The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) reaffirmed its commitment to improving government efficiency and supporting sustainable economic growth as Secretary Ernesto V. Perez participated in the ceremonial signing of the Subsidiary Arrangement for the AUD 45 million grant under the Promoting Growth, Resilience, Economic Stability, and Sustainability in the Philippines (PROGRESS-PH) Program.
The event, held at the Department of Finance (DOF) Building within the BSP Complex, was organized by the DOF in coordination with the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between the Governments of the Philippines and Australia.
The signing ceremony was led by DOF Secretary Frederick D. Go and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Marc Innes-Brown. The Subsidiary Arrangement formalizes the partnership framework supporting the PROGRESS-PH Program, which aims to accelerate industry development, promote priority sectors such as renewable energy and critical resources, and enhance long-term economic resilience.
ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, joined by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Vice Chairman and Managing Head of the Board of Investments (BOI), witnessed the signing and engaged in high-level discussions with key officials. These included DOF Undersecretary Joven Z. Balbosa of the International Finance Group (IFG), focusing on aligning agency initiatives and improving coordination across government institutions.
ARTA’s participation underscored its mandate to streamline regulatory processes and reduce bureaucratic delays. Through its Better Regulations Office (BRO), represented by Director Marbida L. Marbida, the agency highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify procedures, eliminate redundancies, and enhance digitalization in government services.
During the discussions, ARTA shared insights on improving inter-agency workflows, addressing operational bottlenecks, and creating more efficient service delivery pathways for stakeholders. The agency emphasized the importance of clear, direct processes to support the objectives of the PROGRESS-PH Program.
Secretary Perez noted that ARTA’s initiatives under the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) mandate are closely aligned with the goals of the DOF-DFAT partnership. By promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency, ARTA continues to contribute to the broader vision of a more responsive and resilient government under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
