The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are moving to streamline government payment processes, aiming to ease long-standing cash flow problems that have delayed infrastructure projects and strained contractors doing business with the state.
The Philippines’ rise to 47th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook marks a notable step forward, but sustaining the momentum will depend on deeper structural reforms, stronger institutions, and accelerated digitalization of government services, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has extended to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the Silver Award representing the highest rating of 92.8 percent or “Very Satisfactory”, among 50 government agencies in the agency’s Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0.
The Department of Agriculture has handed over a ₱65.6-million rice processing facility to the Talabutab Norte Primary Multipurpose Cooperative in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija, under the RCEF Mechanization Program.
Quezon City job seekers now have easier access to industry-relevant skills training, after the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) signed an agreement with global customer experience leader Foundever®. The deal launches the Quezon City Competency Enhancement and Retooling Program, aimed at bridging the gap between community skills and actual workplace needs.
The US has ruled out announcing the proposed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone during or after this month’s ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Manila, leaving the initiative’s timeline uncertain as Washington and Manila continue discussions on its scope and potential impact.
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Alberta Council and is preparing a separate memorandum of understanding with a Canadian power generation company, as it seeks to convert investor interest into actual projects in Casiguran, Aurora.