THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) lauded the San Roque town in Northern Samar for its efforts to comply with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law despite its limitations.

ARTA then urged other local government units to follow the methods used by the San Roque town.

No less than ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez paid a visit to the fourth-class coastal town.

He said that such is the only local government in the Eastern Visayas region that has set up an electronic business one-stop shop (eBOSS) in compliance with the law signed in 2018.

He encouraged other LGUs to follow.

“It’s not impossible since a fourth-class town like San Roque with an unstable internet connection managed to set up eBOSS. Our mayors should have the political will to implement the law,” Perez said.

San Roque, Northern Samar Mayor Maria Ana Abalon admitted that it is one of the first local government units (LGUs) to receive commendation for having a fully streamlined and digitalized eBOSS.

"Our commitment to re-engineering government transactions is centered around optimizing workflows, reducing, if not eliminating, red tape, and fostering a culture of environment and collaboration," she told a town hall meeting participants.

Abalon said the renewal of permits only takes one hour in their town, while new applications only take one hour and 15 minutes if applicants have complete requirements.