The event, held from 28 to 30 October 2024, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel, brought together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and international organizations to discuss strategies for streamlining government processes and improving the country’s bureaucratic efficiency.
The three-day event was graced by representatives from the diplomatic corps, various international organizations, and private sector groups. His Excellency Ilan Fluss, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, and Her Excellency Dr. Catherine Rosemary Mcintosh, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines, attended the event to share their countries’ experiences in implementing efficient government systems.
British Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, expressed her support for ARTA’s efforts, stating, “You are at the heart of establishing that trust that businesses need to continue to invest in the Philippines, to grow in the Philippines, which ultimately is about employing people, creating jobs, and improving again the livelihood of the people of the Philippines.”
The first day laid the groundwork for the Philippines’ journey towards becoming a business-ready nation. Participants delved into the results of the World Bank Group’s Business-Ready Survey, assessing the country’s position as one of the top 40% of the 50 economies reported within the global and regional markets. ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to improve government efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. He stated, “Let us all be architects of change, designing a system that empowers, not hinders; that facilitates, not frustrates. Let us, together, remove red tape and roll out the red carpet.”
The private sector also played a significant role in the convention. Rene Almendras, President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), praised ARTA’s efforts in streamlining processes and reducing red tape. He stated, “Without being negative to other agencies in government, I believe ARTA is now a hustler. Maybe the only hustler in the field of governance.”
President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina Mangio, also participated in the convention’s panel discussion, providing valuable insights and recommendations from the private sector.
Representing one of the key agencies in the government’s digitalization initiatives, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. also emphasized the importance of digitalization in improving government services. He highlighted the DICT’s initiatives in promoting digital transformation and ensuring that government services are accessible to all.
The final day celebrated the successes achieved through strong public-private partnerships as the event recognized key stakeholders, including LGUs, government agencies, and international partners for their contributions to improving the business climate in the Philippines. Along with the recognition ceremonies on the third and final day, the convention also officially launched ARTA’s electronic Complaints Management System (eCMS), which aims to streamline the complaint-handling process and improve response times.
In the three-day convention, partner agencies and private sector stakeholders were also given the opportunity to set up booths that showcased their programs, products, and services offered to increase awareness and promotion of the event’s call to improve the country’s business climate through efficient regulations.
The convention directly addressed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote ease of doing business and improve bureaucratic efficiency. By emphasizing collaboration, digital transformation, public-private partnerships, and international best practices, ARTA’s 2024 EODB Convention has positioned the Philippines to become a more competitive and business-friendly nation, in realization of President Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas. (ARTA)
