As part of the nationwide observance of Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month, a multi-agency Leveling Session on the EODB Law and Related Issuances was conducted on May 26, 2025 at Wagi B Conference Hall, DILG XII Regional Office XII, Prime Regional Center, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato, bringing together key persons from this office led by Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, DILG XII Regional Director and Engr. Samuel A. Camaganacan, Assistant Regional Director; From the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) headed by Engr. Rhuelo D. Aradanas, MPA, Regional Chief –Eastern Mindanao Regional Officer; Engr. Guilbert D. Simene, Chief Technical Operations Division, representing Engr. Ibrahim B. Guiapar, Jr., MPA, Regional Director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); and F/CSUPT Honee Fritz N. Abangan-Diel, DSC, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) XII, and DILG XII –LGCDD Personnel. The activity aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and harmonize the implementation of the EODB Law across all levels of government, ensuring consistency in service delivery, streamlined processes, and improved ease of access for citizens and businesses alike.
The centerpiece of the event was the presentation of the EODB Audit Results for Calendar Year 2024. The audit measured agency and LGU compliance with key provisions of Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. The audit also identifies areas requiring technical assistance and improvement, providing a clear roadmap for capacity-building and policy refinement.
In her opening remarks, Atty. Mahinay-Sero emphasized that the DILG XII fully supports the implementation of the said mandate and recognized that LGUs are frontliners in service and delivery and play a critical role in shaping a conducive business environment. Thus, beyond simply complying with the law, LGUs are encouraged to proactively enhance their processes to improve local competitiveness and drive economic development within their jurisdictions.
The audit results revealed both commendable improvements and persistent gaps, especially among smaller LGUs and agencies with high-volume frontline services. The findings will serve as the basis for technical assistance programs and policy refinements for the coming year.
Subsequent to the audit, DILG XII facilitated a coaching session for selected LGUs that needed interventions on EODB implementation. Issues and concerns raised during the said session were compiled by the Regional Focals and addressed to the relevant agencies present during the Levelling Session.
Among the identified issues and concerns, priority must be given to the challenges in implementing the Ease of Doing Business (EODB), particularly those related to harmonizing regulations, digitizing processes, and ensuring consistency in service delivery at the ground level.
The DICT emphasized the importance of end-to-end digitalization and continuous capacity building for LGUs to effectively implement their Citizen’s Charters and shared ongoing initiatives to strengthen LGU digital transformation through technical support, training, and the rollout of the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS).
Moreover, ARTA emphasized that the barangay level is the front line of government-citizen interaction, and empowering barangay officials will significantly improve the overall delivery of public services. Engr. Aradanas stressed the importance of maintaining a “whole-of-government approach” in reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and fostering a business-friendly environment. The agency also reiterated its commitment to guide and assist government offices in their compliance efforts.
Meanwhile, RD Abangan-Diel answered issues regarding the initiatives to streamline the fire safety inspection process in alignment with the Joint Memorandum Circulars on streamlined business registration. She also acknowledged the need for continuous engagement and feedback mechanisms to further improve coordination with LGUs.
Additionally, the session included discussions on future plans and programs, notably the schedule of the EODB Audit for CY 2025, and the upcoming Barangay Citizen’s Charter Training, which seeks to institutionalize frontline service standards at the barangay level. This training will provide barangay officials and personnel with the necessary tools and knowledge to craft clear, responsive, and citizen-centered charters in line with RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018).
A closing message was given by DILG XII ARD Samuel A. Camaganacan, he underscored the importance of the session as it was intended to harmonize the stakeholders’ understanding and interpretation of key policy directives, clarify implementation concerns, and provide unified direction for LGUs. Ultimately, the joint efforts seek to accelerate the full and effective implementation of RA 11032 and related reform measures.
The session concluded with a commitment from all partner agencies to continue working together to build a culture of excellence in public service delivery. By streamlining the systems and enhancing the service delivery, key agencies can truly empower LGUs to become engines of growth and pillars of good governance.
