BUSINESS REGISTRATION UP IN 2024

March 8, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The city has seen a surge in business registrations in 2024, with 27,992 businesses registered, surpassing the 26,532 record in 2023. The growth reflects a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, contributing to a P449.01 million business tax revenue, a 133 percent increase from the previous year’s P337.37 million. Geraldine Angulo, Licensing Officer I at the
Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) said among the most common businesses are those in wholesale, retail, and repair industries, including sari-sari stores.

The accommodation, food service, and real estate sectors have also seen significant expansion. With more businesses
opening, the city government has enforced stricter compliance measures. In 2024, some 686 closure orders were issued against non-compliant businesses—nearly three times the 230 closures in 2023. This highlights the government’s intensified efforts to ensure proper licensing and adherence to ordinances, Angulo said.

To streamline the business permit application process, the city introduced a Satellite Business One Stop Shop at
Baguio Centermall, in line with Republic Act 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act). The initiative aims to make
registration faster and more accessible for business owners. “Mas mabilis na ang proseso at may mga staff na willing tumulong kapag may tanong ka. Sana lang mas malinaw pa ang instructions para hindi na pabalik-balik,” said Ana Mendoza, a first-time applicant upon securing her business permit.

“Medyo nakakakaba kasi ang daming kailangang requirements, pero mas maayos naman ngayon kaysa dati,” Mendoza added. Like Ana, many applicants welcome the improvements but still face hurdles, such as unclear guidelines, land use restrictions, and document processing delays. However, some small business owners feel burdened by the increasing cost of compliance. Several sari-sari store owners, who rely on minimal daily earnings, have been forced to close due to higher business permit fees.

“Ang hirap kasi kahit maliit lang kita namin, pareho pa rin ang bayarin namin sa ibang negosyo,” lamented a store
owner who requested anonymity. To address these issues, the BPLO plans to expand its engagement with barangays,
improve its digital systems, and train employees on the eBPLS (electronic Business Permitting and Licensing System). Moreover, the BPLO officials said that it will integrate barangay clearance fees into assessments and enhance online support for business owners.

As business tax revenue continues to rise—now accounted to 18.74 percent of city’s total income, up from 14.13 percent in 2023—the city remains focused on balancing economic growth following regulatory laws and policies.
With ongoing improvements in licensing, Baguio is set to further cement its reputation as a thriving business hub in the Cordillera region.

Iris Dymphna Samson /UB-Intern