23 February 2024 – In a significant move to cut through bureaucratic red tape, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Buklod Bayani Coalition (BBC) have joined forces to promote ease of doing business in the country. Under the agreement, ARTA will provide technical assistance to Buklod Bayani’s initiatives and support its programs aimed at attracting investors. The DILG, on the other hand, is tasked with ensuring compliance and coordination among local government units (LGUs) to resolve red tape issues at the grassroots level.

The three groups signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 20 at Camp Crame, solidifying a collaborative approach to streamline government processes and foster economic growth. The partnership is a key step in leveraging private-sector expertise to create a more business-friendly environment, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Buklod Bayani Coalition, which includes major business groups, will serve as a key partner in promoting ARTA’s campaigns. It will also establish a hotline system where businesses can send their concerns, which will then be relayed to ARTA, DILG, and other relevant agencies for immediate action.

The collaboration is seen as a crucial step in the government’s push for an investor-friendly Philippines, combining the regulatory authority of ARTA, the local government reach of the DILG, and the vast business network of the BBC.]