Northern Mindanao LGUS go digital
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to improve the Philippines' bureaucratic efficiency, the Anti-red Tape Authority (ARTA) awarded Certificates of Commendation (COC) to three municipalities in Northern Mindanao for establishing fully automated electronic Business One-stop Shops (EBOSS) in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez recognized the efforts of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; and Guinsiliban, Camiguin in streamlining business registration processes through digitalization during awarding ceremonies on April 4 and 5. “This initiative directly supports the President's marching order to replace red tape with a red carpet approach, fostering a more open and investment-friendly environment that drives economic growth,” said Perez.
Under Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law, the EBOSS is a joint digitalization initiative by ARTA with the DILG, DICT, and Department of Trade and
Industry that is required to be adopted by LGUS to fast-track all the business registrations, permitting, licensing, and renewals in the localities.
The first commendation ceremony took place on 4 April 2024,
Perez presented the award to Manolo Fortich Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño during Manolo Fortich's 107th Founding Anniversary and 5th Banog-banog Festival on April 4.
“To the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, your success is an inspiration to all other LGUS in the Philippines,” Perez said. “You are showcasing how good governance translates to real benefits for the people.”
As the 21st LGU commended for implementing a fully automated EBOSS, Mayor Quiño expressed his gratitude for ARTA'S recognition, emphasizing the positive impact of the digitalized platform.
“Indeed, our hearts swell with pride as we receive this award, knowing that Manolo Fortich will continue to soar high amidst any form of tests that will come along its journey,” Quiño stated. “This accomplishment, among others, will continue to inspire us to continue to be trailblazers and forerunners of new opportunities and development in our community in order to better serve our people,” he added.
ARTA also commended the Municipality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, for its successful implementation of a fully automated EBOSS. The COC, awarded on the same day, recognized Jasaan Mayor Redentor S. Jardin, and the entire municipality's efforts towards streamlining processes and digitalizing services.
“If we have ARTA being followed judiciously, at the same time, translating it [EBOSS] to locally generated tax income, this commendation will speak volumes for us, Jasaanons,” expressed Jardin, highlighting the potential for increased local revenue generation.
Perez echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the benefits for both businesses and the LGU. “A streamlined and digitized system for obtaining business permits and licenses means less hassle and delay for entrepreneurs,” he explained. “With a stronger financial base, you can invest in vital social services, infrastructure projects, and other programs that uplift the lives of your people.”
Completing the Northern Mindanao leg of the twoday EBOSS commendations, the Municipality of Guinsiliban in Camiguin province was also awarded a COC for their EBOSS compliance on April 5.
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OSS, the
Guinsiliban Municipality welcomed the ARTA Central Office and the ARTA Northern Mindanao RFO as Municipal Mayor Helenio N. Abecia received the COC with utmost gratitude. “Despite being a small municipality with small financial resources, we are happy and grateful to ARTA to be able to set up this EBOSS and comply with the directives from the national agencies,” said Mayor Abecia. Perez lauded the Municipality of Guinsiliban for being the very first eboss-compliant LGU in the province of Camiguin despite being a 6th Class Municipality, stating that their digitalization efforts mark a good example for the further development of the localities in their region. “This wave of EBOSS implementation across Northern Mindanao is a powerful testament to the region's commitment to our administration's vision for a new and progressive Philippine economy,” Perez said. (Bernie Cahiles-magkilat)