25 February 2025 – The Philippines made a significant impact at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025, with key representatives highlighting the nation’s commitment to effective governance. The summit, themed “Shaping Future Governments,” was held in Dubai from 11 to 13 February and gathered global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address pressing global challenges.
Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), represented the Philippines at the Ministerial Round Table on “Effective Governance for Crisis Resilience.” He underscored the country’s efforts in building resilient governance systems capable of adapting to and recovering from crises, such as natural disasters and health emergencies.
A key focus of Secretary Perez’s address was the role of digitalization in governance. He highlighted initiatives like the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), the Philippine Business Regulations Information System (PBRIS), and the ARTA Regulatory Management Information System (ARTEMIS), which improved service efficiency and crisis preparedness.
He also emphasized the importance of civil society and private sector collaboration in enhancing government adaptability. Regular inspections of government agencies ensured compliance with regulatory reforms, further strengthening crisis resilience.
In addition, Secretary Perez discussed the Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP) and Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), both designed to ensure uninterrupted government operations during crises. He noted that while national policies shaped disaster resilience, local government units (LGUs) played a frontline role in implementing effective response measures.
Public-private collaboration remained integral to ARTA’s work. Secretary Perez announced that the ARTA Champions program expanded with 26 new members in 2024, including the American Chamber of Commerce, the British Chamber of Commerce, and GCASH. He also highlighted initiatives like Paspas Pilipinas and PinasBilis, which accelerated government service delivery through digital capacity-building efforts.
Furthermore, Secretary Perez discussed the passage of Republic Act No. 11966, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, which streamlined the legal framework for infrastructure development.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the Philippine government remains committed to institutional reforms and innovation. Secretary Perez reaffirmed ARTA’s dedication to fostering excellence in public service, promoting transparency, and ensuring efficient service delivery.
