*World Governments Summit 2025: ARTA, Philippines Delegation Showcased Governance Initiatives in Dubai*

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. 

BAYI POWER SUMMIT 2025: STRENGTHENING FEMINIST LEADERSHIP FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE

The BAYI Power Summit 2025, a landmark gathering dedicated to advancing feminist leadership in governance. This Summit builds on the Angat Bayi Political Empowerment Fellowship Program (AB PEF) and will convene women leaders from across the Philippines and beyond to discuss collective action, inclusive governance, and gender-responsive policy

The Conference brings together key leaders from the Quezon City Government, the European Union, the Apolitical Foundation, Bayi, Inc., and Angat Bayi Fellows to announce the launch of the Feminist Leadership Network and highlight the urgent need for women’s political participation, particularly the lead-up to the 2025 national and 2026 BARMM elections.

Hon. Joy Belmonte - Mayor, Quezon City
Hon. Joanne Valdez - Councilor, Candon City, Ilocos Sur (Angat Bayi)
Dr. Leo Cubillan -  Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines
Ada-Stina Pesamaa - Attaché, Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines
Kimberly McArthur - Chief Operating Officer, Apolitical Foundation
Princess Naomie Amirel - Young Bayi Program Representative
Aya Tamayo - Co-Executive Director, Bayi, Inc.

 
Speakers are leading women in governance on the challenges and breakthroughs in supporting women’s political participation

Understand how this Summit will shape policy recommendations and political participation strategies ahead of the upcoming elections
Participate in the media Q&A Session and explore how the summit’s key themes align with national and international issues on gender and democracy

#BAYIPower2025 #FeministLeadership #WomenInPolitics

 
ABOUT BAYI, INC.:

Bayi, Inc. traces its roots to the inaugural Angat Bayi Women’s Political Empowerment Program (AB PEP) in 2018, founded with the vision of eliminating barriers to women’s political participation and enabling their meaningful involvement in decision-making across all spaces. Through mentorship, advocacy for feminist transformative leadership, and building a network of leaders and allies, Bayi, Inc. fosters a political reality where women champion holistic, rights-based, and sustainable social development while mobilizing communities around shared values to influence future voting behavior.
Building on this foundation, Bayi, Inc. has continued to inspire women leaders, currently running its 6th batch of the AB PEP Program. The vision has expanded to include the Young Bayi Political Empowerment Program (YB PEP) for young women and the Angat Bayi Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Program for Civil Servants (AB WELP). Over the years, Bayi, Inc. has reached and empowered over 140 Bayi Fellows nationwide, solidifying its role as a catalyst for transformative leadership.

PCCI-QC hosts 5th Quezon City International Business Conference: "Building Tomorrow Together" on Feb 28

The 5th Quezon City International Business Conference will be held on Friday day (Feb. 28) with the theme: “Building Tomorrow Together: Future Proofing Business, Driving Sustainable and Fostering Equitable Economy” at the M.I.C.E in Quezon City Hall Complex.

In the press conference, Dr. Carl Balita, Chairman Emeritus of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Quezon City (PCCI-QC) said that they are proud in staging the first International Business Conference in Quezon City.
The PCCIQC has been adjudged for being the Most Outstanding PCCI Chapter in the Philippines for two years in a row — 2023 and 2024.

The conference was a collaboration between the PCCI-QC and the Quezon City Local Government Unit (QC LGU). The event was intended to help small-scale businesses, also known as Nano enterprises. What was discussed?

The conference aimed to foster partnerships for a sustainable future. It also showcased the QC LGU's initiatives, including the Business Permit and Licensing Division, the Local Investments Promotions Office, and the Small Business Cooperative Development Promotions Office. 

