The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) opened a Regional Field Office (RFO) in City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

It shall monitor the mandatory compliance of all government offices performing business and non-business transactions and hold government officials accountable on the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Law in Northern and Central Luzon.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez pointed out the much-needed presence of the agency in the area to continuously spur local economic development, sustain growth of businesses, and provide more livelihood opportunities. 

“With the different economic zones scattered across the region like the Clark Economic Zone and Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Central Luzon remains an attractive location, be it to foreign investors wanting to set up facilities in the country, or to local companies looking to take advantage of the brisk business activities in the area,” he said.

Perez likewise mentioned the strategic advantage of ARTA’s regional presence following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s directives of ensuring regulatory competitiveness for the ease of doing business at the national and local level. 

“ARTA RFO Central Luzon shall also look into the mandatory establishment of the electronic Business One Stop of all local government units in the region and urge their adoption of the Business Permits and Licensing System Manual to provide streamlined and digitalized business permitting and licensing services,” he furthered.

The office is located at the National Food Authority Building in barangay Sindalan.

Its operationalization expands the reach of the government’s streamlining and digitalization initiatives to improve bureaucratic efficiency and ensure the effectiveness of all government transactions nationwide. (PIA 3)