(File Photo) Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday urged local government units (LGU) to help boost the ease of doing business in their respective jurisdictions.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) chief reminded local executives the public “deserves an efficient, effective and responsive government service.”

He issued the call at the 6th Regional Competitiveness Summit held Thursday at the Philippine International Convention Center.

“That’s why I must reiterate the President’s call to our LGU: We must start streamlining our business permits and licensing procedures as mandated by RA 11032,” Lopez said.

Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, was signed by President Duterte on 28 May this year, amending RA 9485 or the Anti Red Tape Act, to streamline and improve the systems and procedures of government.

He encouraged the use of government technology (GovTech) in processes “by automating the manual procedures.”

“You can start by streamlining your procedures and aligning with the EODB law, as well as implementing GovTech to achieve seamless and efficient delivery of government service,” he added.

The DTI also started implementing “Project One: One Form, One Number, One Portal” as part of the GovTech program.