On the occasion of the 2024 Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention held on October 28-30, 2024 at the Sheraton Hotel Manila, AGIA was awarded as one of the ARTA Champions by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to assist the Agency in implementing its advocacies and programs to eliminate red tape and creating a more business-friendly environment for a Bagong Pilipinas.

ARTA Champions, as outlined in ARTA Memorandum Order 2024-275, are trusted organizations that partner with ARTA to promote efficient governance, to serve as Ambassadors of transparency and advocates for the business community and are tasked with reporting red tape issues and educating the public.  Criteria for becoming an ARTA Champion include: (a) proven track record of integrity and good standing; (b) has been in existence for a minimum of six (6) months; and (c) has a strong commitment to advancing government efficiency reforms.

Prior to the awarding ceremony, the Memorandum of Agreement as ARTA Champions was signed on October 29, 2024 between the AGIA and ARTA also at the Sheraton Hotel Manila, to formalize the partnership.  Specifically outlined in the MOA is AGIA’s role in capacity-building and information campaign for its members on ARTA’s advocacies and programs towards enhancing the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

The Plaque of Recognition was awarded by ARTA Sec. Ernesto V. Perez, Undersecretary for Operations Gerald G. Divinagracia, and Undersecretary for Legal Geneses R. Abot.  Receiving the award was AGIA President Dinah E. Pichay.  AGIA Directors Marissa N. Fabricante, Atty. Ma. Teresa C. Alvarez, Daniel L. Ambasan, Cristina C. Rosario, Atty. Irene DT. Alogoc, Anthony A. Lewis, Crisostomo Paras, and Evelyn Santos were also present during the awarding ceremony.

With ARTA’s collaborative approach towards this end, AGIA now plays a vital role in making government processes more business-friendly and accessible to the transacting public.