Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On 6 February 2025, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) held its annual Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Economic Briefing at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).
This yearly event serves as a platform to promote government programs and initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting both local and foreign investments through public-private partnerships.
In his presentation, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez provided key updates on ARTA’s EODB initiatives, offering insights from three perspectives: a business owner, an international investor, and a researcher.
Through their experiences, Secretary Perez illustrated how the Philippines is either progressing or falling behind in ease of doing business.
He also emphasized the need for collective participation in achieving meaningful government reforms. "ARTA is choosing to break through. And with your support, Bagong Pilipinas will not just be a country that works—it will be a country that wins."
He further added that more than digital transformation, what the country really needs is moral transformation to achieve that good governance we all aspire for.
Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Reynaldo R. Cancio, and Center for Research and Communication Foundation Research Director Dr. Bernardo Villegas shared insights on the economic impact of EODB reforms from both public and private sector perspectives.
This ARTA-led initiative exemplifies a whole-of-government approach, with support from key figures such as Office of the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Special Assistant to the President Frederick D. Go, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Alfredo S. Panlilio, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., and UA&P Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Law, and Governance Dr. Nicomedes B. Alviar.
SAP Go emphasized the crucial role of EODB in the country’s economic transformation "Enhancing the ease of doing business is a vital driver of our economic transformation. We fully support ARTA and our partners in this mission. It has been a great experience working with ARTA and Director General Nes Perez, who is truly passionate about cutting red tape and rolling out the red carpet."
MAP President Alfredo S. Panlilio reiterated the association’s commitment to government efficiency, "The core mission of the Management Association of the Philippines is management excellence for nation-building. We support programs that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government processes to ensure prompt and quality services for the people. That is why we stand with ARTA in its mission to promote efficiency and transparency in government services while eliminating barriers for businesses, regardless of size."
PhilExport President Ortiz-Luis Jr. expressed unwavering support for ARTA’s mission, "On behalf of PhilExport, I extend our unwavering support for the mission of sustaining growth, empowering enterprises, and fostering resilient economies—values that align with the theme of today's event."
UA&P Dean Alviar reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ARTA’s initiatives, "Congratulations, ARTA Secretary Perez. Our university is eager to support your work through research, teaching, and hosting programs and activities of this nature."
Following these messages of support, a fireside chat was held, moderated by ARTA Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida and Research, Education, and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation, Inc. Vice President and UA&P SBEP Lecturer Ronilo M. Balbieran. Panelists included Secretary Perez, Assistant Secretary Cancio, and Dr. Villegas, who shared further insights on EODB reforms.
The event concluded with a message from Dr. Enrico L. Basilio, Director of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance Center for Policy and Executive Development and UA&P SBEP Lecturer "Let us work together to propel economic growth and development in our country."
Also in attendance were ARTA executives, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from both foreign and local chambers.
As envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Bagong Pilipinas aspires to be a progressive nation free from red tape, where businesses can thrive and succeed.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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