The Ateneo de Naga University through its Center for Local Governance (ADNU-CLG) in coordination with the Graduate School, successfully conducted a Brown Bag Session on Republic Act No. 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, bringing together members of the academe, government, and various sectors to discuss reforms in public service delivery.
The session featured Karl Joseph D. Sanmocte, Ph.D., Regional Head of Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Southern Luzon, as the guest speaker. In his presentation, Dr. Sanmocte emphasized the importance of streamlining government processes, reducing bureaucratic delays, and upholding transparency through mechanisms such as the Citizen’s Charter, zero-contact policy, and digitalization of services. He highlighted how ARTA continues to strengthen institutional efficiency and accountability across government agencies.
A panel of distinguished reactors enriched the discussion by sharing insights from their respective fields. Ms. Jelete S. Iturralde, Chief Human Resource Specialist from the Public Assistance and Liaison Division of Civil Service Commission Region V, highlighted the value of RA 11032 in strengthening citizen centered service and also opportunities for improvement such as digital transformation, process engineering, and client feedback mechanisms. Ms. Grace Mago, LGOO V and LEDS Section Chief of Department of the Interior and Local Government Region V, provided valuable insights on local governance and the implementation of ARTA at the local government level also highlighting the role of the DILG by ensuring the compliance of the LGUs. Meanwhile, Dr. Blandino M. Maceda, Graduate School Faculty of Ateneo de Naga University, shared academic perspectives on governance and public administration.
The session was moderated by Ms. Champagne C. Carpio, a Master in Public Administration (MPA) student from Ateneo de Naga University Graduate School, who guided the discussion and facilitated an engaging exchange between the speaker, reactors, and participants.
Nearly 10,000 recorded viewers representing the academe, local government units, and civil society actively engaged in the open forum, raising questions and sharing experiences related to government transactions and service delivery. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in building a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered public sector.
The ADNU-CLG also extends its sincere appreciation for the technical assistance provided by Mr. Sherwin Perez, Ms. Xeenna Almendral, and Mr. Jonie Mark Baer from James O’Brien, S.J. Library whose support ensured the smooth conduct of the online session. Special recognition also to Ms. Camille Faye Badong and Mr. Ariel Malate, technical staff of ADNU-CLG, for their dedicated efforts in facilitating and coordinating the successful implementation of the event.
Through this Brown Bag Session, ADNU-CLG reaffirms its commitment to promoting informed dialogue on governance reforms and contributing to the development of effective and accountable public institutions in line with the goals of Republic Act No. 11032.
By: Mr. Ariel N. Malate
Ateneo de Naga-Center for Local Governance