The conference will gather together prime movers of business such as three DTI, DOST, and DICT, ambassadors of the embassies.
We are bringing business to Quezon City. We are bringing business to the world.
We are setting up an ideal ecosystem. We were present during the SOCA of Mayor Belmonte.
We want to resonate that here in QC there is an ecosystem

 

All businesses are are invited to register HERE 

Visit here  https://www.facebook.com/share/15sFWZ25dB/

Outstanding response to PACD, social media messages for ARTA—CSM Results

17 February 2025 - The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) received an outstanding rating of 99.6% for Social Media responses and 97.4% for Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), according to its recently conducted virtual Client Satisfaction Measurement (CSM). ARTA also received a very satisfactory rating of 92.66% for complaints. 

*Assistance to complaints, a continuous commitment to the public* 

The majority of the research population was represented by common Citizens with 76.15%, while 10.55% were business entities, 10.09% were government entities, and the rest of the clients ranged from lawyers of complainants, foreigners seeking permanent residence, non-stock nonprofit organizations, private, permanent resident visa holders. They provided valuable insights into the service delivery strategies and performance of ARTA’s personnel.  

According to the CSM, the Complaints Officers responded quickly, adhered to the Citizen’s Charter, treated clients fairly, and served courteously; a testament to the foundation of ARTA’s commitment in providing effective service.  

Additionally, the close coordination between ARTA’s PAD and Committees on Anti-Red Tape (CART) to assess, evaluate, and endorse the complaints, has also contributed to enhancing strategies to improve provision of services and ensure continued client satisfaction.  

*Stakeholders’ participation, a vital part of public service improvements* 

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez has previously mentioned the essential role of the public in improving government services.  

“The public’s active participation in this initiative is important as the CSM Reports’ findings are springboards for improvement as the Philippines strive in a Bagong Pilipinas,” Secretary Perez said as he called for the transacting public to take the time to answer the survey.  

Continuously improving the services of its offices and personnel, ARTA adheres to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that bureaucratic transactions and processes are streamlined and efficient to ensure an inclusive and citizen-centric bureaucratic environment. In a Bagong Pilipinas, the public’s satisfaction is upheld to a high standard to further establish a dynamic, compassionate, and progressive Philippines.  

First Philippine-Exclusive DC Cover Arrives This March!

Manila, Philippines – For the first time in its 91-year history, DC Comics is releasing a Philippine-exclusive variant cover. Absolute Flash #1, part of the groundbreaking Absolute Universe—a bold reimagining of DC’s iconic superheroes—will be unveiled locally by SuperManila this March.

A Flash of Manila 

The exclusive cover (attached image) features the Absolute Universe’s Flash speeding through Ayala Avenue at the start of the SuperManila Fan Run, which will be held in real life in Makati this March. Eagle-eyed fans will spot several fun Filipino Easter eggs, from The Flash enjoying the popular chicken feet street food “adidas,” to a racing stray cat—a playful nod to DC superpet, Streaky.

Bringing this exclusive variant cover to life is an all-star team of celebrated Filipino comic book artists. The cover is penciled by Carlo Pagulayan, widely recognized for designing Warrior Hulk, featured in Thor: Ragnarok. It will feature inks from Jason Paz and colors from Romulo Fajardo, both of whom have been regular collaborators with DC and Marvel. Their combined artistry makes this variant a must-have for collectors and comic book enthusiasts alike.

Exclusive to SuperManila Fan Run Registrants

This Absolute Flash #1 SuperManila variant will be available exclusively to registrants of the SuperManila Fan Run. With a limited print run, this highly collectible edition is expected to be a sought-after item among fans and collectors alike.

As the first issue in DC’s Absolute Universe, Absolute Flash #1 is the perfect jumping-on point for new fans diving into the new era of DC storytelling, which reimagines the origin stories of beloved superheroes.

Happening on March 16, 2025, along Ayala Avenue, the SuperManila Fan Run isn’t just a race—it’s an immersive pop culture experience. Organized by the team behind the successful SuperManila Comic Con, the event encourages participants to come dressed as their favorite pop culture characters. Registrants can choose to walk, jog, or speed through—just like The Flash himself—across four distance categories: 1KM, 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM.

