30 September 2023 – The Anti-Red Tape Authority, under the leadership of ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, hosted the inaugural 2023 Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Summit on 27 September 2023, with the theme: “Philippines for Better Business Enabling Environment (PBBEE), held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Cebu City.
Mandated by Republic Act 11032, also known as the EODB Law, ARTA’s role is to implement and oversee a national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing business, with the goal of enhancing the business environment in the Philippines.
This event was designed to attract more investors by simplifying government transactions, ultimately leading to job creation for Filipinos.
Through the EODB Summit, ARTA aimed to forge partnerships with private sector agencies and other government bodies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and partners from the local chambers and business organizations to effectively promote its programs focused on streamlining and digitalization efforts.
During his presentation, Secretary Perez emphasized, “ARTA, with unwavering dedication, is actively working to address the skepticism and concerns often associated with the government. Our goal is to shift the perception of regulations and services from being seen as obstacles to becoming facilitators of success.”
Moreover, the Summit’s aim was to bring together key stakeholders, trailblazers, and individuals influenced by ARTA’s initiatives, from both the public and private sectors.
Distinguished guests shared their thoughts during the event, demonstrating their support for ARTA’s successful initiatives.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Q. Chan quoted British Prime Minister Theresa May by saying: “I will be ruthless in cutting out waste, streamlining structures, and improving efficiency,” as a commitment to their partnership with ARTA.
Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go expressed his support, stating “through the success of its initiatives, ARTA has proven that it is possible to disrupt the status quo and eliminate unnecessary steps.”
“We look forward to our partnership in transforming the way the government services are being delivered to the people, to be delivered more efficiently and through innovative and good regulatory practices.” MAP President Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad stated as part of her message of support to ARTA.
Austal Philippines President Wayne Murray added, “I have no doubt that the steps discussed during this summit and subsequent summits will pave the way for a more efficient and effective Philippines for a wide range of investors and entrepreneurs.”
During the event, ARTA and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further promote and strengthen public-private partnerships, with the goal of advancing the business-friendly advocacies of the business community.
CCCI President Charles Kenneth Co expressed, “We applaud ARTA’s dedication and its Better Regulations Office in implementing these crucial reforms to create an efficient, transparent, and business-friendly regulatory environment.”
The EODB Summit in Central Visayas drew 170 participants, including representatives from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), business groups, and non-government organizations (NGOs).
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