Ormoc City Recognized by ARTA for Excellence in Digital Business Transactions

ORMOC CITY — The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has commended Ormoc City for its successful implementation of an electronic Business One-Stop Shop (E-BOSS), which has streamlined business operations and compliance under the Ease of Doing Business Law.

According to Philippines News Agency, who presented the plaque of commendation to Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez on Tuesday, Ormoc City’s digital transformation represents a significant advancement in efficient governance and economic growth. Ormoc has become the 47th local government unit in the Philippines to receive such recognition from ARTA, and the second in the Eastern Visayas region following San Roque in Northern Samar.

Mayor Torres-Gomez expressed pride in the city’s achievement, noting the benefits of digital transactions in saving resources and providing convenience to the citizens. “The more people who are getting tech savvy and using transactions online, it helps us save resources. It also helps people because they no longer need to leave their home to do transactions. It is easier now,” she said.

Despite the progress, the city is still working on encouraging broader adoption of online services. Data from the Ormoc City Business Processing and Licensing Office revealed that out of over 10,000 businesses in the city, only 1,873 have engaged in online transactions since the initiative’s launch last year. To further support digitalization, Mayor Torres-Gomez emphasized the need for improved and stable internet connectivity.

Stephanie Dianne Chu, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eastern Visayas regional governor, also highlighted the efficiency of E-BOSS in alleviating congestion during the annual business permit renewal period. She advocated for better infrastructure to bolster business confidence in digital platforms. “Doing everything online and paying online makes it faster, but we must ensure the presence of infrastructure, such as good internet connectivity, so that we can convince more businessmen to trust using online transactions,” Chu added.

Ormoc’s digital platform includes integrated payment systems, even covering fees for the Bureau of Fire Protection, simplifying the entire process for business owners and the city administration alike.