The Philippine’s Place in the DC Universe

“The team behind SuperManila wanted a cover that celebrates the unique connections between DC Comics and the Philippines,” said SuperManila organizer Ivan Guerrero. “Few people realize that the city of Manila has appeared in DC Comics for over 80 years, starting with Blackhawk #9 in 1944 and most recently in Absolute Batman #1 in 2024."

“We’ve worked with many amazing Filipino artists on past DC variant covers, but those were always shared editions released in other countries,” explained co-organizer Sandy Sansolis. “This is the first Philippine-only release for a DC variant cover.”

The Flash’s legacy is also deeply connected to Filipino talent. Acclaimed Filipino-born artist Francis Manapul played a major role in shaping The Flash’s modern stories during DC’s New 52 era, while Fil-Am artist Greg LaRocque helped define The Flash’s look in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

Don’t Miss Out on This Historic Release!

Mark your calendars and register for the SuperManila Fan Run to snag this exclusive edition featuring the "SuperManila" cover. As a Philippine-exclusive DC variant, this is a chance to own a true collector's piece and celebrate Filipino superhero fandom! Secure your copy now by registering at HERE

About SuperManila Comic Con

Launched in 2019, SuperManila Comic Con is the Philippines' premier pop culture event, celebrating Filipino creativity in entertainment and collectibles. This year's event is organized by Arigatoys, Ban Kee Trading, Comic Odyssey, and Filbar

ARTA holds Annual EODB Economic Briefing; Reiterating commitments for Business-Friendly Bagong Pilipinas

On 6 February 2025, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) held its annual Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Economic Briefing at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).  

This yearly event serves as a platform to promote government programs and initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting both local and foreign investments through public-private partnerships.  

In his presentation, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez provided key updates on ARTA’s EODB initiatives, offering insights from three perspectives: a business owner, an international investor, and a researcher. 

Through their experiences, Secretary Perez illustrated how the Philippines is either progressing or falling behind in ease of doing business. 

He also emphasized the need for collective participation in achieving meaningful government reforms. "ARTA is choosing to break through. And with your support, Bagong Pilipinas will not just be a country that works—it will be a country that wins."

He further added that more than digital transformation, what the country really needs is moral transformation to achieve that good governance we all aspire for. 

Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Reynaldo R. Cancio, and Center for Research and Communication Foundation Research Director Dr. Bernardo Villegas shared insights on the economic impact of EODB reforms from both public and private sector perspectives.  

This ARTA-led initiative exemplifies a whole-of-government approach, with support from key figures such as Office of the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Special Assistant to the President Frederick D. Go, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Alfredo S. Panlilio, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., and UA&P Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Law, and Governance Dr. Nicomedes B. Alviar.  

SAP Go emphasized the crucial role of EODB in the country’s economic transformation "Enhancing the ease of doing business is a vital driver of our economic transformation. We fully support ARTA and our partners in this mission. It has been a great experience working with ARTA and Director General Nes Perez, who is truly passionate about cutting red tape and rolling out the red carpet."  

MAP President Alfredo S. Panlilio reiterated the association’s commitment to government efficiency, "The core mission of the Management Association of the Philippines is management excellence for nation-building. We support programs that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government processes to ensure prompt and quality services for the people. That is why we stand with ARTA in its mission to promote efficiency and transparency in government services while eliminating barriers for businesses, regardless of size."  

PhilExport President Ortiz-Luis Jr. expressed unwavering support for ARTA’s mission, "On behalf of PhilExport, I extend our unwavering support for the mission of sustaining growth, empowering enterprises, and fostering resilient economies—values that align with the theme of today's event."  

UA&P Dean Alviar reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ARTA’s initiatives, "Congratulations, ARTA Secretary Perez. Our university is eager to support your work through research, teaching, and hosting programs and activities of this nature."  

Following these messages of support, a fireside chat was held, moderated by ARTA Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida and Research, Education, and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation, Inc. Vice President and UA&P SBEP Lecturer Ronilo M. Balbieran. Panelists included Secretary Perez, Assistant Secretary Cancio, and Dr. Villegas, who shared further insights on EODB reforms.  

