BACOLOR, Pampanga – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) convened leaders from government, business, and academe in a Business and Academic Summit for Nation-Building, to forge stronger partnerships toward a more efficient, transparent, and accountable bureaucracy that will drive regional and national development.
Held at Pampanga State University (PSU), the summit was led by ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez, PSU President Enrique Baking, and Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Agnes Devanadera, with the support of local government officials.
The event brought together about 100 participants from various sectors, highlighting the spirit of collaboration for progress.
Perez lauded PSU’s pioneering initiatives in shaping future leaders through regulatory management education.
“Pampanga State University is always noted for being first — first because it is led by a visionary president, and first because it offers a Master in Public Administration, Major in Regulatory Management System program, focusing on good regulatory practices that will drive this region toward economic development,” he said.
He emphasized that professionalizing public administration is vital in attracting investors and ensuring sustainable growth.
“Whenever investors decide to put their businesses in a locality, the first question they ask is whether or not that LGU [local government unit] is ready for business. Meaning, the regulatory framework and its sincere implementation must offer the best opportunities for them to invest. When government agencies, the academe, the business community, and the media work together, we can only expect that more investors will come,” Perez explained.
The ARTA chief also highlighted the authority’s reforms and digital innovations aimed at streamlining processes and reducing red tape.
These include the Electronic Complaints Management System powered by artificial intelligence, the Philippine Business Regulations Information System, and the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System.
These platforms ensure transparency, reduce human discretion, and promote accountability across government services.
The summit also showcased PSU’s Master in Public Administration – Major in Regulatory Management Systems program, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, which serves as a benchmark for regulatory excellence and public sector professionalism.
In closing, Perez reaffirmed the collective responsibility of all sectors in building a strong foundation for the country’s future.
“Together, government agencies, the academe, and the business community must work hand in hand. We are so blessed with resources — we need only to manage them properly with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” he stated.
The event concluded with a commitment from all participants to strengthen partnerships that will not only reduce bureaucratic barriers but also inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to good governance and nation-building.(MJSC/MAGP, PIA Region 3-Pampanga GIP)