The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on Tuesday commended three local government units (LGUs) in Misamis Oriental for implementing measures to simplify doing business with the government.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez personally gave the LGUs of Manticao, Alubijid and Laguindingan certificates of commendation for adopting the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS).

“This year, we are targeting at least 200 LGUs adopting the eBOSS system to ensure faster client transactions,” he said in an interview.

Perez said LGUs adopting eBOSS, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), have been observed to improve bureaucracy and reduce the incidence of red tape.

The eBOSS aims to streamline the procedures for filing applications and issuing local business licenses, permits, clearances and authorizations through the LGU’s provision and usage of an on-demand single digital portal.

LGUs are mandated to implement eBOSS as part of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

Nideliza Fe Nacilla, DICT focal person in Northern Mindanao for the implementation of eBOSS, said 54 LGUs are currently actively implementing the program in the region.

“There are other LGUs who have created a system of their own, but we also advised them that the system they run is still aligned with the ARTA checklist,” she said.

Manticao Mayor Stephen Tan urged other LGUs to implement eBOSS because it can yield results, especially in attracting additional investors planning to establish businesses.

In an interview, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia said the provincial government aims to implement eBOSS in all LGUs before his term ends to digitalize business processes and make the province more competitive for investors. (PNA)