Baguio Pilots BIZ Checker, an AI Tool That Tells Entrepreneurs Whether Zoning Allows Their Business

Baguio City is piloting an AI-powered system that lets would-be entrepreneurs check whether a planned business is allowed at a given location under local zoning rules, Context.ph reported on October 11. The tool was developed through AI-in-a-Box, the PLDT Group initiative that combines AI tools, connectivity and training to help communities turn technology into practical services.

Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart, with support from the PLDT Smart Foundation, Lenovo Philippines and Microsoft, gave the city government an AI access kit and three months of hands-on mentorship for its staff. The result is BIZ Checker, an online platform where applicants confirm whether their type of business is permitted at a specific site, paired with a chatbot called Rolly Bot that answers questions using official government data. The team says it works on mobile phones and is easy enough for less tech-savvy residents, including people in their 60s.

What it means in practice

Baguio Pilots BIZ Checker, an AI Tool That Tells Entrepreneurs Whether Zoning Allows Their Business — contextual photo

The tool targets a familiar problem: applicants often find out late in the process that their chosen spot does not allow their kind of business, after time and money have already gone into it. Pilot testing also exposed gaps the team is now addressing, such as rules for businesses on government property, and the system will be updated as Baguio revises its outdated zoning ordinances. Human assistance will remain available for anyone who prefers face-to-face help. “Technology for good means using innovation to address real community needs,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, head of stakeholder engagement at PLDT and Smart, adding that the aim is to help local governments build their own capacity.

Baguio is one of four local government partners building custom AI tools under the program, alongside Cebu City, Cabanatuan City and Lanao del Sur. The effort echoes the Development Academy’s training of officials from 10 LGUs to build AI prototypes and the operator’s own push described in PLDT’s report of faster operations from three agentic AI systems. Smart has also courted consumers with its AI prepaid sachet packs.

What to watch: Baguio will showcase BIZ Checker at the AI in Action Summit in November. Watch whether the tool moves from pilot into the city’s regular permit process and whether other LGUs adopt it.