Laoag City - The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is actively encouraging local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines to adopt streamlined processes to foster a more dynamic economy. ARTA's campaign includes hosting regional summits, with the latest being held in Laoag City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Ernesto Perez emphasized the importance of collaboration between LGUs and the private sector during his speech at the summit attended by government officials from the Ilocos and Cagayan Regions and business community representatives.
The implementation of the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) is a critical component of this initiative. eBOSS is a unified online platform that facilitates business registration processes, as outlined in Republic Act 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act). As of August, only 627 out of 1,634 LGUs have complied with eBOSS, with just 16 being fully automated and the remainder partially so. Perez highlighted eBOSS's significance in creating a more streamlined and digitalized business processing and licensing system, which is essential for attracting entrepreneurs. In Laoag City, the integrated Business Permitting and Licensing System (iBPLS) is being used in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology as an interim solution pending full eBOSS automation. Mayor Michael Keon of Laoag City reaffirmed the city's commitment to a business-friendly environment and the reduction of red tape in government processes.