ARTA revolutionizes capacity building efforts with the launching of its locally developed e-learning tool PRISM

QUEZON CITY — The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) headed by Secretary Ernesto V. Perez introduced a revolutionary approach to good regulatory management through the ceremonial launching of its e-learning system, PRISM: Policy Reform, Innovation, and Streamlining Management, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on 27 August 2024. The system has been developed by ARTA’s Regulatory Management Training Division (RMTD), with technical assistance from the governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.

PRISM, a tool for more efficient regulatory practices

As mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law, ARTA implements the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), allowing the improvement of regulatory quality and coherence, expected resulting to enhanced government efficiency, transparency, effectiveness, and accountability.

ARTA’s RMTD spearheaded the launching of PRISM, where Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, United Kingdom (UK) Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Alistair White, and Australia Embassy Counselor Simon Reid logged into their own PRISM accounts. Currently, the e-learning hub consists of two (2) available courses, the Executive Briefing on Regulatory Management System (RMS) & Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and the Introductory Course on RIA.

With PRISM’s unified implementation of training initiatives, ARTA intensifies its policy reform efforts in a platform designed to provide accessible materials to a wide range of participants. By making RIA easier and more accessible, PRISM brings regulatory governance and public service delivery to another level with its curated training courses and programs that support the realization of inclusive and efficient Bagong Pilipinas.

PRISM is a key element of the agency’s digitalization strategy that emphasizes the importance of leveraging digital connectivity and embracing ongoing societal modernization through technological advancements.

Offering a holistic and comprehensive training experience that allows learners to progress at their own pace, PRISM champions its features: pre-recorded videos, interactive slides, quizzes and assessments, worksheets, and live chats.

These tools create an engaging and dynamic learning environment, enabling ARTA’s stakeholders and partner government agencies to effectively utilize available technologies and devices to enhance their learning experience. This initiative also cultivates a network of innovators through collaborative partnerships, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge management.

During his special message, Secretary Perez acknowledged heavy expectations on the government, and highlighted that complex challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, requiring innovative solutions that are sustainable.

“These modern problems are not only vast in scope but also deeply interconnected. For instance, addressing climate change involves not just environmental policies but also economic, social, and technological considerations. To tackle these issues effectively, governments must adapt and maintain good regulatory practices that ensure policies are responsive, inclusive, and resilient in the face of future uncertainties.”

“Poorly crafted regulations can lead to unintended consequences, stifling innovation and exacerbating inequalities. Therefore, regulatory frameworks must be adaptive, evidence-based, and participatory to navigate these multifaceted challenges successfully,” Secretary Perez added.

PRISM, a synergy for excellence

ARTA is dedicated to ensuring that the potentials of the public servants capacitated through PRISM are harnessed and refined. With technical assistance from the UK and the Australian Governments, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), PRISM was developed as a centralized and efficient training hub for national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs).

In a message of support, on behalf of UK Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency (HE) Laura Beaufils, British Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Alistair White expressed his felicitations to ARTA’s significant launching, “This occasion marks another significant step in the Philippines’ ongoing journey towards regulatory excellence and the streamlining of government processes and the UK has had the privilege of supporting the Philippine government in its ease of doing business initiatives even before ARTA was established.”

“It’s heartening to see the results of all of these efforts today. And the leadership of Secretary Perez has, of course, been absolutely instrumental in delivering this,” Mr. White added.

Australia Ambassador to the Philippines HE Hae Kyung Yu’s representative Counselor Simon Reid also congratulated ARTA for yet another milestone.  “Through PRISM as a training hub, I hope, not only hope, I know that ARTA will further strengthen your capability building efforts to enable better services to stakeholders and partners,” Counselor Reid said.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation, Inc.-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND) Chief of Party Dr. Enrico Basilio also delivered a message of support as a partner in developing the RIA Manual. Dr. Basilio mentioned, “The Respond Program, in collaboration with ARTA, has been steadfast in its commitment to discuss and to this event marks yet another step forward. The Respond Program, with the support from the United States Agency for International Development, has been privileged to work alongside ARTA in several critical initiatives.”