Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers and members led by President Edward Du attended the first Provincial Orientation on RA 11032 Related Issuances, conducted by Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Director General Ernesto Perez, Atty. Cherry Llorad and Atty. Jess Quilantang, Jr. The orientation was held in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and NOCCI, and attended by all department heads of the province.
President Du expressed his gratitude to the ARTA for their efforts in providing this valuable training opportunity for provincial officials.
NOCCI Partners with ARTA for RA 11032 Orientation to Promote Efficient Governance
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, actively participated in the first Provincial Orientation on Republic Act 11032 and related issuances, conducted by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). The event, held in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, marked a significant step toward improving government processes and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies in the province.
The orientation was spearheaded by ARTA Secretary Director General Ernesto Perez, Atty. Cherry Llorad, and Atty. Jess Quilantang, Jr. Key officials from the provincial government, including all department heads, joined the session to enhance their understanding of RA 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
NOCCI’s Role in Driving Governance Reforms
President Edward Du, speaking on behalf of NOCCI, expressed his gratitude to ARTA for its commitment to fostering good governance through capacity-building initiatives.
“We commend ARTA for bringing this essential training to our province. Empowering government officials with the knowledge to streamline processes directly benefits both the business community and the public,” Du stated.
As an advocate for economic growth and streamlined government services, NOCCI has consistently supported initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of public offices. The orientation aligns with the chamber’s mission to create an enabling environment for businesses and citizens in Negros Oriental.
RA 11032: Simplifying Government Transactions
RA 11032 was enacted to address long-standing issues of red tape and inefficiency in the Philippine government. By mandating simplified procedures, reduced processing times, and the elimination of unnecessary steps, the law seeks to improve the overall ease of doing business in the country.
Key provisions of the law discussed during the orientation included:
- Streamlined Processes: Agencies must reduce processing times to three working days for simple transactions, seven days for complex transactions, and 20 days for highly technical applications.
- Citizen’s Charter: Government offices are required to publish comprehensive Citizen’s Charters outlining their services, requirements, and processing timelines.
- Zero Contact Policy: To minimize opportunities for corruption, agencies must adopt a zero-contact policy during the evaluation and approval stages of transactions.
- Centralized Business Permits and Licensing System: RA 11032 promotes the use of digital platforms for unified permit and licensing applications.
Secretary Perez emphasized the importance of RA 11032 in transforming the way government interacts with businesses and citizens. “Our goal is to create a government that is not only efficient but also transparent and accountable,” Perez said.
Building Awareness Among Provincial Officials
The orientation provided an in-depth overview of the law’s provisions and practical guidance on implementation. Workshops and interactive discussions focused on identifying bottlenecks in existing processes and crafting actionable solutions to address them.
Atty. Cherry Llorad and Atty. Jess Quilantang, Jr., highlighted real-world examples of successful implementations in other regions, inspiring local officials to adopt similar practices. Participants also engaged in case studies to better understand the impact of streamlined processes on public service delivery and economic growth.
Collaboration Between NOCCI and ARTA
NOCCI’s partnership with ARTA reflects its commitment to advocating for reforms that promote efficiency and economic competitiveness. By facilitating dialogue between the business community and government, NOCCI aims to address barriers that hinder growth and investment in Negros Oriental.
President Du noted that reducing bureaucratic hurdles benefits not only businesses but also the public by fostering trust in government institutions. “Efficient governance attracts investors, boosts economic activity, and improves the overall quality of life for our citizens,” he remarked.
Challenges and Opportunities in Implementation
While the orientation highlighted significant progress in addressing red tape, challenges remain. Many local government units (LGUs) face resource constraints, limited technical expertise, and resistance to change, which can impede the full implementation of RA 11032.
Secretary Perez encouraged local officials to view these challenges as opportunities for innovation. “Change is never easy, but the rewards of streamlined processes and better service delivery far outweigh the difficulties,” he said.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Collaboration
The successful orientation signals a growing commitment to governance reforms in Negros Oriental. ARTA and NOCCI plan to sustain momentum by conducting follow-up trainings, monitoring implementation progress, and encouraging public-private collaboration to address gaps.
Secretary Perez expressed optimism about the province’s potential to become a model for efficient governance. “With strong leadership and active collaboration, Negros Oriental can set the standard for streamlined, citizen-centered governance,” he stated.
President Du echoed this sentiment, calling on all stakeholders to work together toward a shared vision of progress. “This is only the beginning. Let us continue to push for reforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” he concluded.
The first Provincial Orientation on RA 11032 serves as a pivotal step toward creating a more efficient and responsive government in Negros Oriental. Through the combined efforts of ARTA, NOCCI, and provincial officials, the province is poised to deliver better services and foster a more business-friendly environment.
By championing governance reforms and encouraging collaboration, NOCCI reinforces its commitment to driving economic progress and empowering local communities. With the foundation laid, the future of Negros Oriental shines brighter—marked by efficiency, innovation, and shared prosperity.
