For entrepreneurs in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental, expansion is not just about growth — it’s about strategy and compliance. One of the most strategic legal paths for business expansion in the Philippines is through registration with the Board of Investments (BOI).
The BOI, an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), grants fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to enterprises engaged in BOI-approved activities under the Omnibus Investments Code (E.O. 226) and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act (R.A. 11534).
If you’re planning to grow your business in Region 7, understanding what activities are BOI-approved — and how they benefit you — can give your enterprise a decisive legal and financial edge.
What Are BOI-Approved Activities?
BOI-approved activities are business projects that align with the government’s Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) — a document that identifies industries critical to national and regional development.
These activities are entitled to tax incentives, duty exemptions, and other privileges, provided they meet certain qualifications such as job creation, sustainability, innovation, and regional investment.
For Region 7 entrepreneurs, this means your project must contribute to inclusive and balanced growth in Central Visayas — an area that includes Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Key BOI-Approved Activities for Region 7
Let’s break down some of the top industries and activities recognized by the BOI — and why they matter to local investors.
1. Manufacturing and Export-Oriented Production
Cebu has long been a manufacturing powerhouse — from shipbuilding and furniture to electronics and processed food.
BOI-approved manufacturing projects that export at least 70% of production may qualify for:
Income Tax Holiday (ITH) for up to 6 years
Duty-free importation of capital equipment
VAT zero-rating on local purchases
⚖️ Legal Insight: Export enterprises are given the highest level of fiscal support under Section 5 of the Omnibus Investments Code — recognizing their role in earning foreign exchange and creating jobs.
2. Tourism and Accommodation Facilities
In Bohol and Cebu, the tourism sector remains one of the strongest economic drivers.
Projects such as eco-resorts, dive centers, convention hotels, and sustainable tourism facilities are BOI-qualified if they meet environmental and service standards.
Incentives include:
4–6 years Income Tax Holiday
Enhanced deduction on local labor, training, and infrastructure costs
Priority processing for environmental compliance certificates
📍 Example: A locally owned resort in Panglao that adopts sustainable practices and employs local residents can qualify for BOI registration under the Tourism Investment Priority.
3. Renewable Energy Projects
The BOI actively supports projects that align with Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
Eligible activities include solar farms, hydropower facilities, and biomass energy projects — especially those located in off-grid areas of Negros Oriental or Bohol.
✅ Legal Advantage: BOI-registered renewable energy projects enjoy both fiscal incentives and non-fiscal privileges, such as simplified permits and guaranteed market access through power purchase agreements.
4. Agribusiness and Food Processing
Negros Oriental and Bohol have strong agricultural potential.
BOI-approved agribusiness activities include:
Crop production and processing
Livestock and aquaculture farming
Cold storage and logistics facilities
These activities qualify for duty exemptions on imported farm equipment, tax deductions on local labor, and longer ITH periods for projects in less developed areas.
💼 Pro Tip: Locating your agribusiness outside major city centers — such as in rural municipalities of Bohol or Negros Oriental — can qualify you for additional regional investment incentives.
5. Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO)
Cebu continues to lead as a regional IT-BPO hub.
Under the BOI framework, the following are considered preferred activities:
Contact centers and shared service facilities
Software development and animation
FinTech and IT-enabled healthcare support
IT-BPO firms may enjoy enhanced deductions under the CREATE Act and VAT exemptions on local purchases used in export operations.
⚖️ Legal Reminder: Only BOI-registered enterprises that cater primarily to foreign markets are eligible for full incentives. Domestic-oriented IT firms may still qualify under specific innovation or digital transformation programs.
6. Infrastructure and Logistics
The BOI also recognizes the importance of modern infrastructure in supporting regional growth.
Projects like cold chain storage, seaport operations, industrial parks, and transport terminals are eligible for incentives if they support economic zones or export operations.
📍 Example: A logistics hub in Mactan or a cold chain facility serving Bohol’s agricultural exporters could qualify as a BOI-approved activity, promoting inter-island trade efficiency.
Why Register Under BOI?
Being BOI-registered gives your business both legal legitimacy and financial advantage.
Here are a few key benefits:
Tax holidays and duty exemptions under CREATE Act provisions
Access to government financing and credit facilities
Assistance in securing permits and licenses
Investor protection under Section 17 of the Omnibus Investments Code
More importantly, BOI registration signals to partners, banks, and investors that your enterprise operates within a legally recognized national investment framework — a mark of credibility that enhances your growth potential.
Steps for Region 7 Entrepreneurs
To qualify for BOI registration:
Determine eligibility under the SIPP or preferred activity list.
Prepare your legal and financial documents, including SEC/DTI registration, project study, and proof of capital.
Submit application through the BOI eRegistration System.
Await evaluation and approval, which typically takes 30–45 working days.
💡 Legal Note: All registered enterprises must submit Annual Reports and Compliance Certificates to maintain their incentives. Failure to comply can lead to cancellation of benefits.
Final Thoughts
For entrepreneurs in Region 7, understanding and taking advantage of BOI-approved activities can transform local ventures into competitive, legally compliant, and globally viable businesses.
Whether you’re running a Cebu manufacturing plant, a Bohol resort, or a Negros Oriental agribusiness, the BOI provides a legal framework that rewards your investment with real, measurable incentives.
With the right legal guidance, your business can not only expand — but do so with the full backing of the Philippine government.
📍 CBOS Business Solutions Inc. assists entrepreneurs in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental in navigating BOI registration — from eligibility review to securing tax incentives legally and efficiently.
Navigating the business landscape in the Philippines can be both rewarding and intricate. Whether you’re embarking on a new venture or scaling up, ensuring that your corporate endeavors are in line with local regulations is paramount.
At CBOS Business Solutions Inc., we pride ourselves on simplifying these processes for our clients. As a seasoned professional services company, we offer comprehensive assistance with SEC Registration, Visa processing, and a myriad of other essential business requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your business is compliant, well-established, and ready to thrive in the Philippine market.
Why venture into the complexities of business registration and compliance alone? Allow our team to guide you every step of the way. After all, your success is our commitment.
Get in touch today and let us be your partner in achieving your business goals in the Philippines.
Email Address: gerald.bernardo@cbos.com.ph
Mobile No.: +639270032851
You can also click this link to schedule a meeting.
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