BPLS Reform Program Guide - National Computer Center

12 BPLS R EFORM P ROGRAM G UIDE
members as the LMP did through its Electronic Governance for Municipal Development
(eGov4MD) project.
• Private sector. National and local businesses, academia, and civil society organizations
are important contributors to reform processes. As major beneficiaries of reforms, private
business groups will be encouraged to monitor the progress of the program and
participate as service providers to assist LGUs in the reform process.
• Concerned NGAs and their regional offices. The BPLS process involves securing permits
from NGAs, so it is important that these agencies streamline their own processes, provide
manpower support to LGUs’ business one-stop shops (BOSS), and provide coaching
assistance to LGUs during the reform process.
• Development partners. Support is needed from development partners to scale up the
BPLS reforms and conduct studies for the next wave of process streamlining.
Component 1: Simplification and Standardization of the BPLS Process
Using the ARTA as a framework, BPLS streamlining starts with process re-engineering that will
enable LGUs to meet four service standards in processing registration applications: (1) use one
application form; (2) limit the number of signatories; (3) reduce the number of steps; and (4)
speed up processing time (see Performance Standards for a more detailed discussion of
standards).
Component 2: Computerization of the BPLS Process
Efficient re-engineering requires some form of computerization. Government is encouraging
LGUs to use information technology in streamlining BPLS. Existing BPLS software includes
programs widely promoted by government (e.g., e-BPLS by the National Computer Center
(NCC2). With the new BPLS standards in place, government intends to redevelop e-BPLS and
will review BPLS software now in the market. The objective is to assist LGUs in choosing
appropriate IT solutions for streamlined BPLS processes. The NCC2 is taking the lead in this
component.
Component 3: Institutionalization of BPLS Reforms
To ensure the sustainability of BPLS reforms, legal instruments such as local regulations should
be issued to support the streamlined processes. Otherwise, every change in administration will
lead to a return to old practices. The government will therefore assist in (1) setting up a
monitoring and evaluation system at the LGU and at the regional and the national offices of DTI
and DILG; (2) organizing local business chambers and civil society organizations for process
improvements and monitoring; (3) enjoining LGUs to work for International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) certification of their BPLS; and (4) developing incentive systems to
promote best practices.
Component 4: Improvements in Customer Relations
The BPLS program also addresses complaints of poor service in the permitting process. Hence,
after the LGUs have completed process re-engineering, they are encouraged to keep improving
how they deal with the public. This entails complying with consumer protection laws, such as the
Anti-Fixing Act; setting up a complaints desk; and implementing the Citizens’ Charter. Other