In line with its thrust of becoming a dynamic organization of empowered officers that champion business friendly and competitive LGUs, the Central Luzon Association of Business Permit and Licensing Officers, Inc. (CLAB) held its 3rd Regional Convention of Central Luzon BPLOs on November 13, 2019 at Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Themed "RA 11032: Reforming to Create an Enhanced Business Environment and Increased Investment Flows", the activity highlighted the role of Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs) and Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers (LEIPOs) in the implementation of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. The activity also intends to encourage the active participation of local governments in national government programs aiming to enhance the business and investment climate in the region.

In his keynote speech delivered by Executive Assistant to the Office of the Director General Atty. Marco Angelo Balleser, Atty. Jeremiah Belgica, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, emphasized the importance of the role of BPLOs and LEIPOs in addressing the war on red tape and corruption.

"Your role in government is key in addressing the most chaotic issue that plagued every Filipino. The war on red tape has barely begun and yet your passion to this cause has neither waivered nor changed as evidence by the number of participants today. You're in the front line of a war that we are slowly winning. Day in and day out [are] small but significant victories that contribute to the vision of a highly competitive Philippines that is committed to a good governance for the benefit of its citizenry", Atty. Belgica said.

During the activity, Assistant Regional Director Jay E. Timbreza of the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 3 led the induction and oath-taking of the newly elected CLAB Officers. Afterwards, discussions on Electronic Business Permit and Licensing System (eBPLS), Investments Promotion as well as Best Practices of Parañaque City and City of San Fernando, Pampanga on the Implementation of Republic Act 11032 were presented to capacitate BPLOs and LEIPOs of the cities and municipalities in the region.

The activity was attended by BPLOs and LEIPOs of Central Luzon as well as representatives from Department of Trade and Industry – Region 3 and Department of Interior and Local Government – Region 3 as CLAB's partner agencies.