Baguio tests AI tool to simplify business permit applications

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Baguio City is testing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform designed to help business owners determine whether their proposed establishments comply with local zoning regulations before applying for permits.

The platform, called BIZ Checker, allows applicants to check whether a particular business is permitted in their chosen location based on the city’s zoning classifications and requirements.

Developed by the Baguio City government through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box initiative, the system aims to address common challenges in business permit applications, including incomplete documents and proposed establishments that do not comply with zoning restrictions.

“Using the platform, the client or the applicant can see if their business is appropriate for that site,” said Roland Bautista, Senior Project Evaluation Officer of the Baguio City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office.

The platform also features Rolly Bot, an AI-powered chatbot that uses government documents and data to answer questions about zoning regulations and business requirements.

According to Bautista, initial testing showed that even residents with limited technical experience could navigate the platform using their smartphones.

“Some of them are non-techie, but when it comes to gadgets, even a few 60-year-olds are learning to use their phones to access the solution,” he said.

However, the city government acknowledged that the system still requires improvements before it can be fully integrated into local government operations.

Bryan Sombilon, Senior Project Technical Specialist of the Baguio City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, said the pilot identified additional permitting requirements that had not initially been incorporated into the platform.

“We have to account for businesses that will be operating on government-owned properties. These are situations we encountered during the pilot, and now we know they also need to be reflected in the system,” Sombilon said.

The city is also reviewing existing zoning ordinances, some dating back to the 1990s, which could require further adjustments to the AI system.

“The city is updating some ordinances that date back to the 1990s to make them more relevant to current needs,” Bautista said. “When the new zoning ordinance is finished, we will put it into the system and update it.”

Beyond improving the platform’s technical capabilities, the city government is studying how BIZ Checker can become part of its regular business permitting procedures.

“We need to institutionalize the system and integrate it into the government process. We need to plan for its sustainability, budgeting, and how it will be maintained as well,” Sombilon said.

The project was developed following a three-month AI mentorship and acceleration program attended by selected Baguio City government personnel earlier this year.

Under the AI-in-a-Box initiative, PLDT and Smart, together with PLDT Smart Foundation, Lenovo Philippines, and Microsoft, provided the city government with an AI access kit consisting of a laptop, smartphone, connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools.

Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, said the initiative focuses on helping local governments develop AI applications that address specific public service challenges.

“Through AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart are working with local government units not only to provide access to AI, but also to build their capacity to develop practical solutions,” Orlino said.

Baguio City is among four local government units participating in the initiative, alongside Cebu City, Cabanatuan City, and the province of Lanao del Sur.

Each participating LGU is developing an AI-powered solution intended to improve public service delivery.

The Baguio City team is expected to present BIZ Checker during the PLDT and Smart AI in Action Summit in November as development and testing continue.

Despite the introduction of the chatbot, city officials emphasized that traditional government assistance will remain available for residents who prefer in-person transactions.

“Rolly Bot is there, but of course, we are always around to offer our services to Baguio City residents, especially those who prefer face-to-face interaction,” Bautista said.

The city hopes the platform can eventually reduce unnecessary visits to government offices and help applicants identify zoning and documentation requirements earlier in the business permitting process.