The event concluded with a message from Dr. Enrico L. Basilio, Director of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance Center for Policy and Executive Development and UA&P SBEP Lecturer "Let us work together to propel economic growth and development in our country."  

Also in attendance were ARTA executives, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from both foreign and local chambers.  

As envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Bagong Pilipinas aspires to be a progressive nation free from red tape, where businesses can thrive and succeed.

First Filipina President of Global Organization of Image Consultants to Host First Asian Confab in Manila this April

For the first time in its 35-year-old history, the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), a US-based global organization of image management experts has elected an Asian president.

Olen Juarez-Lim, founder and president of the OJL Consulting Group and a recognized image management professional and industry icon in the Philippines has been elected the 22nd president of the prestigious group, the first Filipina to ever be elected to the position.

She will head the four-day global conference at the Makati Shangri La Manila Hotel from April 24 to 27. Themed “Weaving the Future: Global Collaborations for Breakthrough Innovations," it is the first time the organization is bringing its conference to Asia. Delegates from North America, South America, Europe, Australia and other parts of Asia will attend the conference.

Noted Go Negosyo mentor Paolo Tibig will talk about how to manage business as a keynote speaker. Online business authority from Australia, Amber Renae will discuss digital influence, while special guest speaker Kara Finney from Dexterity Canada will talk about relational skills in the workplace. Vogue Philippines editor in chief Bea Valdes will talk fashion to introduce the fashion show of Philippine weaves that iconic fashion designer Rajo Laurel will unveil at the event.

Forty-four different sessions on a wide variety of topics for creating and maintaining a positive, impactful and relatable image will provide the definitive guide to image consulting at the conference. Participants can gather all the necessary tools to learn about various aspects of image consulting – from visual communication to the psychology of shapes and colors to styling, marketing, business strategies, corporate image and branding.

Filipino hospitality and culture will be front and center at the conference. “The Philippines is renowned for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. By choosing Manila as the conference venue, AICI aims to offer an immersive experience that highlights Filipino hospitality, cuisine and the arts. This unique backdrop provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people, so the conference becomes not just educational but also culturally enriching,” said Olen Lim.

She added that hosting the conference in Manila will highlight the contributions of Filipino image consultants to the global industry. “The conference will be a platform for local talents to gain international recognition, promote their work and share their insights. The event will encourage global discourse on image consulting,” she said.

“Holding AICI’s 35th Anniversary Global Conference in Manila will let us celebrate the diverse and global nature of our organization and help us create an enriching experience that fosters professional growth, cultural exchange and industry innovation,” said Rosario Diz from Argentina, vice president of the global conference.

The last global conference was held at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in 2023.

Delegates to this conference -- described as an event of glitz, glamour and game-changing connections -- are slated to immerse themselves in local culture and sample well-known tourist destinations during their stay.

Estandardisasyon at Intelektuwalisasyon ng Wikang Pambansa, Isusulong ng KWF- Kom. Casanova

Patúloy na isusulong ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ang estandardisasyon at intelektuwalisasyon ng Wikang Pambansa, ito ang ipinahayag ni Kom. Arthur P. Casanova, Tagapangulo ng KWF sa katatapos na Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda na ginanap sa Bulwagang Romualdez, 2/P Gusaling Watson, 1610 Kalye Jose P. Laurel, San Miguel, Lungsod Maynila.

Binanggit din ni Tagapangulong Casanova na ang Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda ay isang halimbawa ng pagpupunyagi ng KWF na lalò pang mapaigting ang pagiging intelektuwalisado ng Wikang Pambansa. Ibinahagi pa niya na ng wikang Filipino bílang intelektuwalisadong wika ay nása mataas na level na at patúloy na nagsusumikap ang KWF upang higit pang maitaas ang level ng intelektuwalisasyon ng wikang pambansa.

