A coalition of business groups is partnering with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to support the implementation of a business assistance platform for improving the ease of doing business in the country.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of both the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT); Eunina Mangio, president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and associate trustee at PHILEXPORT; Roberto Alvarez Jr., chairman of Buklod Bayani; and ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA).
The MOA aims to adopt and support the implementation of the Buklod Bayani Program, a business assistance platform meant to attract investors and develop the ecosystem conducive for businesses.This is through catering to business-related inquiries and clarifying interpretations of existing policies, enhancing government processes and mobilizing resources as necessary, and adopting best practices that will be honored through an annual awards program.
The MOA stipulated the creation of the Buklod Bayani hotline system and headquarters where enterprises can channel or report their inquiries and concerns to ARTA and concerned government agencies.
Mangio has cited her chamber’s standing agreement with ARTA designating local chambers as ARTA champions to ensure that complaints of business pertaining to the tedious bureaucratic processes are properly received and endorsed to the agency.Under the deal, the business groups and ARTA will jointly cascade information and awareness about the programs and activities of the partnership between government and Buklod Bayani.
The Buklod Bayani Program is a business sector-led platform where organizations can practically discuss and collaboratively resolve interconnected issues which would have otherwise slowed down the country’s progress. Jose Lina said the Buklod Bayani Coalition is a coalition of several civic organizations, employers federation, exporters group with the PCCI and the International Chamber of Commerce Philippines.
Further, the MOA stipulated the adoption and support of the implementation of Republic Act 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, particularly the ARTA’s programs, projects and initiatives to improve bureaucratic efficiency.
