The Iloilo City Government thru the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) is executing a laudable move in extending their office hours and even to Saturdays and Sundays in order to accomodate the influx of individuals trying to register their businesses this year.

The adjusted office hours for the offices involve is now at 8:00 in the morning up to 8:00 in the evening until the 20th of January.

This is a good sign that the economy of Iloilo City is fast charging and there is abundance in economic activities among the small, medium and big players and a very good window for the busy business community to process their business papers.

While the city mayor is firm that there will be no extension in the business registration deadline, the longer number of business hours to process each business registration is a relief to beat the final day.

BPLO has registered 16,321 businesses last year and has set it’s eyes to registering 2000 new businesses this year.

Of the total number of businesses last year, almost 90 percent are microenterprises. Most of the businesses though are into wholesale trade and merchandising and followed by the food and beverage. Closing in third and fourth are the hospitality and real estate businesses.

Interestingly, the Department of Tourism accreditation is still not included as a pre-requisite among hospitality businesses which is mandated under the law. This is especially important as the city is moving up to being considered as the MICE center of the country.

On the other hand, as the number of businesses as predominantly microenterprises, the administration of Mayor Jerry Treñas must consider putting up a business program that will help empower the small entrepreneurs to grow their businesses to the next degree. 

This is not just an opportunity to help the marginalized sectors but a good foundation to bringing Iloilo City to level up and grow bigger. How this will happen is now in the hands of the city’s leaders.