Laoag City on Thursday hosted the 2026 EASEr Ilocos Norte: Breaking Barriers for Better Services – Empowering Access Through Streamlined and Efficient Regulations, bringing together Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) officials and representatives from national government agencies to strengthen efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the province.

Held at the Laoag City Auditorium, the event highlighted the establishment of a centralized regulatory system aimed at simplifying business transactions through digital portals, standardized permit application procedures, and clearly defined processing timelines.

In his welcome remarks, Mayor James Bryan Alcid said an efficient and organized regulatory framework is essential to sustaining economic growth, noting that Laoag City serves as Ilocos Norte's commercial hub.

Alcid said streamlining regulations and standardizing business processes would make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners to secure permits and comply with government requirements, helping attract more investments and create economic opportunities for Ilocanos.

He also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among local government units and partner agencies to build a more responsive and business-friendly regulatory environment.

The EASEr Ilocos Norte initiative is part of the government's continuing efforts to modernize public services by promoting digitalization, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and improving service delivery for the business sector.