Overview
The local government unit (LGU) of Loon, Bohol developed the Enhance Loon Business-One-Stop-Shop Initiative (ELBI) for convenient and secure online business permit registration. This electronic registration system is quick, interactive, self-validating, and cost-effective. It is available 24/7, and all data transmission is encrypted and secured. Users only need a computer with an internet connection and an email account to use it. The ELBI has been available online since January 2016, and enrollment and use are free of charge. ELBI won several awards for its innovative use of ICT to improve business opportunities and service delivery in the local government. The enhanced version of ELBI – ELBI 2.0, was launched in August 2017 and was connected to Land Bank’s Link for further improvements.
Challenge
The main productivity challenge that the ELBI addresses is the lengthy and tedious process of applying for and renewing business permits. This process can take hours, days, or even weeks, causing business owners significant productivity loss. With the ELBI system, the Loon LGU developed an electronic registration system that streamlines the process of obtaining business permits. This system allows business owners to complete the entire process online, eliminating the need to wait in long lines or spend hours filling out forms. The ELBI system is quick, interactive, and self-validating, minimizing errors and providing immediate feedback to users. It is available 24/7 and is free of charge, making it accessible to all business owners. By addressing the productivity challenge of obtaining business permits, ELBI is also helping boost the region’s entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Solution
The ELBI addresses the challenge of cumbersome and time-consuming business registration and permit renewal processes in Loon by providing a web-based system that simplifies the process and makes it more convenient for entrepreneurs. The system is quick, easy to use, secure, interactive, self-validating, and cost-effective, resulting in significant productivity gains for both the Municipal Government of Loon and the business owners.
One of the innovative features of ELBI is its 24/7 accessibility, which enables applicants to apply for business permits and renewals at any time, even during holidays. This feature is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who operate outside regular business hours or on weekends. The system’s ability to immediately validate all information the applicant provides before final submission is also an innovative feature, ensuring data accuracy and minimizing errors that could delay the application process.
Another innovative feature of ELBI is its integration with Land Bank’s Link, allowing for a more streamlined payment process. This integration reduces the need for applicants to visit multiple offices to complete the application process and allows them to complete everything online.
Productivity Gains, Outcomes, and Impact
The ELBI provided significant measurable productivity gains and outcomes for the Municipal Government of Loon and its intended beneficiaries. According to reports, the ELBI system significantly reduced the processing time for business permits from days or weeks to just a few hours. In fact, the average processing time for applications using ELBI is only around 15 minutes. This has saved time and effort for entrepreneurs and business owners, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses and increasing productivity.
Moreover, the ELBI system has also improved data accuracy and reduced registration process errors. By validating all the information provided by the applicants before submission, the system has eliminated the need for manual data entry, which is prone to errors. This also reduced the cost of processing and storing data for the government, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Another measurable outcome of the ELBI system is the increased number of registered businesses in Loon. Since the launch of this initiative, there has been a significant increase in the number of businesses registered in the municipality. In fact, the number of new business registrations has increased by 78% compared to the previous year. This indicates that the ELBI system made it easier for entrepreneurs to start their businesses in Loon, which has a positive impact on the local economy.
In terms of user satisfaction, the ELBI system has received high marks from its users. According to surveys conducted by the Municipal Government of Loon, over 95% of users were satisfied with the ELBI system and would recommend it to other business owners. This high level of satisfaction is a testament to the effectiveness and user-friendliness of the system.
In conclusion, the ELBI provided a significant positive impact on the productivity performance of the Municipal Government of Loon and the intended beneficiaries. The system led to measurable gains in processing time, accuracy of data, cost-effectiveness, and user satisfaction. Furthermore, the increased number of registered businesses indicates that the system has helped boost the region’s entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Lessons Learned and Challenges in Implementing the Intervention
The implementation of the ELBI brought significant benefits to the LGU of Loon and its constituents. However, some challenges were encountered during its implementation.
One of the challenges is the lack of awareness among the constituents regarding the availability and use of the ELBI eRegistration System. Some entrepreneurs are still unaware that the system exists and that they can use it to apply for business permits. The LGU addressed this issue by conducting information campaigns and promoting the system through various channels, including social media and local media outlets.
Another area for improvement is the need for continuous updates and maintenance of the system to ensure its efficiency and reliability. The LGU needs to ensure that the system is always up-to-date and can accommodate changes in the requirements and processes for business registration and permit renewal.
Overall, the ELBI provides valuable lessons for other LGUs planning to implement similar systems. It highlights the importance of awareness campaigns and continuous updates and system maintenance to ensure its effectiveness. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration between the LGU and its constituents in implementing innovative solutions to address productivity challenges.
Resources
Municipality of Loon. (n.d.). Welcome to Loon’s ELBI eServices. https://elbi.loon.gov.ph/about
DICT. (2018, October 17). Best eGovernance Systems Shine at digitalcitiesPH Awards. https://dict.gov.ph/best-egovernance-systems-shine-at-digitalcitiesph-awards/
Jhunie Ray Suarez. (2019, April 02). ELBI 2.0 [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/UF8MgVkmgxc
Municipality of Loon. (2018, October 24). Loon, Bohol – Top Winner In DICT 2018 Awards For Municipalities [Facebook status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/lguloonofficial/posts/loon-bohol-top-winner-in-dict-2018-awards-for-municipalities-loon-mayor-elvi-pet/1131426167011844/
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