Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office here has called on local government units (LGUs) to implement Ease of Doing Business (EODB) reforms.

According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Eastern Visayas Regional Director Arnel Agabe underscored that adherence to Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, must go beyond compliance and be embraced as a transformative tool to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and unlock missed development opportunities.

"Ensuring our compliance with the reforms offered by the EODB law will mold more empowered citizens in every municipality in the region," Agabe said.

The DILG official reported that in Eastern Visayas, progress on EODB implementation has been "notable yet uneven." Around 73.37 percent of barangays have integrated barangay clearances into the LGU permitting process, while 64 percent of LGUs have established year-round Business One-Stop Shops.

However, only 57.7 percent of cities and municipalities have updated their local revenue codes, and 64 percent have revised their local investment and incentives codes.

Enacted in 2018, the EODB Law mandates government offices and agencies, including LGUs, to promote transparency in their transactions with the public and to simplify requirements and procedures for the reduction of red tape in the government.

Agabe added that they have been providing LGUs with tools, frameworks, and technical guidance needed to advance reforms in governance and service delivery.