Sa ginawang programang Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda 2025, tinanggap ni Mariyel Hiyas C. Liwanag, PhD ang sandaang libong piso (PHP100,000.00) plake, at medalya para sa kaniyang disertasyon sa DLSU-Maynila na pinamagatang “Isabuhay: Isang Larong Disenyo para sa Diskurso ng mga Wikang Katutubo” bílang pinakamahusay na disertasyon sa taóng 2025.

Tumanggap din si Kristine Mae M. Nares ng sandaang libong piso (PHP100,000.00), plake, at medalya para sa kaniyang tesis masterado sa Bicol University na pinamagatang “Pagmamapa ng Kalinangang Bayan ng Munisipalidad ng Guinobatan, Albay” bílang pinakamahusay na tesis sa taóng 2025.

Ibinahagi rin ni Tagapangulong Casanova na bahagi pa rin ng pagpupunyagi ng KWF para sa intelektuwalisasyon ng Wikang Pambansa ay ang patúloy na pagsasagawa ng ahensiya ng mga proyektong pangwika kabílang ang paggawa ng diksiyonaryo na patúloy na pinauunlad at nirerebisa bílang kongkretong patunay na ang wikang Filipino ay tinatangkilik, pinahahalagahan, at ginagamit ng mga Pilipino. 

Ipinahayag naman ni Kom. Benjamin Mendillo Jr. na ang araw ni Balmaseda ay selebrasyon ng mahuhusay na saliksik  na nakabatay sa pagiging angkop, napapanahon, at nakalilinang ng kritikal na kaisipan gámit ang wikang nauunawaan ng madla upang lalong pakinangin ang pananaliksik  sa akademya gámit ang wikang Filipino.

Hinihikayat naman ni Kom. Carmelita C. Abdurahman ang mga magsusulat pa lámang ng kanilang mga saliksik na gamíting midyum ang Filipino upang lalò pa nating maisulong ang intelektuwalisasyon nitó. 

Ang Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda ay ang pinakamataas na pagkilála na handog ng KWF para sa natatanging tesis at disertasyon sa agham, matematika, agham panlipunan, at iba pang kaugnay na larang gámit ang wikang Filipino. Si Julian Cruz Balmaseda (28 Enero 1885–18 Setyembre 1947) ay itinuturing na isa sa mga haligi ng panitikang Pilipino dahil sa malaking kontribusyon niya sa panitikan ng bansa. 

KWF at CHR, Nagpulong hinggil sa Filipino Sign Language (FSL)

Nagpúlong ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao (CHR) hinggil sa mga programang maaaring gawin kaugnay sa R.A. 11106, The Filipino Sign Language Act.

Kasáma sa púlong ni Tagapangulong Arthur P. Casanova ang mga opisyal ng Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao na sina Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-Latoc at Asec Atty. Amifaith Reyes, Commissioner of the focal area for Persons with Disabilities. 

Inilatag ng KWF ang sumusunod ngunit hindi limitado sa proyekto, polisiya, at International Day of Sign Languages ng ahensiya hinggil sa FSL.

Kasama sa mga paksang napag-usapan sa púlong ay ang pagkakaroon ng plantilla position para sa mga FSL interpreter sa darating na panahon/ at mga hámon sa usapin ng Civil Service Exam para sa mga FSL interpreter partikular ang language barrier. Ang usapin ng language barrier ng mga bingi sa Civil Service Exam ay idudulog ng KWF sa CSC upang mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang mga bingi.

Dumalo rin sina Lourdes Zorilla-Hinampas, Punò ng KWF Sangay ng Lingguwistika at Aplikadong Lingguwistika (SLAL), Earvin Pelagio, Focal Person ng KWF Yunit ng FSL, Aimee Bechaida, Executive Assistant (EA) ng Tagapangulo, at Lovely Batta, Administrative Assistant (AA) sa opisina ng Tagapangulo ng KWF. 

Ang RA 11106 ay nagtakda sa KWF bilang tanggapang magsasagawa, mag-uugnay, at magtataguyod ng Filipino Sign Language (FSL) bilang pambansa at opisyal na wikang senyas.