With the theme, “From Gridlock to Growth: Accelerating Efforts Against Red Tape,” the 2024 ART Summit was designed to keep participants updated on developments in jurisprudence and CSC decisions relevant to the Anti-Red Tape initiatives in relation to the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB EGSD) Act.vfg

As a venue for innovation and knowledge sharing, the Summit also aimed to enhance the capacity of CSC personnel in critical areas such as stakeholder engagement, advocacy, communications planning, compliance monitoring, and project management.

CSC Commissioners Aileen Lourdes Lizada and Ryan Alvin Acosta, led the two-day event together with Northern Samar First District Representative Paul Ruiz Daza and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Deputy Director General for Legal Geneses R. Abot.

Commissioner Acosta welcomed participants, recalling that exactly a year ago, the CSC sought to clearly define the functions of the ARTUs in implementing the EODB EGSD Act.

“We are back but with more aplomb,” Commissioner Acosta shared, noting that “as this year’s ART Summit is now mainly face-to-face, all ARTUs from the Central and Regional Offices will be able to personally meet and greet their counterparts to share ideas and collaborate on one of the most pressing issues in governance—our collective fight against red tape.”

In her keynote message, Commissioner Lizada noted that knowledge of the law is not enough as the CSC must ensure that its personnel are equipped with knowledge, skills, and competencies to meet the expectations set by law.

“More than a capacity-building platform, this summit is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our roles as public servants and our collective responsibility in making service delivery more efficient, transparent, and accessible. Let us remain committed to the vision of a more efficient public service—one that transforms gridlock into growth, one that truly serves the Filipino people,” she added.

Congressman Daza, a social development advocate and a staunch supporter of the EODB EGSD Act, also expressed his commitment to improving the business climate and public service efficiency saying, “If there are issues na ang hirap ninyong sabihin, ibigay ninyo po sa akin. I’ll be the one to crack the whip. I have done that and I am not ashamed to do that. I don’t mind because I think it’s for nation-building.”

Likewise stressing the importance of the event, ARTA Undersecretary Abot emphasized that the summit is not just a gathering but a movement.

“Our mission is noble: to build a government that empowers, not one that stifles. To foster an environment where businesses thrive, where innovation flourishes, and where citizens can realize their full potential without undue hurdle,” Abot said.

The Summit featured three major parts based on the CSC’s mandate under the EODB EGSD Act. Day 1 features ARTU as Action Office in the adjudication process for cases, and as Anti-Red Tape Champion and Ambassador in spreading awareness about the law.

CSC Assistant Commissioner for Legal Ariel Ronquillo discussed prevailing jurisprudence and current CSC decisions on EODB EGSD case; followed by a discourse on effective writing techniques and strategic advocacy and communications planning as facilitated by Professor Liana M. Barro of Far Eastern University. The first day of the summit closed with a discussion on synergistic partnerships, networks and linkages delivered by Maria Carmencita Suva-Alfonso from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

Day 2 highlighted the role of ARTUs as focal for service delivery initiatives, particularly on compliance monitoring and project planning. The topics featured were: Compliance Monitoring 101 by ARTA Division Chief May Angeli Estolas; Insights on the Results of 2024 Report Card Survey by ARTA Director Grace Fernandez; Insights on the Implementation and Revival of the Anti-Red Tape Watch by Usec. Abot; and Project Planning by Department of Budget and Management Assistant Division Chief Kenneth Gerard Mallari. The second day of the summit closed with sharing of best practices on ART measures by Home Development Mutual Fund Vice President for Public Relations and Information Service Group, Atty. Karin-Lei Franco-Garcia.

Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo, representing the organizing office, expressed his appreciation to all participants for their attendance and engagement in the event amidst Super Typhoon Kristine, saying, “Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa inyong lahat because despite the inclement weather, despite some horror stories that we heard about what happened in some parts of the country brought about by this very strong typhoon, you exerted effort to be here and join us in this ART Summit for 2024. Iyong pagpunta po natin dito is nothing but a manifestation of our passion for a genuine and dedicated public service.”

The ART Summit is one of the continuing initiatives of the CSC in compliance with the mandates set forth under Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the EODB EGSD Act, and an off-shoot of its commitment under the Memorandum of Agreement with the ARTA signed on 31 August 2023.