The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) embarked on a nationwide crusade to increase its regional presence and share information on its programs and activities, including digitalization and streamlining initiatives for efficient delivery of government services, during its town hall meeting at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City, on March 14, 2024.

This initiative was ignited by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s earnest call for bureaucratic efficiency under the 8-point socioeconomic agenda. This move aimed to improve the performance of government agencies and streamline processes to provide better public service anchored in the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) campaign.

Manning at the vanguard of this transformative campaign is ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, who provided an overview of the Republic Act No. 11032, or Ease of Doing Business (EODB), and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. He highlighted some successful strategies and digital platforms implemented across the government.

Revolutionizing public service

San Roque, Northern Samar Mayor Maria Ana G. Abalon carried forward her husband's visionary campaign in 2014 to digitize government services.

They have successfully launched their version of the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS), the first in Eastern Visayas.

San Roque is a fourth-class municipality in Northern Samar. However, Abalon's perseverance and determination fully embraced digital governance, making the first Local Government Unit (LGU) in Eastern Visayas compliant with the EODB Law.

According to Perez, it's not impossible for a fourth-class town like San Roque with an unstable internet connection to set up electronic Business One Stop Shop (eBOSS). The mayors should have the political will to implement the law.

This digitization effort is based on the eBOSS concept, which has now become a transformative initiative that has revolutionized the delivery of government services.

Perez emphasized that the most effective way to combat red tape and corruption is to use streamlined processes and a digital platform.

The digital platform

eBOSS is designed to function as a comprehensive application platform where you can upload documents to process business licensing, permits, clearances, and authorizations.

It also facilitates the issuance of electronic tax bills or tax order payments and integrates barangay clearance and fire safety inspection certificates.

Abalon clarified that the new system may increase the number of fraudulent claims. However, she declared that they are “already incorporating the safety features of this to ensure that only legitimate claims can be processed and accommodated.”

Growing local economy

Based on ARTA’s report, the total number of business registrations has increased by around 95 percent over the last two years since 2021, following the establishment of eBOSS in San Roque town.

In addition, its revenue collections from business permits have also witnessed a significant rise, reaching P1.93 million in 2022 from the previous year's P1.59 million.

Abalon shared that since adopting digital governance, the business renewal process now takes only an hour and less than two hours for new business applications using eBOSS, provided all requirements are complete. This is compared to the previous two-day processing time.

She mentioned that this enables their residents and business owners to access essential services from the comfort of their homes or offices, saving them time and effort without physically visiting the municipal office.

“Through strategic digitalization efforts, we aim to simplify processes, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance the overall experience of engaging with government services,” she said.

Collective efforts

The ARTA, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have collaborated to expedite the implementation of eBOSS in all LGUs across the country.

Government officials and barangay chairpersons have enthusiastically supported the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law. They believed this initiative would expedite government services and are currently exploring ways to prepare for the budget required to ensure its successful implementation.

Perez mentioned that they anticipate more LGUs complying with the law this year, as they will conduct a nationwide rollout with their partnered agencies. They will encourage these LGUs to adopt eBOSS and provide technical assistance to those having difficulties establishing it.

It is essential to work toward a future where bureaucracy does not hinder progress and digitalization creates opportunities for all. The collaborative efforts of the government and citizens can contribute to building a nation known for its efficiency and prosperity. (AAC, PIA Leyte)