and data validation. The PSA said the setup was intended to allow a more rigorous review of the consolidated information provided by each office.

The first group focused on the economic, tourism, and connectivity sectors. It included the PSA, City Planning and Development Office, Tourism Office, Office of the Building Official, City Treasurer’s Office, Management Information Technology and Computer Services, Permits and Business Licensing Office, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and Philippine Ports Authority.

The second group centered on quality of life. It was composed of the City Health Office, Bacolod City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Negros Electric and Power Corp., Bacolod City Water District, and Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The third group addressed workforce development. It brought together representatives from the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Science and Technology.

The PSA said the updating of data and program write-ups remains ongoing. It added that the collective inputs of participating agencies are meant to strengthen Bacolod’s investment narrative and ensure that strategic programs and opportunities are accurately highlighted.

The activity aligns with the city government’s broader push to improve investor-facing services and streamline business processes. Bacolod’s official website maintains dedicated pages for business permit requirements, permits and services requirements, and “ease of doing business” information, reflecting the city’s continuing effort to make business transactions more accessible to investors and entrepreneurs.

For the PSA, participation in the validation process also fits its wider mandate as the government’s central statistical authority under Republic Act No. 10625, or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, which covers the generation, compilation, and consolidation of official statistics and administrative recording systems.