Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. welcomed Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), during his courtesy visit this morning.
The two discussed accelerating the implementation of the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) across all 43 LGUs in the province. The eBOSS is designed to digitalize and streamline the processing of business permits and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Governor Defensor expressed his full support to the initiative, highlighting that the system will assist the municipalities to become more efficient and digital-ready for investors.
While the governor recognizes the challenge of internet connectivity in some municipalities, he said that automating business permits will elevate Iloilo’s position as a business-friendly destination.
He emphasized that the system will also aid in tracking permits, especially since the provincial government does not have direct oversight of municipal business approvals.
The Iloilo provincial government and ARTA are set to sign a memorandum of agreement this coming May which coincides with the Ease of Doing Business Month.
Furthermore, Defensor presented his legacy project, the Smart and Green Government Center. Designed as a premier one-stop shop, the facility will integrate several national government agencies to provide seamless access to essential government programs and services.
DG Perez was accompanied by Head Executive Assistant Atty. Sarah Marie P. Lampitoc and Western Visayas Regional Field Office Chief Administrative Officer Josephine Venus D. Castillo. Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE) Executive Director Bonnie Ladrido later joined the group.
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